Topic 1: Tourism development
1. What are some benefits of tourism development?
As tourism is vital for the success of many economies around the world, there are several
benefits of tourism on host destinations. The rise of tourism will boost the revenue of the
economy, creates thousands of jobs, develops the infrastructures of a country, and plants
a sense of cultural exchange between foreigners and citizens. A well-developed tourism
industry creates a lot of new businesses and jobs for local people, and an influx of money
from foreign tourists. In addition to this, promoting international tourism can help to
improve international relations with other countries, and to share a country’s customs and
culture with people all around the world.
2. What are some disadvantages of tourism development?
There are various negative consequences of tourism that can negatively affect the local
people staying in that place. If the foreign tourists do not take care of the historical places
well, it would cause damage to these historical buildings and thereby, the loss of culture
and heritage. Secondly, huge crowd of tourists can also affect the city, causing
inconvenience to a number of local residents.
3. Why do you think people like to travel to different places in their free time?
People travel for many reasons and love travel for different reasons too. Some don’t
really enjoy travel, but they still have to for many reasons, involving work, family, health
or medical treatment, social or economic needs. Some travel merely on account of time
killing, or even just because they enjoy the feeling of motion, being on a boat, on a plane
and enjoy the view.
4. Should your government invest more money in attracting tourists?
As tourism is vital for the success of many economies around the world, it goes without
saying that the government should spend more on this area with a view to attracting
tourists. Tourism sector investment not only has strong links to economic growth but also
benefit local people, as they will be able to experience better living environment and
better infrastructure.
5. How do you see tourism changing in your country in the future?
From my personal point of view, Viet Nam famous for loads of ancient tourist attractions,
namely Ho Guom, Hoi An, which will remains mostly the same without any total
upgrade or transformation thanks to the cultural value. Therefore, I think that if there be
any changes in tourism in the future, it would be the means of transport while sightseeing
or guiding.
Topic 2: Solutions to improving educational system in your country
1. What are some solutions to improving educational system in your country?
There are several solutions that can help improve the educational system in Vietnam. One
solution could be to invest more in teacher training programs, so that teachers are better
equipped to teach and engage with their students. Another solution could be to increase
the use of technology in the classroom, which could make learning more interactive and
engaging for students. create a more conducive learning environment for students.
2. Is a good education more important to a boy or a girl? Why?
Good education is important for both boys and girls. Both should be given equal rights to
education. In today’s society, women have proven that they can do tasks and get jobs that
only men used to have. Women have shown their competency in various fields such as
politics, science, sports, etc. Men on the other hand have also entered some industries that
used to be considered as women’s jobs such as cooking, housekeeping, fashion, etc. I
think both sexes must be given equal opportunities.
3. Do you think schools should teach subjects like arts, music and dancing? Why (not)?
Well…for me, creative subjects are just as important as much as the academic ones. I
understand that most people think that business and technology are the most important
career choices, but design and performance art are all big parts of the world that we live
in. On top of that, some children are just more naturally creative, and they should have
choices at school to take those kinds of classes – schools are supposed to help children try
and learn new things and help them use their skills to find a career in the future. So I do
think they should continue teaching those subjects at school.
4. Is the Internet a valuable education tool?
In my opinion, I believe that the use of Internet should be limited in some ways, but it is
still a valuable educational tool. Firstly, the internet is essential for students today. It is
used by most student and teacher, both for finding material and information. The Internet
helps them to find their information in a very short of time and from many different
sources. Nowadays, the most up to date information can be found on the web or social
network rather than in books which can become out of date very quickly. Using the
Internet is a convenient way to find information, and it develops user’s personal research
skill.
5. How does the internet change the way of teaching?
The internet has made it easy to access information on practically any subject, from
anywhere in the world. As a result, teachers have access to a wealth of resources that can
be used to enhance their lessons. It has made it possible for students to learn in an online
environment, either through e-learning platforms or virtual classrooms. This has made
education more accessible to students who may not have been able to attend traditional
classes.
