1.

Creative artists should be given freedom to express their ideas through words,
pictures, music or films. Some people nevertheless think that the government
should restrict artist’s freedom of expression. To what extent do you agree or
disagree?
Vcab :
 Creative expression (n)
 Cultural and intellectual growth (n)
 Governmental restrictions (n)
 Prevent potential negative impacts (v)
 Moderate (v) điều chỉnh
 Societal values and security (n)
 Contravene (v) to not obey a rule/law , or to not do what you promised
=> contravene the prevailing attitudes (v)
 Incite (v) to encourage sb to do/ feel sth unpleasant or violent
=> incite domestic controversy (v)
 Distort international perceptions (v) làm sai lệch nhận thức quốc tế
 Social unrest (n) bất ổn xã hội
 Weaken cultural identity (v) làm suy yếu bản sắc văn hóa
 Taboo (a) avoided for religious or social reasons
=> depiction of taboo subjects (n)
 Explicit (a) full of details, without anything hidden
=> explicit sexuality (n)
 Impressionable (a) easily influenced by other pp, especially because you are
wrong
=> impressionable audience (n)
 Exacerbate behavioral disorders (v) làm trầm trọng thêm rối loạn hành vi
 Increase juvenile delinquency (v) gia tăng tình trạng phạm pháp ở thanh thiếu
niên
 Delinquency (n) behavior, especially of a young person, that is illegal and
unacceptable to most pp
 Excessive censorship (n) sự kiểm duyệt quá mức
 Stifle creativity (v) kiềm hãm sự sáng tạo
 Diluted (a) made weaker/ less pure by the addition of another subtance
=> diluted and uninspired work
 Well-implemented (a) được thực hiện tốt
 Spectrum (n) a range of objects, ideas, opinions
=> a wide spectrum
Outline:
 The lack of appropriate control in artworks -> potentially damage cultural values
and society security
=> contravene the prevailing attitudes - incite domestic controversy and distort
international perceptions
-> eg: controversial content -> social unrest and weaken cultural identities
=> the depiction of taboo subjects (violence, explicit sexuality ) -> harm
impressionable audiences ( children)
-> exposure -> exacerbate behavioral disorders and increase juvenile delinquency
<=> some regulations - essential -> mitigate these risks
 Artists requires freedom of expression - fully utilize their creative potential and
contribute to societal advancement
=> fundamental -> creation of masterpieces - enrich public life
-> excessive censorship -> stifle creativity + diluted and uninspired works
-> well-implemented rating system - effectively control the exposure of sensitive
content to appropriate audiences
-> eg: films rated for mature audiences - prevent children from accessing harmful
material -> allow artists explore a wide spectrum of themes # regulations
<=> responsible oversight by parents and guardians -> mitigate the negative impacts

2. Some people hold that we should spend money and time on the protection of
wild animals while others suggest that the money should be spent on populations
living in the poorest areas of the world. What is your opinion ?
Vcab :
 It has been observed that…
 Allocate (v) to give sth as a share of a total amount
 Wildlife protection (n)
 Be put to better use towards helping humanity (v)
 The delicate balance of the ecosystem (n)
 Disrupt the food chain (v)
 Understate (v) to describe sth in a way that makes it seems less important … than
it really is
 Facilitate human development (v)
 Facet (n) one parts/ features of sth
=> other facets of human society (n)
 Marked improvements in the quality of life (n)
Outline :
 the protection of wild animals -> maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem
=> one animal species becomes completely extinct -> others may suffer from a lack
of food source <- prey- their sole food source -> become extinct themselves -> disrupt
the food chain
-> the protection of animals - not be understated and require adequate time and money
-> eg : in the us - Conservation Reserve Program -> increased the population of native
bird species ( ducks, grouse, pheasants ) - money and time by government supporting
this
 Allocate funding in order to facilitate human development
=> the protection of animals - not have direct effect on supporting humanity # other
facets of human society ( infrastructure, healthcare and education )
-> devote enough time and money -> bolster these sectors -> marked improvements in
the quality of life
-> eg: venezuela - currently facing financial crisis ( started in 2013) -> struggling to
improve the quality of lfe for citizens
<=> prioritize meeting their citizens’s basic needs before devoting funding to protect
native wildlife

