Toeic Writing
Toeic Writing
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? In the future, people will have less
free time.
It is believed that the amount of leisure time will be shortened in the upcoming years.
However, I personally disagree with this view because of several rational reasons mentioned
below.
There are some compelling reasons why I disagree with the view that people will have less free
time in the future. First, thanks to continuous technological advancements, people can
complete their tasks more quickly and effectively, so that they can allocate more time to their
friends, families, and personal hobbies. To be specific, we traditionally had to go to physical
stores for shopping, but now everything we need is at our fingertips with just an internet-
connected device. Additionally, daily domestic chores can be automatically done by smart
home appliances such as dishwashers and robotic vacuum cleaners, which can significantly
save our time for leisure activities. Therefore, I believe that advanced technology will definitely
bring people more leisure time.
Secondly, there is a growing trend toward flexible work arrangements where many companies
allow their employees to telecommute. Workers can overcome time constraints and
geographical barriers to complete their work at home by attending virtual offices on their
devices. This remarkably cuts down commuting time, which can then be allocated to their
personal lives. In the past, it often took me 1 hour to commute to work, which was highly time-
consuming. However, my company started a remote work policy two months ago, so I can now
utilize that time to exercise and cook a healthy breakfast, which results in higher job
satisfaction and productivity.
Finally, an increasing number of individuals, especially youngsters, are clearly recognizing the
vital role of leisure time for their overall well-being. Consequently, they will actively create
more pastimes for themselves instead of just working. In fact, the government is encouraging
citizens to attend recreational activities by constructing more parks and fitness areas.
In conclusion, for the numerous reasons mentioned above, I oppose the view that less spare
time will be given to people in the years to come, as technological advancements, rising health
consciousness, and remote working will likely increase the amount of free time for everyone.
Which is more important for students: learning foreign languages or learning how to
play musical instruments?
While it is said that students should focus on learning foreign languages at school, others
argue that mastering musical instruments is more crucial for them. Despite the benefits of
music, I personally think that it is more critical for students to acquire new languages thanks
to the numerous beneficial impacts on their development.
First and foremost, languages help students enrich their knowledge about the world. To be
specific, students who are English-literate can easily read English books and watch English
videos without the need for translated versions. Therefore, they can broaden their horizons
regarding different cultures and better appreciate global diversity, which is highly beneficial
for both their personal and professional lives. For example, I had the chance to learn English
when I was in high school, and I frequently use my language skills to read breaking news on
BBC News every day. This helps me stay informed about current events, which are often not
broadcast on Vietnamese television channels.
Secondly, although languages are not the sole key to a successful career, they can open up
better job opportunities for students when they enter the workforce. Nowadays, an increasing
number of international companies value job seekers who are bilingual or multilingual rather
than monolingual. Hence, knowing multiple languages gives individuals a head start over
other competitors to secure lucrative jobs and get promoted in a competitive market. Let me
tell you my story: I applied for a housekeeping position at the New World Saigon Hotel three
years ago. However, after carefully reviewing my CV, the interviewer was highly impressed by
my language abilities because I was proficient in both Chinese and English. Consequently, she
offered me a front-desk position as a Guest Relations Officer, which gave me a high salary
right after graduating from college.
In conclusion, for the compelling reasons mentioned above, I hold the view that languages
should be prioritized in educational institutions for the sake of students’ future personal and
professional advancement.
Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Others prefer to prepare and
eat food at home. Which do you prefer?
A number of people have a liking for eating out thanks to its convenience and food variety.
However, I personally prefer home-made food because of many compelling reasons
mentioned below.
There are numerous reasons why domestic cooking is a more ideal option for me. First, it
beneficially impacts my well-being because I can design a healthy diet based on my current
health condition and completely control my calorie intake. By contrast, since numerous
eateries want to boost their sales volume, they often add ingredients that are high in saturated
fat, salt, and sugar to enhance the flavor. As a result, excessive consumption of these types of
food can negatively affect consumers’ metabolism and lead to obesity, cardiovascular
diseases, and fatigue, which might decrease work and study efficiency. Furthermore, cooking
at home is a great way for me, who lacks daily exercise due to heavy workloads, to keep fit
and maintain a healthy lifestyle, as I can easily control my portion sizes and choose fresh,
organic products for my daily meals.
Secondly, home-cooked meals are not only healthier but also more economical for those on a
tight budget. When eating out, customers have to pay for both the food and the operational
costs, such as labor. For instance, when I am dining out at a local restaurant, I have to pay a
5% service charge and 10% VAT on the total bill, amounts which I can save significantly for
clothes, books, and traveling when I prepare meals at home. Lastly, family meals allow me to
spend quality time with my family members, who are often swamped with tight deadlines. We
can have meaningful conversations and stay updated on our lives while enjoying our meals,
which ultimately strengthens our family dynamics.
In conclusion, I prefer eating at home to eating out. However, the choice between eating out
and eating at home ultimately depends on each person’s individual needs and preferences.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of planning for a trip in advance?
Some travelers often wonder whether they should prepare extensively before traveling or not.
In this essay, I will discuss both the merits and demerits of planning a trip in advance.
On the one hand, advanced preparation can be extremely cost-effective because it allows us
to make detailed budget estimations. Specifically, individuals on a tight budget can benefit
significantly from planning ahead. This gives them more time to compare different options,
find the best deals, and avoid purchasing on impulse during their vacation, which could
otherwise lead to serious debt. Furthermore, numerous travel agencies and hotels usually offer
special discounts and coupons for those who book their services early. Before traveling
anywhere, I often make arrangements beforehand to avoid being overcharged and to secure
hotel rooms at reasonable prices.