Topic 3: Stressful things in life
1. What are some stressful things in life?
Some stressful things in life include work or school pressure, financial difficulties,
relationship problems, health challenges, and family responsibilities.
2. What do you think is the best way to deal with stress?
There are many ways to deal with stress, such as exercise, meditation, deep breathing,
talking to a friend or therapist, and prioritizing self-care activities like getting enough
sleep and eating well.
3. Do you think life was easier in the past? Why?
Life in the past may have been easier in some ways, such as less reliance on technology
and slower pace of life, but it also had its own hardships such as limited access to
healthcare and opportunities for education and career advancement.
4. Do you think people should take regular break during working hours? Why?
Yes, people should take regular breaks during working hours to refresh their minds and
bodies, increase productivity, and reduce the risk of burnout and other health issues.
Short breaks can help improve focus and creativity, and longer breaks such as vacations
can provide a much-needed reset and prevent chronic stress.
Topic 4: Learning a new language
1. Why is it important for people to learn a new language?
Besides having more chances of landing a good job or advancing in your career, learning
a second language can also give you an insight into other cultures. You will be more
prepared and confident to travel the world and explore other people's ways of living.
2. Do you think language and culture are inseparable?
They are inseparable because language encodes culture and provides the means through
which culture is shared and passed from one generation to the next. Humans think in
language and do all cultural activities using language.
3. What would you introduce first to foreign learners when teaching them Vietnamese?
When teaching Vietnamese to foreign learners, it's important to start with the basics such
as the Vietnamese alphabet, pronunciation, and basic vocabulary. This will help them
build a strong foundation for the language and enable them to communicate effectively in
everyday situations. Some common phrases and expressions that are useful to learn
include greetings, introducing oneself, asking for directions, and ordering food in a
restaurant for example.
4. What are some good ways for people to learn a new language?
Undoubtedly, the best way is to go and live in a country where the language is spoken as
a native language. But that is not enough – I have friends who have done just that, but
they stuck together with people who spoke their language and so they hardly learnt
anything. You have to immerse yourself completely in the language and the culture.
5. Do you think Vietnamese people are good at learning a new language?
I think that Vietnamese people can be proficient in learning new languages. Vietnamese
is a tonal language, and it can be challenging to learn languages that are not tonal. But
with consistent practice and dedication, anyone can learn a new language. Additionally,
Vietnamese people are known for their hardworking and determined nature, which can be
helpful in language learning.
Topic 5: Online shopping
1. What are some advantages of online shopping?
I think buying things over the internet has a few benefits over buying things in a physical
store. One of the biggest is that you can compare different products and read some
reviews about them from customers who have already bought them. Then, of course,
there is the convenience factor. People can buy almost anything they want on a click of
the mouse.
2. What are some disadvantages of online shopping?
It’s a bit of a gamble when you order clothes online, sizes are not the standards around
the world and sometimes brands will even have different measurements from one style to
the next. You could also find yourself with a product that does not look at all like what
you were expecting. There’s also the matter of shipping, your package takes longer to
arrive than it would take by just going to the store or it could get lost after being shipped.
3. Do you think that online shopping will be more popular in the future? Why?/Why not?
When digital currencies, such a Bitcoin, become more popular, and drone deliveries
become more commonplace, I think there will be much more shopping online in the
future. Especially in such digital era, when everything is automated and online available,
e-shopping is facilitated to immensely grow in the future.
4. How can people do to reduce the risks of online shopping?
There are several ways to reduce the risks of online shopping. However, the most
efficient way to be named is shopping on reputable websites so that buyers can avoid
fraud of scam or receiving counterfeit or damaged goods.
5. Do you think shopping in the traditional way will disappear in the future?
While there is an increasing trend towards online shopping, it is unlikely that shopping in
the traditional way will disappear entirely. Many people still enjoy the experience of
physically browsing and touching items before making a purchase, and there are some
products that are better suited for in-person shopping, such as clothing and furniture.
