Why People Help Each Other

Helping others is a common human behavior that appears in daily life. People it not only
because of social rules but also because of their own feelings. In my opinion, there are
three simple reasons why people choose to help: knowledge, responsibility, and
emotions.

First, people help because they know how to do something. For example, if someone’s
bike is broken, a person who knows how to fix it can help quickly. The same happens
when giving directions on the street. Knowing what to do makes people feel confident,
and it is easier for them to give help.

Another reason is responsibility. Sometimes, people feel they must do something when
no one else helps. For instance, if you see an old man fall, you may feel it is your duty
to call an ambulance. If you do nothing, you may regret it later. Responsibility pushes
people to act, even if it is difficult.

Finally, emotions play a big role. When we see someone sad or in trouble, we feel
something in our hearts, then we want to respond with kindness. For example, helping a
child who is crying or helping an elderly woman cross the street brings a warm feeling. It
also makes us happy after doing a good action.

In conclusion, people help because of knowledge, responsibility, and emotions. Helping

others is a good practice that makes both people and society better.

1️⃣ Write a narrative essay about a time you faced a big challenge.

Last year, I faced one of the biggest challenges in my student life. It happened when I had to give a
public presentation in English for the first time. I had always been shy and afraid of speaking in front of
others. However, my teacher encouraged me to try because she believed it would help me grow. I didn’t
know that this challenge would completely change my confidence.

At first, I spent many days preparing my slides and memorizing every sentence. Still, whenever I
practiced, my voice was shaking, and I forgot my words. I wanted to quit, but I reminded myself that my
goal was to conquer my fear, not to win the contest. I took every precaution I could — I practiced
breathing and tried to imagine the audience smiling at me.
When the big day came, I felt my heart beating fast. I had practiced so many times that I could finally
speak more naturally. In the middle of the presentation, I forgot a line, but I smiled and continued bravely.
When it ended, everyone clapped. I didn’t win first place, but my teacher said I earned her respect for my
courage.

Looking back, I realize this experience was a significant turning point. It taught me that fear only
disappears when we face it. Now, I feel more determined and confident to accept new challenges in life.

2️⃣ Write a narrative essay about a time you made an important decision.

Two years ago, I made one of the most difficult decisions in my life — choosing between studying abroad
or staying in my hometown for college. My parents wanted me to study overseas, but deep inside, I
wasn’t sure if I was ready. That decision tested my courage, maturity, and independence.

At first, I was excited about the idea of studying in another country. However, as time passed, I started to
perceive the challenges more clearly. Living alone, cooking by myself, and managing money all seemed
so hard. I spent weeks listing every aspect — cost, culture, distance — and asked for advice from
teachers and friends.

Finally, I decided to stay in Vietnam for the first two years to build my academic foundation before
studying abroad. I had realized that rushing into something big without preparation might cause failure.
That decision gave me time to grow mentally and financially.

Looking back, I believe it was a wise choice. It taught me that taking a slower path doesn’t mean giving
up. Sometimes, being determined to prepare carefully is the bravest decision of all.

3️⃣ Write a narrative essay about a time you worked with others to achieve a goal.

Last semester, my classmates and I worked together to organize a charity event for children in a local
orphanage. It was our first big project, and we wanted it to be meaningful. Although we were excited, we
didn’t know it would be such a big challenge to cooperate effectively.

At first, everyone had different ideas about what to do. Some wanted to raise money, while others wanted
to perform for the kids. I was chosen to be the leader, so I had to find a balance between all ideas. I
encouraged my team to focus on one goal: making the children happy. After many discussions, we
decided to organize games, prepare small gifts, and perform a short play.
The day of the event was unforgettable. We had worked for weeks, and finally, everything went smoothly.
The children laughed and sang with us. I could see the happiness in their eyes, which made all the stress
worth it. My group members told me that my calm attitude played a distinctive role in keeping the team
together.

That experience taught me the true meaning of teamwork. I learned that when people cooperate with
tolerance and understanding, even the biggest challenges can be conquered. It was one of the most
notable achievements in my student life.

4️⃣ Write a narrative essay about a time you overcame your fear.

When I was in high school, I had a deep fear of swimming. Every time I looked at the water, I felt anxious
and weak. However, one summer, I decided to face this challenge bravely because I wanted to join my
friends on a beach trip. It was not easy, but it became one of the most significant experiences of my life.