3. Food can be produced much more cheaply today because of improved

fertilizers and better machinery. However, some of the methods used to do this
may be dangerous to human health and may have negative effects on local
communities. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Vcab :
 Boost crop yields (v)
 A more abundant food supply (n)
 Sophisticated machinery (n)
 Farming operations (n)
 Residue (n) sth that is left after the main part is no longer present
 Soil degradation (n)
 Compaction (n) the process by which the pressure on buried solid material causes
the material to stick together and change to rock
 Intensification (n) the fact of becoming greater, more serious , more extreme
 Cutting-edge technology (n)
 Ramification (n) the possible result of an action
 Synthetic (a) of or relating to products made from artificial substances
 Increase crop productivity (v)
 Accumulation (n) an amount of sth that has been collected
 Legitimate (a) reasonable or acceptable
=> raise legitimate concerns about
 Mechanization (n) the process of introducing a new machine to do sth that used to
be done by hand
=> the mechanization of agriculture
 Economic hardships and social challenges (n)
 Jeopardize (v) to put sth such as a plan / system in danger of being harmed or
damaged
Outline :
 The widespread use of fertilizers and pesticides - undoubtedly play a pivotal role
in increasing crop productivity
=> # the overreliance on these chemical inputs - pose a threat to health of consumers
+ long-term ecological consequences
-> the accumulation of pesticide residues - food items -> raise legitimate concerns abt
their impact on public health -> necessitate the rigorous monitoring and regulations
 The mechanization of agriculture - brought abt unprecedented efficiency # the
displacement of traditional farming practices and communties
=> small-scale farmers - unable to compete with large-scale industrial operations ->
face economic hardship and social challenges
-> disruption of local ecosystem <- intensive farming methods -> exacerbate the
negative effects

4. Many people believe that the human society has developed into a throw- away
society, which is filled with plastic bags and rubbish. What are the causes and
solutions.
Vcab :
 There is a growing concern that …
 Excessive waste (n)
 The proliferation of plastic bags and rubbish (n)
 This essay will discuss the causes of this phenomenon and propose viable
solutions to address it.
 Consumerism (n) the situation when too much attention is given to buying and
owning things, often things that are not really necessary
 Aggressive marketing (n)
 The desire for the latest items (n)
 Opt (v) to make choice, especially of one thing/ possibility instead of others
 Non-biodegradable materials (n)
Outline :
 The rise of consumerism
=> aggressive marketing and the desire for latest items -> encouraged to buy more
products
-> increased wastes - items are discarded -> make way for new purchases
=> the convenience of single-use products ( plastic bags and packaging) -> contribute
to the amount of rubbish generated
-> manufactures - opt for cheap, non-biodegradable materials -> reduce costs -
exacerbate the problem
=> lack of awareness abt environmental issues - many individuals not consider the
long-term impact of their waste disposal habits
 Solutions
=> governments - enforce stricter regulations on the production and use of single-use
plastics
-> ban plastic bags / impose taxes on them -> encourage pp to switch to reusable
alternatives
=> promote recycling and waste reduction = public awareness campaign -> educate
pp abt the importance of sustainable practices
-> schools and community organizations - crucial role in spreading this message
=> companies - be encouraged / required to use eco-friendly materials + adopt
sustainable packaging methods
-> incentives ( tax breaks/ certifications )-> motivate business to make their changes

5. In developing countries, children in rural communities have less

access to education. Some people believe that the best way to solve the
problem is by providing schools and teachers. Some others think that it is
better to provide computers and Internet access. Discuss both views and give
your own opinion.
Vcab :
 Remote locations (n)
 Face a severe teacher and school shortage (n)
 Far-reaching (a) likely to influence many pp/ things
=> far-reaching changes
 Geographic barrier (n)
 Motto (n) a short sentence / phrase that expresses a belief / purpose
 Out of reach ( phr )
Outline :
 Schools and teachers - fundamental -> the objective of making education
accessible to countryside students
=> schools - serve a number of purposes other than provide places for classes
-> function as meeting places - learn the importance of collaborating and socialising
with other pp -> provide an ideal learning environment and maintain the discipline of
students = regular attendance
=> poor access to a systematic and constant education -> unlikely to study by
themselves effectively
-> teachers - required in the learning process - acknowledge their student’s
deficiencies and help solve their problems = repeating the same explanation, giving
suitable exercises and tutoring them privately
 Supply with computers and internet
=> enable students to pursue study programmes # living in distant areas
-> eg: use computers and the internet -> participate in the webinars from universities/
work with teachers = email
=> useful learning tools with educational soft-wares - computer programmes - contain
comprehensive course of self-study -> use these software applications # travelling out
of their hometowns