However, the future of retail is likely to be a combination of online and in-person
shopping experiences.
Topic 6: Crime
1. What do you think are the causes of crime?
Based on my personal vision, vehicle drives people to commit crimes depends on
individuals. Some cross the legal line due to lack of parental care since childhood, some
goes through hardship, got financial problem or they are not fully under awareness of
what they are doing. Some criminals even act illegally because of cognitive distortion.
2. Do DVDs and TV programmes about violent crime help to cause more crime? Why?/
Why not?
It does to a certain extent. Since violent, death scenes can definitely give people thrills,
which might lead them to be under illusion, or even lose cognitive ability and engage in
criminal activities in real life. However, this exception only the minority as a normal
person would surely know the boundaries between films and reality.
3. Is prison really the answer to crime? Why?
I would say yes but not with all offenders. Prison is the most suitable punishment with
serious criminals, as the will pose a threat to the society, isolating them is to ensure the
safety of other citizens. However, when it comes to minor crimes, fines or other kind of
punishment like community service should be applied instead of receiving prison
sentences.
4. Are there any other ways to deal with people who commit a crime?
There are lots of ways to deal with offenders. When it comes to minor crimes, fines or
other kind of punishment like community service should be applied. However, with
major crimes, prison sentences or even capital punishment are required in order to ensure
the safety of society.
5. What should the government do to reduce the crime?
Since the reasons behind crimes are diverse, there is no absolute solution to reduce crime
level. However, I believe that the most effective things that the government can do is to
increase security measures. By implementing more security cameras, hiring more security
personnel, and increasing police patrols, the government can make it more difficult for
criminals to commit crimes. This can deter criminals from committing crimes, and it can
also help law enforcement officials to catch criminals after they have committed a crime.
Topic 7: Traditional festivals
1. Why are traditional festivals important?
I believe that festivals are immensely important for a country and its people because these
celebrations represent the cultural and national identity of this country. Besides, festivals
also attract international tourists and boost the tourism industry. Moreover, working-class
people need vacations and the festivals are great ways to refresh and invigorate ourselves
from the monotonous daily routines. have in our society.
2. What local festival in your area or country would be most interesting for a foreign guest?
The traditional Lunar New Year festival or Tet is the biggest holiday in Vietnam, much
anticipated by both Vietnamese people and the foreigners who live here. VIR asked
expats about their feelings on Tet in Vietnam. The festival has brought everyone closer,
no matter where they are from.
3. Do festivals belong to culture?
Festivals definitely belong to culture as they are an essential part of cultural traditions and
celebrations. They reflect the beliefs, customs, and values of a particular society or
community, and help in preserving and passing on the cultural heritage and identity from
one generation to the next.
4. Do people nowadays appreciate public holidays like they did in the past?
It depends on the individual and the country. In some countries, people still value and
appreciate public holidays and the significance behind them, while in others, the meaning
and importance of these holidays have been lost due to the increase in commercialization
and consumerism.
5. What are some ways that the government should do to preserve traditional festivals?
Well, one way the government could preserve traditional festivals is by providing
funding and resources to local communities to ensure that the festivals can continue to be
held year after year. Another way is to promote these festivals through cultural tourism,
encouraging more people to visit and participate. Additionally, the government could
create policies that protect historical sites and traditional practices, which are often
associated with these festivals.
Topic 8: Airplane
1. What are some advantages of travelling by airplane?
The biggest advantage of flying is that it is often the fastest way to get from one place to
another, especially when long distances are involved. It helps us save a lot of time, so we
can do more things. Moreover, I think the comfort of air traveling makes people
satisfactory. When traveling by air, we can sit comfortably in an arm- chair, reading
magazines or watching a free film on television
2. What are some disadvantages of travelling by airplane?
Travelling by airplane is eye-watering with many people. Flying is often the most
expensive form of transportation, especially if reservations are not made well in advance.