At first, I couldn’t even put my head under the water. My coach showed great tolerance and kept
encouraging me to try again. I realized that my fear was more mental than physical. To conquer it, I
practiced step by step, starting with breathing exercises. Each small success made me feel more
determined.

After two months, I was finally able to swim across the pool. I had never felt such a strong sense of pride
before. That day, I earned not only a skill but also a new kind of confidence.

Looking back, I can say that overcoming my fear was the ultimate reward. It taught me that courage
grows when you take precautions, trust yourself, and keep going despite the fear.

5️⃣ Write a narrative essay about a time you helped a friend through a
difficult period. (≈270 words)

Two years ago, my best friend went through a painful breakup that completely changed her mood. She
lost focus on her studies and often cried alone. Seeing her like that broke my heart, so I decided to help
her find happiness again. That experience taught me a lot about friendship and emotional tolerance.

At first, she refused to talk to anyone. I perceived her silence as a way to protect herself, and I knew
forcing her to speak would not help. I did small things: I visited her every day, listened without judgment,
and brought her favorite snacks to cheer her up. We set small goals together, such as studying for one
hour each afternoon and going for a short walk every evening. I also encouraged her to join our study
group and to try simple activities with classmates. Gradually, she began to open up and participate in
group work more often.

After two months, I noticed a significant improvement in her mental health. She began exercising, joined
a student club, and even applied for a volunteer program. One afternoon she told me that my calm
attitude and steady presence had played a distinctive role in helping her recover. Her words made me
feel proud because I saw how consistent small actions can support someone deeply.

Looking back, I feel that helping her taught me a valuable lesson: real support is patient and persistent.
Helping others doesn’t always require dramatic gestures — quiet pursuits of kindness can heal
emotional wounds over time. As the saying goes, “A friend in need is a friend indeed,” and that
experience proved the proverb true to me.

6️⃣ Write a narrative essay about a time you failed but learned something
important. (≈249 words)

Last semester, I failed my first economics midterm and felt embarrassed because I had spent weeks
studying. At that moment, I thought my efforts were wasted, but the failure later became one of the most
significant lessons in my academic pursuits. I learned to view mistakes as opportunities to grow.

At first, I blamed the test and assumed I had bad luck. After reflecting, I perceived that my real problem
was poor time management and shallow review of important aspects. I had focused too much on passive
reading and had not practiced problem sets enough. My teacher encouraged me to treat the defeat as a
challenge and recommended specific exercises to improve. I made a new schedule, practiced past
papers, and asked classmates for feedback. I also changed how I took notes so that I could review faster
before exams.

By the final exam, I had regained confidence and scored much higher. That result felt truly earned
because it was the outcome of consistent, determined effort. The experience taught me to be more
disciplined and to prepare smarter, not just harder. Moreover, I now keep a checklist of priorities before
each test and take small precautions to avoid repeating the same mistake.

Looking back, failing that midterm was not the end but the beginning of a better study habit. I often remind
myself that “Every cloud has a silver lining,” and this failure proved the proverb. Today I approach
challenges with a calmer mind, ready to conquer new difficulties.
7️⃣ Write a narrative essay about a time you took a risk for someone you
love. (≈240 words)

Last year, my older sister wanted to start a small bakery, but she lacked enough money. I decided to lend
her all my savings, which I had kept for two years. It was a huge risk, but I trusted her and wanted to
support her dream because I believed in her passion and skill.

At first, my parents were worried and thought I had been careless. To reduce potential problems, I took
several precautions: we created a simple budget, researched local suppliers, and planned a small
marketing idea. I also helped her with baking and customer service during the first hectic weeks. Those
long hours were tiring, yet seeing customers smile made the effort worthwhile. Because we paid attention
to every aspect of the business, the bakery gradually attracted regular customers and positive reviews
online.

During the first months, sales were low and we faced unexpected costs, but my sister remained
determined and worked bravely through the difficulties. After half a year, her bakery became a notable
spot in our neighborhood, and she could repay my loan. When she handed me back the money, I felt
relieved and proud because the success was real and hard-earned.

That experience taught me the ultimate value of family trust and support. Sometimes helping someone
you love means taking a calculated risk, and when the person is committed, the emotional reward can be
more significant than money. As they say, “Fortune favors the brave.”