In addition, travelers who schedule their vacations can maximize their travel experiences and
completely enjoy their trips. A travel destination usually has many spectacular landscapes
and iconic attractions that are undoubtedly on one's bucket list. Without a clear itinerary, it
is easy to end up missing out on these landmarks and lose opportunities to immerse ourselves
in indigenous cultural treasures or breathtaking natural views. Designing a tourism schedule
ensures more time to research and select top-priority locations.
On the other hand, despite the advantages mentioned above, this trend also causes certain
downsides. Initially, it can increase financial risks, as booking tours, accommodations, and
flights months in advance often involves a non-refundable or 50% refund policy. This places
travelers at a financial disadvantage if they need to cancel bookings due to urgent personal
matters such as sudden sickness. Additionally, planning in advance lacks flexibility since
travelers must adhere to a strict schedule, which makes them feel rushed and can completely
take away the spontaneous joy of visiting a new place.
In conclusion, making travel arrangements is both advantageous and disadvantageous
depending on the context. Ultimately, the choice of planning ahead depends on each
individual’s specific needs and personal preferences.
Which do you think contributes more to a team’s success: having an experienced leader
or having good relationships among team members?
While it is argued that good relationships among team members are a crucial factor for a
team’s success, I believe that a skilled leader is the ultimate key to achieving it because of the
numerous compelling reasons discussed below.
First and foremost, seasoned leaders are a driving force that plays a critical role in
maintaining and increasing a team’s productivity. To be specific, experienced leaders can give
clear directions to the teams they manage and set clear goals by creating detailed weekly
plans, which members can easily adhere to. In addition, accomplished leaders know each team
member’s strengths and weaknesses well, allowing them to assign suitable tasks to each
individual. This helps them avoid stress due to work pressure and enhances overall work
efficiency. By contrast, without strong guidance, team members find it hard to focus on
completing common, important goals and fail to track the team’s progress due to an
unstructured workflow. For instance, the housekeeping leader at the New World Saigon Hotel
constantly thinks out of the box to deal with unique challenges. Last month, when our hotel
welcomed the Queen of Belgium, my boss came up with a creative idea of painting the
national flags of Vietnam and Belgium onto the leaves of an orchid, which immensely
attracted her attention and elevated our service quality.
Secondly, skilled managers play a critical role in creating a friendly and collaborative working
environment. Specifically, they possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills,
enabling them to effectively resolve internal conflicts that might otherwise destroy team
unity. Proven leaders act as fair judges who listen to different perspectives and offer a win-
win solution that benefits everyone involved in a staff disagreement. Consequently, this
leadership approach establishes and maintains healthy relationships while keeping the
workplace peaceful. Conversely, without the mediation of a leader, small personal matters
can easily disrupt workplace harmony.
Do you think governments should spend more money on disease prevention than on
disease treatment?
While it is argued that governments should allocate funds for preventive healthcare measures,
others think that more money should be spent on disease treatment. Personally, I agree with
the former view.
First and foremost, I strongly believe that prevention is better than cure. To be specific,
potential serious diseases can be avoided if proactive healthcare initiatives are widely
implemented by governments. Thanks to nationwide vaccination programs, we can prevent
deadly illnesses, such as smallpox, right after birth. For example, the Covid-19 pandemic led to
thousands of deaths worldwide and seriously disrupted the global economy before vaccines
were introduced to mitigate this deadly infectious disease. Therefore, such fatal illnesses can
be stopped from arising in the first place if governments put effort into launching preventive
medicine programs.
Secondly, it is critical for governments to run healthcare awareness campaigns for the sake
of citizens’ overall health. Specifically, prevention programs help people take care of
themselves as they are equipped with medical knowledge and essential skills for protecting
themselves against diseases. Furthermore, when individuals become highly health-conscious,
they will make wise choices to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as doing exercise to enhance
their metabolism and giving up bad habits like smoking, which seriously harms the immune
and respiratory systems. Treatment only fixes the body after it gets sick, but health education
addresses the root cause of health problems. By contrast, unless these health programs are
adopted, people are likely to keep making poor choices, which will make them fall ill
repeatedly.
Finally, investment in disease prevention is cost-effective for both authorities and their
citizens. Public vaccination programs and health education are far more affordable and
accessible to most inhabitants than disease treatments, which require exorbitant expenditure
on sophisticated medical equipment and drug manufacturing. When individuals are well-
vaccinated and become more aware of their well-being, they are less likely to suffer from
chronic health issues, allowing governments to spend more money on other crucial sectors,
such as education, instead of healthcare.
In conclusion, I hold a strong view that governments should spend money on disease
prevention instead of disease treatment. If this method is widely adopted, it will significantly
enhance the overall health of the global population.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of learning with a teacher compared to
learning by yourself?
When it comes to learning, some people prefer self-study while others favor teacher-led
education. In this essay, I will discuss the merits and demerits of learning with a teacher
compared to learning by oneself.
On the one hand, directed learning is highly beneficial for learners for several reasons. First,
it is a time-saving and effective way for beginners to quickly make study progress thanks to
detailed study plans and structured guidance from their tutors. To be specific, experienced
teachers are equipped with vast knowledge and pedagogical skills, enabling them to explain
complex topics in an easy-to-understand manner, which helps students absorb knowledge
faster. For instance, when I began learning English, it was very challenging for me to study by
watching videos on YouTube due to tricky English grammar rules. Therefore, I decided to enroll
in a one-on-one English course, and I quickly improved my grades at school because the
teacher taught with immense dedication and immediately corrected my mistakes.