6. Many museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists

but not local people. Why is this the case and what can be done to attract
more local people to visit these places?
vcab :
 Perceive (v) to think of sth in a particular way
=> perceived attractiveness (n)
 Affordable pastime options (n)
 Outing (n) a short trip, usually for pleasure or entertainment
=> casual outing (n)
 Offer special discounts (v)
 Eliminate entrance fees (v)
 Battlefield (n) a place where a battle is being fought
=> tense atmosphere of battlefields (n)
 Historically rich destinations (n)
Outline :
 Reasons
=> price of entrance tickets -> be considered excessively high -> prioritize more
affordable pastime options
-> eg: london’s museum - cost 30$- 40$ -> higher than casual outing
=> uninterested in learning more about regional attractions with which might be
already familiar
-> eg: hanoians - never entered the temple of literature <- have been taught abts its
construction and cultural values at school
 Solutions
=> lower ticket prices for nearby residents
-> offer special discounts / eliminate entrance fees # reduction in ticket sales -> be
compensated by an increase in sales of souvenirs and refreshments
=> offer thrilling experience
-> eg: the military museum in HCM city - virtual reality has been adopted -> allow pp
to immerse themselves in tense atmosphere of battlefields
-> go viral on vietnamese social media -> the number of visitors rise significantly

7. The advance of science and technology has a significant impact on

people, but the role of artists is also important, such as musicians, painters and
writers. What can the arts tell us about life that science cannot?
Vcab
 In today’s world of advanced science and technology → In the world where
scientific and technological advances dominate
 artists → people working in the field of arts
 greatly value somebody → somebody gain a great deal of attention
 can arts tell us about life → arts can teach us certain things about life → in the
world of arts we can learn various things
 that science and technology cannot → that we cannot learn from science and
technology → that are absent from the world of science and technology
  see things from a different perspective → see things in the way we want
 scientific and technological advances → scientific and technological
developments
 dominate (v): thống trị, chiếm ưu thế
 gain a great deal of attention: có được nhiều sự quan tâm, chú ý
 to be allowed to + V: được phép làm gì
 in somesoby’s eyes: trong con mắt của ai đó
 a traditional symbol of…: một biểu tượng truyền thống của…
 gain deeper insights into…: có được cái nhìn sâu sắc hơn về…
 bring benefits to…: mang lại những lợi ích cho…
 instill religious and spiritual values into…: làm thấm nhuần các giá trị tinh thần
và tôn giáo vào…
 well-rounded (adj): toàn diện
 have a passion for…: có niềm đam mê cho…
 put my heart into….: đặt trái tim của tôi vào….
 to be absent from: thiếu vắng từ…
Outline :
 arts give us the opportunity to see things from a different perspective
=> world of science and technology - see things as the way they are # world of arts -
use our imagination and creativity -> see things the way we want
-> researcher’s eye - cat is just an animal with soft fur and 4 legs # to a writer - be a
friend, a hero, a traditional symbol of a culture
-> the way of seeing things -> gain deeper insight into the world we live and teach us
to think from different perspectives - encounter problems
 Instill religious and spiritual values into each individual # scientific and
technological developments -> bring benefits to physical life
=> a well- rounded person
-> eg: feel down and depressed - listen to the song called You raise me up -> give the
feeling that can do everything - have a passion as long as put heart into it
-> hardly have this feeling - carry out scientific research / technological project