8️⃣ Write a narrative essay about a time you changed your opinion about
someone. (≈230 words)

During my first semester, I assumed my literature teacher was too strict and unfriendly because she
corrected every paper harshly. I felt discouraged and often hesitated to speak in class. However, one
incident completely changed my perception of her and taught me to look beyond first impressions.

At first, I thought her strict feedback was merely criticism, but one day she stayed after class to explain
my mistakes patiently. She emphasized that clear thinking and revision are more important than quick
success. That conversation revealed another aspect of her teaching: she cared deeply about student
growth. From that moment, I began to revise my essays more carefully, asked questions, and practiced
writing regularly.

By the end of the semester, my essays had improved significantly, and the teacher even selected one of
my pieces as a class example. I had earned not only higher grades but also a better understanding of
revision and clarity. I realized that her tolerance for imperfect drafts was actually part of a long-term
strategy to help students improve.

Looking back, I learned that people often have hidden motives that are positive, and jumping to
conclusions can be misleading. Now I try to perceive situations from multiple angles before forming an
opinion. Indeed, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” and this experience became an ultimate lesson in
empathy and growth.

9️⃣ Write a narrative essay about a time you had to work under pressure.
(≈235 words)

Two months ago, my class had to finish a group project within three days, which became a real
challenge because several members were sick and time was tight. I was chosen as the team leader, and
I immediately felt anxious, but I knew I had to stay calm and act quickly to meet our goal.

At first, confusion reigned: people argued, tasks overlapped, and deadlines were missed. I tried to resolve
conflicts by assigning clear roles based on each member’s trait and strengths. To make the process
efficient, I organized short meetings every morning, set small daily targets, and checked progress
personally. I also took extra time to edit the final report so that our slides looked distinctive and
professional. Even when fatigue hit us, I reminded the team to keep a positive mental attitude and to
support each other instead of blaming.

On the presentation day, our teacher praised our teamwork and said the project looked complete and
creative. We had truly earned the compliment because we managed to pull everything together under
pressure. The experience taught me that leadership is not about commanding but about listening,
planning, and showing tolerance when things go wrong. It also showed that when people collaborate
well, they can conquer tight deadlines.

Looking back, I realize that “Pressure makes diamonds,” and that project proved how much a team can
achieve when they stay determined and trust one another.
🔟 Write a narrative essay about a time you learned the value of patience.
(≈233 words)

Last year, I decided to learn guitar because I wanted to perform a song at our school festival. At first, I
thought it would be easy, but I soon discovered that mastering even a simple melody was a real
challenge. My fingers hurt and I struggled with rhythm, yet I was determined to improve.

In the beginning, progress was slow and I sometimes felt frustrated. I set small goals, such as practicing
chords for twenty minutes each day, and I rewarded myself when I reached them. My teacher reminded
me that patience is a skill and advised me to break complex parts into smaller pieces. I followed that
advice and practiced scales, transitions, and strumming patterns until they felt natural. Gradually, the
music became vivid in my mind and I could play the song without mistakes.

When the festival came, I performed in front of many classmates and family members. My hands
trembled at first, but as the song flowed, I grew more confident and finished to loud applause. That
success felt truly earned because it reflected consistent effort and small daily improvements. I learned
that patience and steady work are often the ultimate path to mastery.

Looking back, I now perceive that slow progress matters just as much as fast results; after all, “Rome
wasn’t built in a day.” That lesson has helped me face later tasks with more resilience and calm.

UNIT ASSIGNMENT 1 - A RISK YOU HAVE TAKEN.

Last year, I took a chance that shifted the trajectory of my professional journey. To share a little
background, I came from a pharmacy background, and I had worked a couple of short jobs: teaching
assistant, and event intern. Writing was never a serious pursuit for me, and I did not perceive it as part of
my future.

After I graduated, I took a gutsy little gap year and went back to my hometown. I needed a little break and
wanted to spend more time with family. While I was there, I was offered a remote job writing short
animation scripts. At first, I thought it would just be a small project. However, what began as a simple
opportunity soon turned into a notable moment, giving me confidence and opening up a new aspect of
myself.