Secondly, teachers play a vital role in maintaining learners’ motivation and enhancing their
overall performance. Specifically speaking, educators offer timely encouragement for
learners who are facing academic challenges and point out common errors that students
might overlook because of knowledge gaps. As a result, students can easily overcome learning
obstacles and show consistent advancement. When people want to give up due to steep
learning curves, teachers can motivate them to persevere and accompany them throughout
their educational journey.
On the other hand, the main drawback of this type of learning is a lack of flexibility. Students
must adhere to a fixed study schedule given by teachers, which can conflict with their
personal lives or employment. In contrast, with internet-connected devices, we can purchase
video-based courses and study at any time and anywhere we want without affecting our work
schedules. In addition, learning with qualified educators often requires high tuition expenses,
while independent learning is far more cost-effective thanks to the abundance of free online
study materials.
In conclusion, while instruction-based learning has minor downsides regarding flexibility and
cost, its advantages in guidance and motivation are undeniable when compared to
independent learning. Ultimately, choosing which learning method to adopt depends entirely
on each student’s personal style, goals, and preferences.
Nowadays, reviewing other customers’ feedback before purchasing a product has become a
norm. Personally, I believe that reading reviews plays an important role in deciding whether
to buy something for several reasons.
Firstly, client comments provide us with unbiased information about products that they have
bought and used for a period of time. Therefore, customers intending to pay for the same
items can gain a comprehensive understanding of them. Indeed, to maximize sales volume,
companies often launch marketing campaigns that mainly highlight key features and conceal
flaws in their advertisements. As a consequence, many individuals cannot resist the
temptation to buy these products due to the exaggerated highlights, which often leads to
compulsive spending on low-value items and a subsequent loss of confidence in the brand.
Last year, I bought a new smartphone on impulse at a store because the salesperson
persuaded me in an incredibly professional manner. However, she did not mention the phone’s
short battery life, which later made me feel as though I had been deceived.
In addition, reading reviews is an ideal way to save money because it allows buyers to
compare experiences and find alternative options that offer the best value for money. Those
who are on a tight budget can save significantly for other essential living expenses, such as
healthcare, by making wiser shopping decisions thanks to customer feedback. By reading
online reviews, I have discovered a number of lesser-known brands that sell reasonably priced
goods with similar features and functions to expensive, well-known brands. Hence, this habit
allows me to get more value for the same amount of money.
In conclusion, for the several reasons mentioned above, I hold the personal view that it is
crucial for buyers to read other customers' feedback in advance because doing so helps them
purchase value-for-money goods and drastically reduce unnecessary expenditures.
When you want to learn something new, do you prefer to search on the Internet or to
read books?
I personally prefer finding online materials when I want to enrich my knowledge about
something new because of many beneficial impacts that printed books do not possess.
First and foremost, utilizing the internet is a more time-saving way to seek useful information,
which facilitates our study progress. To be specific, thanks to technological advancements,
individuals of all ages can save a huge amount of time finding specific information because
they can access learning websites and YouTube tutorials at the click of a button. Furthermore,
these online sources not only provide digital learners with helpful content but also incorporate
clear visual aids and hands-on video lessons, which make studying more engaging and
effective. By contrast, acquiring new skills through traditional books is often more challenging
as they lack interactivity and can become tedious due to the dense volume of text. It is also
more time-consuming, as we need to spend hours browsing through hundreds of pages just to
find specific details.
Secondly, gathering information online is extremely cost-effective for those who live on a tight
budget. Specifically, regardless of their financial backgrounds, learners can easily have access
to a wealth of free information with just a few mouse clicks. Hence, financially struggling
individuals can save significantly on other living expenses, such as healthcare and housing.
Conversely, purchasing a professional reference book can be difficult for some people due to
its high price.
Finally, printed books have to undergo a lengthy process of editing, vetting, and printing
before publication, meaning their information can easily become outdated. In contrast, online
platforms provide information that is constantly updated, which is highly suitable for
acquiring in-demand skills, such as tech-related abilities. Thanks to online tech blogs and
video tutorials about video editing, I can easily stay up to date with the latest tools and
features.
In conclusion, for the several reasons mentioned above, I am keen on using the internet to
acquire new knowledge and hone new skills because it is up-to-date, convenient, and
economical.
Some people believe that it is vital for governments to invest heavily in environmental
protection, while others argue that the state budget should be spent on public transit.
Personally, I agree with the former view because of several compelling reasons.
First and foremost, environmental funding plays a crucial role in enhancing public health. To
be specific, a huge volume of hazardous emissions is released into the atmosphere, which
negatively impacts air quality, causes ozone depletion, and triggers extreme weather events.
Consequently, long-term exposure to such polluted environments has a detrimental effect on
the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, leading to chronic conditions such as asthma and
heart attacks. Therefore, investment in the environment can potentially improve public well-
being and significantly enhance the population's life expectancy. When people are less likely
to suffer from these common illnesses, national funds can be reallocated to other vital
sectors, such as education and technology, which are critical to boosting the national
economy.
Secondly, illegal logging and poaching in forests have deprived wild creatures of their natural
homes, placing them on the verge of extinction and seriously destroying natural habitats.
