Set 1

Part 1: Conversation about a Friend

About two years ago, I had a meaningful conversation with my close friend. I was
struggling with my job and personal life. We talked during a walk in the park, and I
opened up about my problems. My friend listened carefully and gave me great
advice, reminding me of my worth and encouraging me to make positive changes.
This conversation was a turning point for me
Part 2: Slightly longer conversation on shared opinions

Person A: I think for a conversation to be successful, both people need to share the
same opinions. It just makes things easier, with less room for conflict. Don’t you
agree?

Person B: I can see why you’d think that, but I don’t fully agree. I think having
different opinions can make a conversation more engaging. It challenges us to think
deeper, if both sides are willing to listen.

Person A: I get that, but sometimes disagreements just turn into arguments. Isn’t it
frustrating when neither side is willing to budge?

Person B: That can happen, but it depends on the approach. If both people stay
calm and respect each other’s views, disagreements can actually lead to better
understanding. For example, I once disagreed with a friend on an important issue,
but because we listened to each other, we ended up learning a lot.

Person A: Hmm, I see. But what about situations where you need quick agreement,
like when working on a project? Wouldn’t it be easier if everyone just agreed from
the start?

Person B: That’s true, in those cases, shared opinions can definitely help things
move faster. But even then, different views can bring out better ideas. It’s not about
always agreeing, but how you manage the differences that really matters.
Person A: Yeah, I get your point. It’s more about mutual respect and keeping an
open mind. I guess disagreements aren’t necessarily a bad thing after all.

Here is the English version of the combined Part 1 and Part 2 for each set:

SET 2: Near-Death Accident

Part 1: Describe a near-death accident

A few years ago, I had a near-death experience while driving in the rain. The road
was slippery, and I lost control of the car, almost crashing into a truck. Luckily, I was
able to regain control just in time. My friend, who was in the car with me, helped
calm me down. I felt extremely lucky to survive that dangerous situation.

Part 2: Discussion on luck and hard work

Person A: I think success comes from hard work. The more effort you put in, the
more chances you have to succeed. Don’t you agree?

Person B: I agree, but I think luck also plays a big role. You can work really hard, but
if you don’t get the right opportunities, you might still fail. Person A: That’s true, but
I believe hard work prepares you to take advantage of those opportunities when
they come. Without effort, even luck wouldn’t help.

Person B: But there are people who work hard and still don’t get lucky, unlike others
in the same field who achieve success more easily.

Person A: That’s valid, but I feel luck can only take you so far. Once an opportunity
presents itself, it’s your hard work and persistence that determine whether you can
maintain success.
Person B: I agree with that. Maybe luck opens the door, but to go far, hard work is
still the key factor.

SET 3: Seeing a Doctor

Part 1: Describe a time you had to see a doctor

Last summer, I visited a doctor because of severe back pain. I had been sitting for
too long without taking breaks. The doctor advised me to stretch more often and
improve my posture. This visit was important because it made me realize how
essential it is to take care of my health and not ignore warning signs from my body.

Part 2: Discussion on prevention vs. cure

Person A: I believe prevention is always better than cure. If we live a healthy

lifestyle and take care of ourselves, we can avoid many illnesses. What do you
think?

Person B: I agree, but there are some diseases that, no matter how healthy you live,
you can still get. You can’t always prevent everything.

Person A: True, but prevention is usually less expensive and less stressful than
treatment. For example, eating well and exercising can help prevent conditions like
diabetes and heart disease.

Person B: Yes, but there are genetic diseases, like cancer, that you just can’t
prevent. Treatment becomes inevitable in those cases.

Person A: That’s true, but with effective prevention and early detection, treatment
can also be easier and more successful.
Person B: I think you’re right. While prevention is important, treatment is necessary
when conditions go beyond what can be prevented.

SET 4: A Wise Elder

Part 1: Describe an old and wise person

One of the wisest people I know is my grandfather. He is 85 years old and has lived
a simple but fulfilling life. He often shares stories and gives thoughtful advice. What
makes him wise is not only his knowledge but also his kindness and patience. I’ve
learned so much from him.

Part 2: Discussion on sending aging parents to nursing homes

Person A: I think sending aging parents to nursing homes isn’t necessarily a bad
thing. They get proper care there and have people to socialize with.

Person B: I understand that, but many elderly people might feel lonely or
abandoned if their family isn’t around them.

Person A: True, but families sometimes can’t provide the best care. In nursing
homes, they have professional nurses and doctors who can take care of them.
Person B: I agree, but I still feel children should spend more time with their parents,
visit them often, so they don’t feel forgotten.

Person A: Yes, regular visits and staying in touch are important. Nursing homes are
just a solution for better health care, but family bonds are irreplaceable.

Person B: I think there should be a balance between sending parents to a nursing

home and caring for them at home. Both have their benefits.
SET 5: A Memorable Trip

Part 1: Describe a memorable trip

One of the most memorable trips I’ve had was a vacation to Da Lat last summer. I
went with my family, and we explored waterfalls, flower gardens, and tea
plantations. The best part was that it was the first time in many years that my
whole family could travel together, which made it truly special.