When I returned to Ho Chi Minh City, I faced a mental challenge. After everything I had done, I felt lost,
and didn't believe I was good at anything. Luckily, my mother reminded me that not everyone writes well,
and it's possible that writing could be my thing. Her words helped me stay the course and apply for
professional screenwriter roles with little experience.

Now, I work as a screenwriter for a company that makes entertainment videos for kids on Youtube. This
job is significant because it not only helps me solve financial problems but also gives me a sense of
purpose. Taking this risk taught me that sometimes we must conquer fear and try new things. It was one
of the most important decisions I have ever made.

PASSAGE 1: LOOKING FOR EXCITEMENT

Section I

Can you remember how you felt the first time you asked someone out on a date? Was your
heart pounding, were your hands a little shaky, were you in a sweat? Did you go through
with it? The signs – or is it symptoms? – of fear and excitement are very similar: the
adrenaline rush, the body’s response to a perceived situation of stress or danger. It’s a
physiological thing, a chemical thing. It would seem we have little say in the matter.

Section II

Asking someone on a date you are not risking life and limb, but if you mess it up you may
well feel that the psychological risk – rejection and all the feelings that go with it –
outweighs the possible benefits of getting to know that person. But you did go through with
it, and did it again on many other occasions with other people without, one hopes, losing
that tingle of fear or excitement. In fact, without it there wouldn’t be much point, no “rush”.
You learn, I think, to trick your mind into believing that what might be fear is in fact
excitement. Whether or not this is so, there is always a pleasurable sense of daring when
you step outside what is called your “comfort zone”.

Section III
Occasions to do this present themselves every day and in ordinary circumstances. You
don’t have to go in for extreme sports. You might decide to take on a job with extra
responsibilities, so that the buck stops with you, or give a speech for the first time, or tell
your boss what you really think of her. Doing things such as these is largely beneficial but,
as always, there’s another side to it. Many of us take risks that we should know in advance
can have serious negative consequences, if not immediately then in the long term.

Section IV

The effects may be seen over some time because these risks often become addictions.
Smoking, drinking, gambling, and overeating spring to mind, but also less seemingly
harmful pastimes, like collecting, when they become obsessions. There’s no excuse for not
knowing what harm smoking can do, yet dedicated smokers have somehow convinced
themselves that they’re immune. Gamblers have a different mind-set, more like extreme
sports junkies: imagine betting your house on the turn of a card – imagine the “rush”! Quite
possibly losing is as big a kick as winning for them.

Section V

We all have some kind of obsession or addiction, however minor, which in the past would
have been called a “weakness for” something, but which these days is called a problem, or
even a disease. The suffix –aholic can be attached to almost anything: we have chocoholics,
shopaholics, and so on. The media and lifestyle magazines play this up and what we
thought of as a harmless personality trait becomes something we should feel guilty about.
Guilt, too, has an edge to it.

Section VI

The adrenaline rush response was originally used to describe our reaction to sudden,
surprising situations – you are suddenly confronted by a lion in the wild, for example – but
now we go looking for it. This should mean that we have thought a bit about the
consequences. Unfortunately, many don’t think far enough ahead and find themselves
hooked, and what once provided kicks becomes routine.
Choose the best answer.

1. In Section I, the writers implies that

A. we are always frightened on our first date.

B. sweating is normal when you first ask somebody out.

C. we have little control over our physical reactions.

D. dating is simply a matter of chemistry.

2. Which verb is closest in meaning to “mess it up” in Section II?

A. fail

B. reject

C. fear

D. avoid

3. What does “Occasions to do this” in Section III refer to?

A. tricking your mind into thinking fear is excitement

B. taking on a job with extra responsibilities

C. stepping out of your comfort zone

D. doing things that are generally beneficial

4. The writer suggests that under normal circumstances

A. we deliberately take harmful risks.

B. some risk-taking will do us good.

C. we’re certain which risks are harmful.

 D. we run away from responsibilities.

5. In Section IV the writer suggests that

A. addiction to gambling and addiction to extreme sports are similar.

B. people should avoid hobbies like collecting things.

C. gambling and overeating always become addictions.

D. smokers are certain that their addiction is safe.

Complete the sentence. Choose A, B, or C.