Regarding the oceans, due to unchecked industrial and residential waste disposal into water
bodies, numerous marine species have disappeared over the years because they mistake
plastic debris for food, leading to an imbalance in the marine ecosystem and the degradation
of underwater landscapes. However, if authorities make every effort in the battle against
pollution on land and at sea, spectacular natural landscapes and seascapes can be preserved
and transformed into sustainable tourist destinations. As a result, this eco-tourism will
successfully boost local commerce and generate more job opportunities for residents, which
can drastically alleviate unemployment.
In conclusion, I hold the personal view that allocating national funds to environmental
protection is more necessary due to its far-reaching beneficial effects on both public health
and the local economy.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Employees should not be required
to work overtime.
In today’s world, a number of workers are required to work overtime shifts to meet strict
deadlines. However, I personally oppose this trend due to the compelling reasons discussed
below.
First and foremost, working overtime can lead to diminished work productivity and unexpected
errors. To be specific, forcing employees to work extra hours might leave them mentally and
physically exhausted due to a drop in blood sugar levels and brain fog after excessive working
hours. Therefore, they might work more slowly and struggle to fully concentrate on their
tasks, which can cause several unforeseen errors. As a consequence, this could negatively
impact employees’ performance in the eyes of their bosses and tarnish the corporate
reputation with key clients. For instance, I have been working as a room attendant at New
World Saigon Hotel. Due to periods of high occupancy, I have often had to work extended
shifts to clean numerous check-out rooms. This heavy workload has frequently led to severe
fatigue, causing me to overlook a few room defects during the supervisor’s inspection.
Secondly, this trend also results in a work-life imbalance and high employee turnover rates.
Specifically speaking, due to constant overtime shifts, individuals might have less quality time
for their families and personal hobbies. Consequently, having no spare time for recreational
activities can lead to mental health problems such as chronic stress, burnout, and anxiety
disorders, while also weakening family bonds. In addition, mandatory overtime erodes
employee loyalty toward their companies, because workers may feel that their employers do
not appreciate them and are merely exploiting their hard work. Many of them, as a result,
might switch to competitors where their contributions are truly valued.
In conclusion, I totally disagree with the view that employees should be expected to work late
because it leads to a decrease in work efficiency, weaker family dynamics, and high turnover
rates.
Besides traditional subjects, do you think high schools should offer classes on life skills
such as cooking, finance and computer skills?
In today’s world, I personally think that it is vital for high schools to provide students with
real-world skills besides the standard curricula due to the beneficial impacts discussed below.
In terms of cooking skills, they are a vital survival skill for students planning to live
independently after graduating from high schools. To be specific, individuals equipped with
culinary knowledge can effortlessly prepare daily meals and take care of themselves when
living away from their parents. Therefore, they do not need to dine out at cafeterias regularly
and can save significantly on other living expenses, such as healthcare and education.
Furthermore, restaurants often sell mouthwatering fast food high in saturated fat, salt, and
sugar to boost sales volumes. However, excessive consumption of this junk food can lead to
physical health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases and obesity. Conversely, those
proficient in cooking can choose fresh and organic ingredients to prepare homemade food,
enabling them to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep fit.
Secondly, functional computer skills can give students a head start over their peers when
they enter the competitive job market. Specifically speaking, constant technological
advancements require job seekers to possess technological literacy to keep up with rapid
digital developments. Therefore, high school graduates who are tech-savvy might gain a
substantial edge when applying for positions in modern organizations. Those who are tech-
proficient will find it easy to adapt to new companies’ computer programs, such as enterprise
software like Opera, much faster than those who are technologically challenged, which
ultimately helps them secure a lucrative income and climb the career ladder.
Finally, practical financial skills potentially benefit students’ personal lives in the long term.
In particular, financial literacy enables individuals to manage their budgets more effectively,
avoid costly monetary mistakes, and make smart financial choices. Furthermore, they can
also generate profits through strategic investments, which provides them with financial
stability as they step into adulthood.
In conclusion, for the many compelling reasons mentioned above, I personally believe that life
skills play a crucial role in high schools alongside conventional disciplines, and educational
institutions should offer students practical skill classes for the sake of their future careers
and personal lives.
In your opinion, which is more effective for reducing stress: working out or reading a
book?
In today’s world, individuals often suffer from mental burnout due to the daily grind.
Personally, I believe that exercising is a more efficient method to unwind than reading a book
because of several compelling reasons discussed below.
First and foremost, when we engage in physical activities, our brains actively release natural
feel-good chemicals called endorphins while naturally lowering stress-inducing hormones such
as cortisol and adrenaline. Endorphins, therefore, can immediately trigger a change in our
bodies to boost mood and provide a sense of excitement. Furthermore, regular workout
sessions not only help people maintain a healthy lifestyle despite rigid work schedules but also
enable them to achieve a toned figure, which makes them feel exhilarated due to a sense of
accomplishment. By contrast, enjoying a good read is a passive activity, so it does not
immediately recharge one's emotional batteries. In addition, readers who have just returned
home after work might become increasingly overwhelmed by the high density of information
in a book.
Secondly, physical activity plays a crucial role in enhancing our sleep quality, which is key to
easing tension. When working out, our bodies utilize energy for physical tasks, which
gradually leaves us mentally fatigued in a positive way. As a result, we can fall into a deep,
restorative sleep more easily and wake up with a lot of energy. Indeed, many people can be
vulnerable to daily minor stressors and become irritable due to a lack of sleep. In contrast, we
often encounter engaging plot twists while immersing ourselves in good books, which
stimulates the mind and consequently leads to sleep deprivation.