8. The high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising but
not the real need of the society where such products are sold. To what extent do
you agree or disagree?
Vcab :
 Substantial (a) relating to the main/ most important things being considered
=> substantial sale figures
 Predominantly (adv) mainly/ mostly
 Indisputable (a) true and impossible to doubt
 Idyllic (a) pleasant, beautiful and peaceful
 Be predicated on sth ( phr) depend on the existence/ truth that it brings
 Resonate with sth ( v) sth that feels true/ has meaning for you
 Seamlessly (adv) without any sudden changes, interruptions or problems
 Stand the test of time (id) still popular, strong after a long period of time
 Utility (n) the usefulness of sth, especially in a practical way
Outline :
 The pervasive influence of advertising in today’s consumer culture is indisputable
=> companies - strive to depict their products - essential to consumers ( children and
teenagers )
-> eg: numerous television commercials - portray young individuals and families ->
enjoy idyllic life by using a particular product
-> believe that they need the same product -> achieve a similar level of happiness, #
actual necessity
-> tactic - perpetuate a consumerist mindset - buying decisions - driven by desire #
genuine needs -> detrimental to society
 Competitive market, sustained success - not only be predicated on advertising
=> companies - experience a surge in sales <- compelling advertisements, long-term
prosperity = offering products - resonate with consumers and seamlessly integrate into
their lives
-> intense competition - compel companies -> strive for greater market share -> the
eventual decline of products - lack quality and relevance to consumer’s needs

Part 3. Write an essay of about 350 words on the following topic.

Religion is part of culture. It is part and parcel of many people’s life. It affects people’s
beliefs and a country’s decisions in diplomacy. That’s why religion is said to be the root of
almost any war throughout history.
What is your opinion of this saying? Present your view in 350 words.
Vcab :
 Interplay (n) the effect that two/ more things have on each other
 Justification (n) a good reason/ explanation for sth
=> serve as a justification
 Bloodshed (n) killing and violence
 Rally (v) to bring/ come together in order to provide support or make a shared
effort
=> rally support
 Legitimize (v) to make sth legal/ acceptable
=> legitimize violence
 Cloak (v) to cover / hide sth
 Rhetoric (n) the art of writing and speaking effectively, the study of this art
 Entangled with/ in sb / sth ( phr ) involved with sth/ sb in a way that makes it
difficult to escape
 Greed (n) a strong wish to continuously get more sth, especially food/ money
=> human greed (n)
 Abound in/with sth (phr v) have a lot of sth
 Oppression (n) a situation in which pp are governed in an unfair and cruel way
and prevented from having freedom
 Homicide (n) an act of murder
 Dogma (n) a fixed belief/ set of beliefs that pp are expected to accept without any
doubts
Outline :

Introduction

Background sentence: Religion shapes people’s values and influences

national policies, so it is often blamed for wars.

Paraphrase the statement: Many argue that religion is the root of almost
every conflict in history.
 Thesis statement: I believe this view is overstated. While religion has played
a role in certain wars, political ambition, economic competition, and territorial
disputes are usually the real causes, with religion used as a convenient
justification.

Body Paragraph 1 – Religion’s involvement in wars

Topic sentence: Admittedly, religion has been directly associated with several
historical conflicts.

Explanation: Religious differences create strong group identities and moral

justifications for violence.

Example: The Crusades (Christian–Muslim conflict) and the Catholic–

Protestant wars in Europe show how faith was invoked to legitimize
bloodshed.

Link: Religion therefore amplified hostility, but it was not necessarily the core
motive.

Body Paragraph 2 – Underlying causes beyond religion

Topic sentence: However, most wars were fundamentally driven by political

and economic agendas.

Explanation: Leaders often manipulated religion to mask their pursuit of

power, land, or resources.

Example: The Crusades also promised material rewards; modern Middle

Eastern conflicts are more about oil and territory than theology.

Link: Religion thus functioned as a tool, not the root cause.

Body Paragraph 3 – Religion as a force for peace

Topic sentence: Furthermore, religion at its core advocates peace rather than
violence.

Explanation: Major world religions emphasize compassion, forgiveness, and

harmony

Example: Figures such as the Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa drew on faith to
promote non-violence and humanitarianism.

Link: This demonstrates that religion itself is not inherently warlike; its
misuse by humans is the real issue.

Conclusion
 Restate thesis: While religion has been entangled in wars, it is misleading to
call it their root cause.

Summary of key points: Political and economic interests are the deeper
drivers; religion is often exploited.

Final thought: Societies should focus on preventing the misuse of religion

and promoting its true message of peace.

Part 2. Write an essay of about 350 words on the following topic.