Some people might not be able to afford to fly on the budget airline. In addition, air
travels have the reputation of being dangerous and even hardened travelers are
intimidated by them. In fact, there has been plane crashes accident in which the crew and
passengers have died.
3. Do you think airplane is the most important transport means of all time? Why/ why not?
Airplane does play an important role as being the fastest means of transport currently.
However, due to the eye-watering cost, not everywhere available and only for long
distance travel, airplane is definitely not the most transport means of all time.
4. What are some ways that airlines could improve the flying experience for passengers?
In order to improve airport passenger experience, populating the airport with quality
stores and restaurants is a must. Moreover, putting together countless strategies for
improving airport passenger experience means nothing without also viewing feedback
and reviews. Understanding what your customers think is an essential part of putting
together winning strategies to improve passenger experience.
5. Do you think that airlines will replace most of other means of transport in the future?
Definitely no. Let alone the fact that there wouldn’t be enough spaces available to build
airports, travelling by planes will always be pricey many people. Also, it is only for long
distance trip, which can’t fulfill the needs of travelling in short distance or in a local area.
Topic 9: Punishment by teachers at school
1. Why is punishment by teachers at school good for students?
Punishment by teachers at school can be beneficial for students because it can help to
reinforce classroom rules and expectations, maintain a safe and respectful learning
environment, and encourage responsible behavior. It can also teach students the
consequences of their actions and help them learn from their mistakes
2. Do you think punishment by teachers to students at school should be encouraged?
The use of punishment by teachers to students at school is a controversial topic. Some
educators believe that punitive measures are necessary to maintain order and discipline,
while others argue that alternative methods such as positive reinforcement and restorative
justice are more effective in promoting positive behavior and reducing negative ones.
Ultimately, the decision to use punishment should depend on the unique circumstances of
each situation and the needs of the individual student.
3. Do all the students obey their teachers whenever they receive punishment?
Not all students will respond to punishment in the same way. Some may be more
compliant and obedient, while others may be resistant or defiant. It is important for
teachers to consider the underlying reasons for a student's behavior and to use appropriate
interventions that address the root cause rather than simply punishing the behavior itself.
4. What are the downsides of overuse of punishment at school?
Overuse of punishment at school can have several downsides. It can create an
environment of fear and anxiety among students, which can negatively impact their
mental health and academic performance. Moreover, it can lead to a breakdown in the
teacher-student relationship and create an atmosphere of hostility and resentment. Let
alone the fact that punishment may not always be effective in changing behavior and can
sometimes even reinforce negative behaviors.
5. What are some other ways to make students work hard?
There are several other ways to motivate students to work hard besides punishment. One
effective method is to create a positive and supportive classroom environment that
encourages students to take ownership of their learning and feel invested in their own
success. Another method is to provide incentives and rewards for good behavior and
academic achievement. Teachers can also help students set achievable goals and provide
them with regular feedback on their progress.
Topic 10: Examinations
1. What are some benefits of examinations?
Some benefits of examinations are that they provide a measure of a student's knowledge
and skills, encourage students to study and prepare, and can motivate students to improve
their performance.
2. What are some downsides of examinations?
Some downsides of examinations are that they can create stress and anxiety for students,
not to mention peer pressure. Moreover, examinations may not accurately measure a
student's true abilities, and can lead to a focus on memorization rather than
understanding.
3. Do you think that students nowadays have to do too many examinations?
Personally, I think they do. There are multiple types of tests, namely mid-term
examination, final term examination, 15-minute test, not to mention there are up to 13
different subjects in the curriculum, which means students currently have to take up to a
hundred tests per school year
4. Do you think that examinations will disappear in the future?
It is unlikely that examinations will completely disappear, but they may change in format
or become less emphasized in certain educational systems.
5. What are some other ways to encourage students to study?
Other ways to encourage students to study include providing engaging and interactive
lessons, offering opportunities for hands-on learning and exploration, providing positive
feedback and praise, and setting achievable goals and expectations. Additionally, creating
a supportive and encouraging learning environment can also motivate students to study
and learn.