Finally, group activities, such as yoga classes and cycling clubs, beneficially facilitate
individuals’ social engagement. In particular, we have opportunities to make friends with like-
minded people, which helps us expand our social circles. Strong social bonds are scientifically
proven to prevent depression, anxiety, and burnout effectively. Conversely, reading is a
solitary activity, so it can limit social interaction and potentially result in a sedentary
lifestyle.
In conclusion, for the numerous rational reasons mentioned above, I personally think that
exercising is a more effective solution to lower stress levels than reading a book.
If you were an employer, would you prefer to hire an inexperienced worker at a lower
salary or an experienced worker at a higher salary?
Nowadays, a number of business owners prefer employing seasoned candidates, while others
lean toward entry-level staff. Personally, I agree with the latter approach if I were an
employer, due to several compelling reasons discussed below.
First and foremost, the recruitment of inexperienced personnel is a cost-effective strategy for
organizations, especially local companies and start-ups. To be specific, entry-level candidates
without previous working experience often agree to be employed at a lower salary so as to
gain exposure to a real working environment, enrich their knowledge, and hone practical
skills, which are key to their future career development. Indeed, luxury hotels, such as the
Nikko Hotel, usually recruit quarterly interns with a small monthly allowance, yet these
interns often bear a workload comparable to full-time staff. As a result, corporations can
allocate these financial savings to other critical areas, like marketing and employee benefits,
thereby maximizing overall profitability. In contrast, seasoned workers typically demand
competitive salaries commensurate with their expertise, which can pose a significant financial
challenge for struggling firms.
Secondly, it is much easier for untrained staff to adapt to new working environments. In
particular, because these individuals do not possess rigid prior expertise, they are highly
receptive to training, which equips them with the exact skills needed to fulfill core job
requirements. In addition, they can be easily molded into a specific corporate culture as they
lack preconceived notions about how a business should operate. In contrast, skilled workers
are often more conservative in their perspectives, making them reluctant to embrace novel
ideas while stubbornly adhering to traditional methods. Consequently, this rigidity might
hinder a company's growth in a fast-changing marketplace.
Finally, fresh graduates are typically young individuals who have had greater access to high-
quality education than previous generations, allowing them to think outside the box compared
to senior staff. Therefore, these workers possess fresh perspectives and innovative ideas,
which are vital for companies to stay competitive and avoid falling behind. Furthermore,
young, entry-level staff tend to be more digitally literate than older, experienced workers. As
a result, these tech-savvy individuals can seamlessly help a company adapt to the modern
digital age.
While a number of individuals prefer a lengthy daily commute as they find it exciting, I
personally prefer a brief daily commute because of several compelling reasons discussed
below.
First and foremost, a short commute is a cost-effective solution to minimize daily transit
expenses. To be specific, there will be lower expenditure on fuel, parking fees, and public
transport, which plays an important role in boosting monthly savings. As a result, more
disposable income can be allocated to other essential living expenses, such as food, housing,
and education. This is an highly effective strategy for those on a tight budget. For instance,
since I live within walking distance of my workplace, I can easily commute to my office on
foot on a daily basis, which helps me reduce my commuting costs to zero while maintaining a
healthy lifestyle.
Secondly, a quick commute also yields indirect environmental benefits in the long term.
Specifically speaking, a shorter commute to work can significantly cut down on the volume of
hazardous emissions released into the atmosphere. These toxic gases, emitted from private
vehicles, are not only detrimental to human respiratory systems but are also the primary
drivers of the greenhouse effect, global warming, and extreme weather events.
Finally, reduced travel time gives us more quality time for our families and personal hobbies.
In particular, we have more opportunities for daily family get-togethers to catch up on each
other's lives, which greatly helps to cement our family dynamics. In addition, having a shorter
commute allows us more time to prepare nutritious home-cooked meals instead of relying on
fast food, which is a major cause of obesity and fatigue, while also leaving room for regular
exercise to keep fit and improve metabolism. Consequently, these healthy habits will boost
our mood and help us maintain high productivity levels at work.
In conclusion, I personally prefer a quick commute to work as it is cost-saving,
environmentally friendly, and makes family bonds stronger.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? It is better for children to grow
up in the countryside than in a big city.
Some people argue that it is more advisable for children to grow up in rural areas. Personally,
I disagree with this view because I believe that major cities are more beneficial for their overall
development.
First and foremost, residing in a metropolitan area can highly facilitate children’s education
and widen their career prospects. To be specific, top-tier educational institutions with highly
qualified teaching staff are often concentrated in metropolises. Therefore, children brought
up in urban areas can easily access advanced learning programs and modern school facilities.
In contrast, it is far more challenging for youth living in rural areas to obtain a high-quality
education due to understaffed schools and poorly equipped classrooms. This disparity drives a
number of individuals to migrate to big cities each year in search of better educational
opportunities. In addition, major cities also provide children with more lucrative job
opportunities when they enter the workforce compared to the countryside.
Secondly, big cities offer advanced healthcare and superior public amenities. Specifically
speaking, urban areas provide quick access to modern hospitals and experienced specialists,
ensuring that parents can receive immediate help for their children during health
emergencies. Conversely, countryside medical centers often face a severe lack of specialized
equipment for serious health problems, which might put individuals at risk. Furthermore, big
cities are equipped with excellent public amenities for residents, such as parks, museums, and
entertainment complexes. As a result, kids will have more opportunities to exercise, unwind,
and broaden their horizons if they visit public infrastructure regularly.