Part 2: Discussion on backpacking and safety

Person A: I think backpacking is perfect for young people. It’s cheap, exciting, and
gives you more real-life experiences. Do you agree?

Person B: Yes, but I understand why parents worry. Backpacking can be risky,
especially when traveling to unfamiliar places with little information.

Person A: I think with good preparation and clear plans, we can minimize risks. The
experiences from backpacking help young people become more independent and
develop life skills.

Person B: But there are unexpected situations like accidents, getting lost, or
encountering bad people. That’s what parents are afraid of when we travel alone.

Person A: True, but I think those challenges help young people grow. The key is to
know how to protect ourselves and always have a backup plan.

Person B: With modern technology today, staying in touch while backpacking is

easier. That should ease some of the family’s worries.
Person A: I agree. The benefits of backpacking outweigh the risks if we prepare well.
It’s not just a thrilling experience but also a great learning opportunity.

SET 6: An Environmental Problem in Your City

Part 1:
Air pollution is a big problem in my city, caused by heavy traffic and factories. The
poor air quality leads to health problems, especially respiratory issues, and makes
the city less enjoyable. To improve the situation, the government should invest in
public transport and enforce stricter rules on industrial emissions

Part 2: Take your side. Discuss this topic with your partner within 2- 3 minutes.

Plastic bags should be banned completely to help protect the environment.

To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give examples to support your point of view.

AGREE

● Firstly, plastic bags are toxic. Plastic bags contain a variety of toxic and harmful chemicals that
not only affect the environment but can also affect how our bodies function.

The raw materials used to make plastic are extracted from natural gas and petroleum. These are non-
renewable sources, and their extraction and production emit greenhouse gases that contribute to global
change.

● Secondly, Plastic bags are dangerous to wild and marine life

Once they land in oceans and forests, plastic bags are eaten by animals, causing various health issues,
which often result in death.

● Thirdly, Plastic bags are harmful to human health

Plastic bags contain chemicals that can lead to severe health conditions like cancer when ingested.

● Moreover, Plastic bags are not easy to recycle

The recycling rate for plastic bags is about 5%, which is extremely low. What’s more, plastic bags can’t
be reduced to their organic state. Once created, they remain in their synthetic state throughout.

DISAGREE
 ● First, It must be said that plastic bags are very convenient when you go to the market or
buy food. There are no more plastic bags, so consumers have to use other types of bags,
such as paper bags, which are often more expensive and not as versatile. It can only be
limited but should not be completely banned.
● Second, Plastic bags have great economic benefits. In terms of employment, the plastic
bag manufacturing industry creates many jobs around the world. A ban on plastic bags
will greatly affect people's jobs, increasing the unemployment rate.

In conclusion, plastic bags may indeed cause some harm to the environment; however, they provide far
more advantages to consumers and society as a whole. Therefore, they should not be banned from use by
the public.

with your partner within 2- 3 minutes.

SET 7: An Activity to Keep Fit

Part 1:
I’ve been practicing yoga for the past two years to stay fit. I follow online classes at home
and do stretching and breathing exercises. I practice three times a week for about 30
minutes each session. Over time, I’ve noticed improvements in my flexibility and mental
clarity, so I believe it’s been very effective.

Part 2
Some people think that working out at the gym is more effective than working out at home.
To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give examples to support your point of view.

AGREE
● Working out at the gym provides fewer distractions, access to equipment like weights
and cardio machines, and group fitness classes. Exercise can be so much easier.
● There's not much to do at the gym but exercise, which can help you stay focused on
your workouts. No chores, no kids needing attention, and no temptations to sway you
from your workouts.
● Paying for a gym membership can be motivating, but there's also the boost you get from
working out among others. You can pick up on that friendly competitive vibe you won't
get working out alone. You often draw energy from others and it can even push you to
work harder.

DISAGREE
 ● It’s more convenience. You don't have to pack a bag, drive anywhere, or arrange for
child care. You could work out in your pajamas if you wanted to. You can also work
out whenever you like, which is perfect if you need to split your workouts or want to
work out at non-traditional hours.
● There's no membership fee and you can outfit your home gym with a few
inexpensive resistance bands and an exercise ball and be set. You could even
do bodyweight workouts that require no equipment.
● There's a different variety when you work out at home. You can go outside, use
exercise videos, stream live classes on mobile devices and fitness mirrors, play
exergames, or download workout apps. Mix and match all you want—putting
weights and cardio together, throwing in some yoga, whatever floats your boat.

SET 8: A Teacher Who Influenced Your Education

Part 1:
One teacher who had a big impact on me was my high school literature teacher.
She was passionate about teaching and encouraged us to think critically. Her
classes were always engaging, and she pushed us to express our ideas. Thanks to
her, I developed a love for reading and writing that has shaped my education.