6. For risk takers who like physical activity, mountain climbing is the _____ challenge.
A. trivial
B. unfortunate
C. ultimate
7. The skier was _____ to compete in next year’s Olympic Games.
A. determined
B. embarrassed
C. implied
8. Melinda _____ stepped off the bridge and took her first bungee jump.
A. extremely
B. bravely
C. cheerfully
9. The climbing teacher’s _____ was to make sure that everyone reached the mountain
top safely.
A. risk
B. role
C. route

Complete the sentence with ONE correct word from the word bank:

aspect trait mental challenge precaution

10 She has a unique ____________________ ability to make herself focus only on the present.
 READING PASSAGE 2: POVERTY

Section I

Most of us have dreamed of what it would be like to suddenly find ourselves in possession
of a large sum of money – for example, a lottery win, or an unexpected inheritance from a
long lost relative – and have imagined what we would do with the money. Many of us,
depending on the size of the windfall and the advice of our accountants, might set aside
some money to help those less fortunate than ourselves or to give to a deserving cause.
After that we would probably spend it on cars, private jets and houses in countries around
the world so that we can enjoy summer all year long.

Section II

But have you ever imagined things going the other way? Suddenly, you lose all that you
have: job, house, car, savings, and any safety nets such as health and pension schemes. You
will have the equivalent of about $1.25 a day to live on, which is one level at which the
poverty line is drawn. That’s what’s called “absolute poverty”. It is estimated that at least 3
billion people live on less than the equivalent of $1.25 a day – that’s not far off half the total
world population.

Section III

Then there’s “relative poverty”, which is slightly harder to define, especially if you live in a
developed western democracy that has a functioning welfare system, as it is largely based
on comparisons within a given country. If relative poverty means not having an acceptable
level of income compared with other people in the same country, then this can lead to
comparisons that would not make sense to a person living in poverty in an African village.
Section IV

In an affluent society, this relative deprivation could mean that you lack, say, a fridge-
freezer, your own means of transport, a computer or the resources to acquire them – as one
report claimed. What were once considered luxury items are now thought of as essential. It
is when this sort of poverty is compared with that of the poorest nations that such
measurements seem strange. Making do without a fridge-freezer or a car is a long way from
searching in a landfill, not just for items to clean up and make use of or possibly sell on, but
for something to eat.

Section V

But it’s not just lack of material possessions and cash that define poverty. It must be
obvious that not having these resources cuts you off from so much else – from
opportunities to improve your situation, from full participation in society. It also has an
effect on a person’s pride and dignity. It is the poor that suffer most from malnutrition, lack
of education and health problems.

Section VI

The poor are always with us, as the saying goes. And they are becoming more visible – not
just because we are more aware of the problem of world poverty than before. It is also
because the gap between rich and poor in affluent countries is getting wider. That means
poverty is beginning to be felt by many people who thought that it was a problem that
existed only in far-away countries.

Choose the best answer.

1. Which of the following best describes “windfall”?

A. a sum of money that comes to you unexpectedly

B. a large sum of money left to you by a relative

C. an amount of money you can only dream of

D. a sum of money given to a charity

2. Which of the following statements is true?

A. More than half the world’s population live below the poverty line.

B. Three billion people get by on about two dollars per day.

C. Absolute poverty is defined as living on less than two dollars a day.

D. If you earn more than two dollars a day you are not in poverty.

3. How does relative poverty differ from absolute poverty?

A. It compares one country with another country.

B. It highlights the difference between rich and poor countries.

C. It compares people within a single country.

D. A definite line is drawn between rich and poor.

4. Which of the following is closest in meaning to “Making do”?

A. buying

B. developing

C. cooking

D. managing

5. Which of the following is not mentioned in Section V?

 A. the right to vote

B. a bad diet

C. a lack of opportunities

D. a lack of education

6. Which of the following statements is true?

A. The poor are becoming more aware of their situation.

B. Poverty only occurs in distant countries.

C. Affluent societies are becoming poorer.

D. The gap between rich and poor is growing larger.

Match the dependent clause with the correct independent clause.

_____ 7. Because she earned money from two

jobs,
A. they asked a charity
_____ 8. Since the villagers needed a new
organization for help.
school, B. he missed the instructions
for the assignment.
_____ 9. When the two groups worked C. she was able to pay for

together, college.

_____ 10. Because Ben was late for class, D. they accomplished a lot
more.
END OF READING TEST