Finally, living in urban areas might foster better social skills in children. In particular, kids can
be exposed to a multicultural environment as they interact with people from different walks
of life. This firsthand experience helps them enrich their knowledge about diverse cultural
environments and social backgrounds, making them more confident and open-minded. In
addition, urban areas offer various sports clubs and soft-skill courses for kids to develop
better communication, teamwork, and social adaptability from an early age.
In conclusion, I oppose the opinion that it is preferable for children to be raised in rural
regions because I believe that big cities benefit children more in terms of career development,
healthcare access, and social skill acquisition.
In terms of advantages, there is no doubt that social networking sites effectively facilitate our
daily personal communication. To be specific, we can overcome time constraints and
geographical barriers to maintain constant communication with our families and loved ones
who live far away from us. Video calls enable us to maintain face-to-face contact with our
parents and peers, regardless of geographical distances, and we can easily send photos and
videos through social media platforms. Furthermore, it also allows us to expand our social
circles, because we can connect and make friends with like-minded people globally. For
instance, I met my friend Tom in a Facebook group for cooking lovers. Without Facebook, it
would be extremely difficult for us to stay connected while living on different continents.
Secondly, digital platforms are an effective and affordable tool for organizations, especially
startups, to reach new customers. Specifically speaking, an increasing number of people use
social platforms to unwind and seek something new. Therefore, by launching online
marketing campaigns on social platforms, businesses can easily capture users' attention, turn
them into first-time buyers, and might eventually turn them into repeat customers.
Furthermore, traditional marketing channels, such as radio and television, are time-
consuming and exorbitant because they need to undergo a long process of editing and vetting
before being broadcast. By contrast, marketing on digital platforms often requires a small
amount of money, and we can create and post promotional videos and photos with just a few
mouse clicks.
Despite the benefits mentioned above, virtual networks also bring potential drawbacks.
Firstly, individuals without self-discipline, especially children, might easily become addicted to
the entertaining content and engaging communications online. Consequently, this can distract
them from work and study, which leads to a decrease in work productivity and academic
performance. Furthermore, social networking sites also result in a sedentary lifestyle because
an excessive amount of time spent on them will discourage people from exercising and
interacting with others in person. Excessive screen time is another major cause of short-
sightedness among young people.
In conclusion, while digital platforms carry some clear advantages, their disadvantages are
undeniable.
Some people work for the same company for their entire career. What do you think are
the advantages and disadvantages of staying at one company?
A number of employees prefer to stick with one company for the long haul. In this essay, I will
discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of this trend.
In terms of merits, spending years with one firm is an ideal and effective way to secure
financial stability and get promoted. To be specific, long-term employees usually possess a
wealth of hands-on experience and practical skills, which are accumulated over many
working years. Therefore, they will be qualified for higher positions, such as supervisors and
managers, to mentor new junior colleagues. Spending years at one firm not only facilitates a
smoother career path but also secures their financial future. Getting a step up in the
workplace gives workers more lucrative salaries, which are not only enough to meet their
basic needs but also allow them to save significantly for other areas, such as healthcare and
education for their kids. For example, after 5 years of working as a room attendant at the
New World Saigon Hotel, I eventually have the chance to become a floor supervisor because I
am fully equipped with room inspection skills. Secondly, switching jobs frequently can have a
negative effect on individuals’ mental health because they need to undergo consecutive
interviews and constantly adapt to new working environments, which often leads to stress
and burnout. By contrast, faithful employees are more confident at work as they know where
they truly belong and what their strengths and weaknesses are.
Despite the beneficial impacts mentioned above, this trend also causes a downside. If workers
are people who love fresh challenges, doing repetitive tasks every day might leave them feeling
bored. Once they master their job, there are no new challenges to help them learn and
improve further. As a result, individuals do not have opportunities to step out of their comfort
zone to deal with new and challenging tasks, which are essential to helping them define
themselves at work.
To sum up, these are the benefits and drawbacks of working for the same company during
one’s entire career. However, choosing whether to do so or not will ultimately depend on each
person’s individual needs and preferences.
Which of the following do you think has the biggest impact on a person's happiness?
(having a good job/spending time with friends and family/having a hobby)
In our daily lives, personal happiness stems from various sources, namely decent careers,
quality time for personal relationships, and favorite activities. Personally, I believe that holding
a great position contributes significantly to life satisfaction because of several rational
reasons discussed below.
In today’s fast-paced world, an increasing number of individuals are burdened with financial
obligations, which can be extremely stressful. Therefore, it is often challenging for those with
low-paying jobs to cover daily living expenses, such as housing, healthcare, and education for
their children. This eventually has a negative impact on their mental health, making them
vulnerable to chronic issues such as depression and sleep deprivation. By contrast, good jobs
often provide employees with a lucrative income, which not only helps them secure financial
stability to cover basic needs but also allows them to set aside funds for personal hobbies and
family dining, both of which bring joy to their lives. For example, I have been working as a
room attendant at the New World Saigon Hotel, where I am regularly tipped handsomely by
guests. As a result, I usually spend my tips on shopping and dining out with my family, which
enhances my quality of life and gives me a sense of fulfillment.
Secondly, a stable occupation not only provides people with generous pay but also promotes a
healthy working environment. To be specific, employees have the opportunity to work in a
clear hierarchical structure with professional communication standards. In addition, daily
tasks are assigned suitably to each worker depending on their strengths and weaknesses,
which plays an important role in relieving work pressure and burnout. A respectful work
environment with a reasonable workload can prevent internal conflicts while boosting job
satisfaction and productivity. The Housekeeping manager at the New World Saigon Hotel is a
great example because he does his best to create a collaborative working environment for
team members, which beneficially impacts his staff ’s outlook on life and work efficiency. They
easily find joy while working there and rarely feel overwhelmed by the high pressure of their
job.