Some people believe that artificial intelligence should be allowed to evolve freely,
while others argue that strict regulations are necessary to prevent misuse.
Vcab :
 Spark intense debate about …(v)
 Diagnosis (n) a judgment about what a particular illness, problem is, made after
examining it
 Algorithm (n) a list of instructions for solving a problem
 Surveillance (n ) the act of watching a person, place especially by police or army
because of a crime that has happened / is expected
 Cyberattack (n) an illegal attempt to harm sb’s computer system / the information
on it, using the internet
Outline:

Introduction

Background: AI is advancing rapidly and reshaping many aspects of life.

Paraphrase the debate: Some support free evolution of AI, while others
argue for strict regulation.

Thesis statement: Although innovation requires freedom, I believe strict

regulations are essential to prevent misuse and protect society.

Body Paragraph 1 – Arguments for free AI evolution

Topic sentence: Free development of AI promotes innovation and rapid

progress.

Explanation: Restrictions could delay breakthroughs in vital sectors.

Examples: AI in healthcare (early cancer detection), education (personalized

learning), transportation (self-driving cars).

Link: Unconstrained growth maximizes the benefits of AI to humanity.

Body Paragraph 2 – Dangers of unregulated AI

Topic sentence: However, unregulated AI poses severe risks to individuals

and nations
 Explanation: Possible misuse for surveillance, cyberattacks, autonomous
weapons.

Examples: Bias in algorithms, invasion of privacy, job displacement.

Link: Lack of regulation could harm society more than it benefits.

Body Paragraph 3 – Need for balanced regulations

Topic sentence: Therefore, regulation is indispensable but should be

balanced.

Explanation: Laws can prevent harmful applications without stifling research.

Examples: Ban on lethal autonomous weapons, regulations on data protection,

support for healthcare/environmental AI.

Link: Such frameworks enable safe and beneficial AI growth.

Conclusion

Restate thesis: Free growth fosters progress, but strict regulations are crucial
for safety.

Summary of key points: Innovation, risks, balanced governance.

Final thought: With careful oversight, AI can serve humanity rather than
threaten it.

Body Paragraph 1: Arguments for Allowing AI to Evolve Freely

- Encourages innovation, creativity, and faster technological progress.
- Overregulation may slow down development and place limits on beneficial uses
(e.g.
medicine, education).
2- Free development allows competition and growth in the global tech economy.
Body Paragraph 2: Arguments for Strict Regulation
- AI poses risks if misused (e.g. surveillance, bias, autonomous weapons).
- Regulation ensures ethical standards, protects privacy, and maintains human control.
- Without oversight, corporations or governments could exploit AI for harmful
purposes.
Body Paragraph 3: Writer’s Own Opinion
- While innovation is essential, unrestricted development is risky.
- Support for balanced regulation: clear rules to prevent abuse but flexible enough to
encourage research.
- Suggest other alternatives if possible

In just twenty years, every book we read, every painting we view, and every song we
listen to will be produced by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this prediction?
Vcab :
 Stride (n) an important positive development
=> make remarkable stride in
 Creative industries (n)
 Draw on/ upon sth ( phr v) to start using a supply of sth
 Embody (v) to represent a quality or an idea exactly
=> embody human experience and authenticity
 Eclipse (v) to become much more important and noticeable than sth
Outline :
 Make remarkable strides in creative industies
=> algorithms - compose symphonies, generate digital art, write novels - mimic
human style
-> eg: ai programs ( dattle -e )- produce visually stunning paintings in seconds #
language models -> drafting entire stories
-> play a major role in the creation of artistic products
 # overlook the unique qualities of human creativity
=> arts - not only the arrangement of words, colors/ sounds # an expression of lived
experience, emotion and culture
-> eg: a novel written by a machine - imitate the structure of literature # lack the
genuine emotional depth of a writer - draw on personal struggles / cultural histories
-> a painting/ song - created by ai -> impress technically # fail to capture the
authenticity and vulnerability - resonate with viewers
 Human being - inherent desire -> connect with other human = arts
=> a song - reflect a musician’s heartbreak/ a painting - represent an artistic
worldview -> add values beyond the artwork itself
-> # ai creations - flood the market -> pp continue to seek out art - embody human
experience and authenticity