In conclusion, I hold the view that a solid job is the primary source of personal happiness.
However, people should not neglect other aspects of life, such as family and leisure activities,
to maintain a well-balanced lifestyle.
Do you think that attending a good university is more important today than it was in
the past?
While it is believed that a good university diploma has become increasingly essential compared
to the past, I personally think that it is no longer the only route to career success due to
alternative ways of acquiring knowledge and skills today.
First and foremost, with the advent of modern technology, our learning approach has become
far more flexible and convenient than in the past. A few decades ago, individuals traditionally
attended university after graduating from high school because there was virtually no
alternative way to acquire specialized knowledge, which limited their options for career
development. However, technological advancements have significantly facilitated learning in
recent years. To be specific, short-term virtual courses offer flexible study schedules that
allow learners to overcome time constraints and geographical barriers to gain expertise for
their future careers. After completing these programs, students receive professional
certificates that can serve as a practical alternative to a university degree in many fields. For
example, I secured a position as a Guest Service Agent at the New World Saigon Hotel after
completing a 3-month Front Office course on the Coursera online platform, which provided
me with a shorter and more direct path to my goal.
In conclusion, for the numerous compelling reasons mentioned above, I hold the view that
studying at a university is no longer the sole key to achieving career success in modern
society.
When you go on a trip, do you prefer to go to a place you have been to or a place you
have never been to?
A number of individuals love taking a vacation to familiar traveling spots, while others lean
toward exploring places they have never been to. I personally prefer the second choice because
of several compelling reasons discussed below.
First and foremost, visiting a new destination is an excellent way to learn and enhance
language skills. When traveling to a new country abroad, we have the chance to interact with
local residents who speak different languages. Therefore, this is a strong motivation for
travelers to acquire a new language in order to overcome communication barriers. For
example, as a travel enthusiast, I have visited various domestic spots in Vietnam. Last year, I
decided to take a trip to China because I was keen on sampling local cuisine and exploring
historical heritage in Guangzhou. However, knowing that many native speakers there were
not fluent in English, I started learning Chinese five months prior to the trip. During the
journey, it was straightforward for me to communicate with local people, which made the
experience truly enjoyable. Furthermore, mastering Chinese now facilitates my work at the
hotel, allowing me to serve Chinese guests effectively and receive a language incentive.
Secondly, traveling to unfamiliar destinations allows us to acquire various practical skills that
help us adapt to new environments. To be specific, when tourists explore wilderness or
forested areas, they have the opportunity to enrich their survival skills, such as starting a fire
with wooden sticks or performing basic water filtration, which are crucial in emergency
situations. Likewise, traveling to coastal destinations enables us to practice swimming
techniques that are highly important to prevent drowning, especially for children. Therefore, I
believe that the more different travel spots we go to, the more valuable real-world skills and
life lessons we gain.
Finally, exploring new places makes trips much more engaging and memorable. Specifically
speaking, returning to the same travel locations often leads to predictable schedules, familiar
sights, and repetitive activities. In contrast, visiting new destinations offers a strong sense of
novelty, keeping every moment of the journey exciting.
In conclusion, I have a strong preference for visiting unfamiliar tourist attractions because it
fosters language acquisition, equips travelers with practical skills, and makes the trip more
fascinating.
Some people like to do only what they already do well. Others prefer to try new things
and take risks. Which do you prefer?
A number of individuals are keen on staying inside their comfort zone, while others opt to
embrace new challenges. Personally, I lean toward the second group because of several
compelling reasons.
First and foremost, when stepping out of our comfort zone to try new things, we can
accidentally explore our hidden talents that we were previously unaware of. These
undiscovered talents might eventually create a stroke of luck in our personal and professional
lives. These days, numerous fresh graduates achieve a smooth career path and lucrative
income after deciding to embrace uncertainty and work outside their major, which helps them
uncover their hidden strengths. For example, after graduating from school with a diploma in
Hotel Operations, I chose to follow an alternative career route because hotel jobs were
extremely stressful and not suitable for me. I believed that English would change my future
career, so I spent six months learning English at home. It was really challenging at first as I
had to self-study without any tutors, but I gradually realized my true passion for education
and uncovered potentials for language acquisition. After just six months of self-learning, I
passed the C1 level certificate and started teaching conversational English for beginners on
online platforms, which allowed me to meet my basic needs and save significantly for other
living expenses.
Secondly, taking risks allows individuals to enrich their knowledge and learn fresh skills,
which are vital in a fast-changing environment. To be specific, when people try to achieve new
goals that they have never attempted before, they are more likely to acquire knowledge and
hone related skills to reach these targets. This gives them a competitive edge over others and
helps prevent them from falling behind in their careers. For instance, an employee who
voluntarily acquires knowledge across different departments shows flexibility and adaptability
when switching to another position if necessary. By contrast, if we simply stick to familiar
daily tasks, unexpected challenges might become major obstacles in our career path.
In conclusion, for the reasons mentioned above, I prefer to step out of my comfort zone
because it helps uncover undiscovered abilities and allows me to stay competitive.
What is the biggest challenge (~ disadvantage) of working as part of a team rather than
working individually?
It is undeniable that group collaboration offers numerous potential benefits for a team.
However, I personally believe that its major drawback is managing differences within the
team.
Working in a team environment often involves a number of colleagues with diverse cultural
backgrounds, personalities, and working styles. Therefore, when a team is focusing on a
specific goal or direction, each member might possess different perspectives and opinions,
which can lead to disagreements during discussions. As a result, instead of saving time by
focusing on their tasks, team members can waste a huge amount of time resolving personal
conflicts. For example, I have worked as a room attendant at the New World Saigon Hotel.
Basically, housekeeping is mostly an individual job, but sometimes I need to clean check-out
rooms in teams due to rush rooms on high-occupancy days. We often have internal
disagreements because our cleaning techniques and skill levels are not similar, which makes
the cleaning process inefficient and time-consuming. In contrast, when working individually, it
is easier for me to unify room cleaning procedures and techniques without consulting others.
Group work also leads to an unfair distribution of tasks and a lack of accountability. Team
members can have varying levels of commitment to their work. When working collaboratively,
it is extremely challenging to track each member’s contribution, so some might put in little
effort and heavily rely on their counterparts. As a result, this might demotivate hard-working
individuals and significantly reduce overall efficiency. For example, when cleaning check-out
rooms in a group, some people might do nearly all the heavy tasks, such as bed making and
bathroom cleaning, while others just take responsibility for dusting surfaces. Conversely,
working individually ensures that cleaning tasks are impartially assigned and managed.
In conclusion, while team-based work is beneficial under certain conditions, its chief
disadvantage should not be overlooked.
It is believed that people will completely switch to portable devices instead of computers in the
future because of their flexibility and portability. However, I personally think that it is
impossible for this trend to happen because computers and laptops remain extremely vital in
our personal and professional lives.
First and foremost, it is undeniable that computers efficiently facilitate daily work because
they can run heavy applications smoothly thanks to their powerful processors. This capability
is often challenging for handheld devices equipped with compact electronic chips designed
mainly for basic daily needs. Indeed, a huge number of white-collar workers still rely on office
computers and laptops to manage and edit complex tasks. For example, at the New World
Saigon Hotel, it is infeasible for employees to operate an enterprise management system
called “Opera” on smartphones because this software can only be installed on a desktop
platform. Handheld devices are perfect for basic workplace operations, such as sending
messages and making calls, but cannot handle heavy enterprise software.
Secondly, computers offer larger screens, which make our work far more convenient and
comfortable. To be specific, wide displays allow employees to telework easily and effectively
because they can join virtual meetings and multitask simultaneously without worrying about
rapid battery drain. For example, a guest service agent has to use the Opera Hotel System for
check-in and check-out procedures while contacting other departments in the hotel, such as
Housekeeping, to handle guest requests at the same time. By using a large-display computer,
hotel receptionists can split the screen or use dual-monitor setups, which helps them complete
assigned tasks faster and more productively. In addition, large monitors also help prevent eye
strain and shortsightedness because eyes do not need to adjust as intensely when viewing a
spacious screen.
In conclusion, for the compelling reasons mentioned above, I hold the view that computers
cannot be replaced by mobile devices, as they ensure smoother workflows and significantly
boost productivity.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Face-to-face communication is better
than other types of communication, such as letters, emails or telephone calls.
In today’s fast-paced world, people can communicate with each other through various modern
channels, such as emails, phone calls, or social media. However, I personally agree with the
view that face-to-face communication is far more effective and beneficial because of several
compelling reasons mentioned below.
First and foremost, interacting in person is a time-saving method that allows for immediate
feedback. To be specific, when we communicate face-to-face, we can exchange critical
information instantly and address urgent issues without waiting for replies. By contrast,
written forms of communication like emails can be highly time-consuming, as recipients may
take hours or even days to respond due to heavy workloads. For instance, when I was working
as a Guest Relations Officer at the New World Saigon Hotel, an unexpected system error
occurred at the front desk. Instead of sending an email to the IT department and waiting, I
directly visited the supervisor’s office to explain the situation in person. As a result, we
successfully fixed the Opera hotel management system within minutes, preventing long
waiting lines for check-in guests.
Secondly, meeting in person makes communication significantly more effective through non-
verbal cues. Specifically speaking, when interacting face-to-face, we can observe other
people's body language, eye contact, and facial expressions, which are completely absent in
text messages or telephone calls. This enables us to understand their true emotions, avoid
unnecessary misunderstandings, and offer timely emotional support. Let me tell you my story:
last month, my colleague told me via text that she was doing fine. However, when we met
face-to-face before our shift, her sad facial expressions and fatigued body language revealed
that she was struggling with work pressure. By recognizing her true feelings, I actively offered
to assist her with room inspections, which helped relieve her burnout and cemented our
working relationship.
In conclusion, for the numerous compelling reasons mentioned above, I hold the view that
direct, in-person communication is superior to letters, emails, or phone calls. While digital
communication offers convenience, nothing can replace the efficiency and genuine emotional
connections built through face-to-face interactions.
compared to + n : So vớ i
lead to + n/v-ing : Dẫ n đ ế n
play a crucial role in + v-ing : Đó ng vai trò quan trọ ng trong việ c
vital role for overall well-being : Vai trò quan trọ ng đ ố i vớ i sứ c khỏ e tổ ng thể
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metabolism : Sự trao đ ổ i chấ t
short-sightedness : Tậ t cậ n thị
bucket list : Danh sá ch nhữ ng việ c/nơi muố n trả i nghiệ m trong đ ờ i