Online communities often "cancel" public figures for past actions or statements.
Supporters view this as holding people accountable; critics argue it stifles
dialogue and growth.
Is cancel culture a form of social justice or a threat to free expression?
Vcab :
 Give birth to (v)
 Shun (v) to avoid sth
 Denounce (v) to criticize sth/sb strongly and publicly
 Devolve into (v) to change from one thing to another, usually sth bad
 Punitive (a) intended as punishment
=> punitive practice
 Marginalize (v) to treat sth/ sb as if they are not important
=> marginalized voice
 Impunity (n) freedom from punishment / from unpleasant results of sth has been
done
 Shield from (v) to protect sth
 Call sth out (phr v ) to say sth in a loud voice
=> call out (n) a public criticism that draws pp attention to sth bad about what another
person/ an organization has said/ done
 Amplify social justice movement (v)
 Redemption (n) the state of being kept from evil/ of improving morally
 Ostracism (n) the action of intentionally not including sb in social group/ activity
 Escalate into sth (phr v) to become sth greater/ more serious
 Harassment (n) behavior that annoys/upset sb
 Rehabilitation (n) the process of returning sth to good condition
Outline :

1. Introduction (≈60–70 words)

Purpose: Introduce the issue, give background, and state a clear thesis.
● Define cancel culture briefly.
● Mention its growing impact on public discourse and social media.
● Acknowledge both perspectives: justice vs. censorship.
● Thesis statement: State your position clearly. For example:
While cancel culture can serve as a tool for accountability, its growing tendency to
suppress
dialogue and ignore redemption renders it a significant threat to free expression.
2. Body Paragraphs (≈220–250 words total)
Body Paragraph 1: The Argument for Cancel Culture (≈100–120 words)
Focus: Present why some see it as social justice.
● Used to challenge systemic inequalities or expose racism, misogyny, etc.
● Gives marginalized voices a platform to hold the powerful accountable.
● Examples: MeToo movement exposing abuse, demand for ethical
responsibility.
● Short-term consequences (e.g., job loss, public apology) often seen as
proportionate.
Body Paragraph 2: The Case Against Cancel Culture (≈120–130 words)
Focus: Argue that it suppresses free speech and growth.
● Lacks due process: people punished without full context or investigation.
● Free speech chilled by fear of being "called out" for honest mistakes or past views.
● Ignores personal growth and change; reinforces mob mentality.
● Example: Public figures “canceled” for decades-old tweets or youthful errors.
● May create echo chambers, reducing space for meaningful dialogue.
3. Conclusion (≈40–50 words)
Purpose: Restate position, offer nuanced reflection.
● Reaffirm that while accountability is necessary, cancel culture’s extremes can
undermine
democratic discourse.
● True justice must allow for learning, apology, and redemption.
● Encourage a shift from “cancelling” to “constructive accountability.”

Part 2. Write an essay of about 350 words on the following topic.

Some people believe that governments should invest heavily in public mental health
services, while others argue that it is the responsibility of individuals to manage
their own well-being.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Vcab :
 Psychological health services (n)
 Spiritual well-being (n)
 Affair (n) a situation/ subject that is being dealt with/ considered, a matter
=> purely private affair (n)
 Dignity (n) the importance and value that a person has, that makes other pp
respect them / make them respect themselves
Outline :
 Individuals - take active responsibility for their own mental health
=> modern lifestyles - give rise to conditions ( anxiety, depression) -> rooted in habits
of isolation, overexposure to digital platforms, neglect of physical and social
connection
-> eg: excessive use of social media - displace genuine human interaction ( among
adolescents ) -> breed feelings of emptiness and disconnection
-> our inner state - closely tied to our daily choices, self-discipline, self-awareness ->
indispensable
-> each person possesses agency over their mind and has duty to nurture it
 Place the entire weight of responsibility individuals -> ignoring the wider
structure that shapes mental well-being
=> mental health - not purely private affair -> reflect societal conditions ( economic
insecurity, work culture, lack of accessible care )
-> = investing in public programs ( community counseling, crisis helplines , afforbale
treatment ) - acknowledge that mental well- being is public good # private luxury
-> governments - provide clean water/ education -> must ensure citizens have access
to psychological support - neglect in this realm -> undermine the social fabric
-> government involvement -> reflect a deeper principle of justice - collective
resources -> be mobilized to protect the dignity of individuals