Topic 6: Birthdays

1. Is it important for you to celebrate your birthday?

Absolutely. I always make a point of celebrating it with my family and close
friends, not just for the fun of it, but also as a way to express my gratitude to my
parents for bringing me into this world. It’s also a perfect occasion for us to
reunite and catch up on each other’s lives, especially since we live far apart. In a
way, it’s less about the celebration itself and more about cherishing the people
who matter to me.
2. How do children celebrate birthdays in your country?
In my country, children typically celebrate their birthdays with lively parties full
of balloons, a big cake, and fun games. Parents often invite their child’s
classmates and decorate the venue with cartoon or superhero themes. These
events are usually filled with laughter, playful activities, and the joyful chaos that
only a room full of excited children can create.
3. How did you celebrate your last birthday?
My most recent birthday was a rather simple but heartfelt dinner at home with
my family. We ordered my favourite dishes, and my mother baked a homemade
cake. It wasn’t lavish or over the top, but the warmth, laughter, and genuine
conversations made it far more meaningful than any extravagant celebration.
4. Is there a difference between the way you celebrated your birthday in the past
and in the present?
Yes, without a doubt. In my younger years, birthdays were grand affairs with lots
of friends, colourful decorations, and a whole lot of excitement. These days, I
lean towards smaller, more intimate gatherings where I can spend quality time
with the people I truly care about. I’ve realised that the meaning of birthdays has
shifted for me—from being about the spectacle to being about connection and
appreciation.

Topic 7: Making Plans

1. Do you like making plans?
Yes, I enjoy planning things in advance because it gives me a sense of control
and direction. It helps me stay focused and avoid last-minute stress. Even simple
to-do lists make me feel more productive.
2. What are the benefits of making plans?
Planning helps people manage their time better and set clear priorities. It also
reduces uncertainty and boosts confidence in achieving goals. Overall, it makes
life more organized and purposeful.

Topic 8: Public Transport

1. What's the most popular means of transportation in your hometown?
Motorbikes are by far the most common mode of transport in my city. They’re
affordable, convenient, and can easily weave through traffic. Most households
own at least one.
2. Do you prefer public transportation or private transportation?
I personally prefer private transportation because it offers more privacy and
flexibility. However, I do use public transport occasionally when traveling to
busy areas. It’s more eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run.
3. Will you use public transport more in the future?
Probably yes, especially if the system becomes more reliable and comfortable.
I’m aware of the environmental benefits, so I’m willing to make the switch.
Convenience and safety will be the key factors.

Topic 9: Puzzles
1. Is it good for old people to do puzzles?
Absolutely. Puzzles can help keep their minds sharp and improve memory and
problem-solving skills. It’s also a relaxing way to pass the time.
2. Do you prefer doing word puzzles or number puzzles?
I’m more into word puzzles because I love playing with language and
vocabulary. They feel less overwhelming than numbers. Plus, they’re a fun way
to learn new expressions.

Topic 10: Snacks

1. What is your opinion on snacks between meals?

I think snacks can be beneficial if chosen wisely and consumed in moderation.
They help maintain energy levels and prevent overeating during main meals.
However, unhealthy snacking can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

2. Is it healthy to eat snacks?

It depends on the type of snack. Nuts, fruits, or yogurt can be nutritious options
that support overall health. On the other hand, processed snacks high in sugar or
fat can do more harm than good.

3. What kind of snacks do you like to eat?

I usually go for healthy snacks like mixed nuts or sliced fruit. They’re
convenient, satisfying, and don’t leave me feeling guilty afterward. Occasionally,
I treat myself to a piece of dark chocolate.

4. What kind of snacks do children in your country like to eat now?

Nowadays, children in my country are drawn to packaged snacks like chips,
candy, and sweetened drinks. These are widely available and heavily advertised,
especially on TV and social media. Unfortunately, many of them are far from
healthy.
5. What was the most popular snack when you were young?
When I was a child, fried fish balls and rice paper with tamarind sauce were all
the rage. You could find street vendors selling them outside almost every school.
They were cheap, flavorful, and addictive.
6. When do you usually eat snacks?
I tend to snack in the late afternoon, especially when I need an energy boost
before dinner. It’s usually something light like fruit or yogurt. Occasionally, I
treat myself to something salty or crunchy.
7. Do your parents allow you to eat snacks?
Yes, but they always encouraged moderation. They were quite strict about
avoiding junk food and sugary snacks. So I grew up with healthier alternatives
like boiled corn or sweet potatoes.

🔹Topic 11: Memory

1. How do you remember important things?
I rely heavily on digital tools like calendar apps and reminders on my phone. For
instance, if I have an important meeting or deadline, I immediately set a
notification to avoid forgetting. I also find that writing things down in a planner
helps reinforce my memory.
2. Are you good at memorizing things?
I’d say it depends. I'm quite good at remembering facts or visual patterns, but I
struggle with things like names or long strings of numbers. I’ve learned to use
mnemonic techniques and repetition to help compensate for that.
3. Have you ever forgotten something important?
I had scheduled a placement test for the following day, but it completely slipped
my mind, and I went out instead. By the time I remembered, the student had
already left, turning it into a costly mistake in terms of both time and
opportunity.
4. What do you need to remember in your daily life?
On a daily basis, I need to remember my teaching schedule, lesson plans, and
what tasks I’ve lined up for the day. Since I live a fairly structured life, forgetting
just one item can disrupt my whole routine.

🔹Topic 12: Patience

1. Are you patient?
Generally speaking, yes. I’ve cultivated a lot of patience over the years,
especially through teaching and interacting with people of different
temperaments. I’m not easily flustered by delays or setbacks.
2. Would you say you are a patient person?
Absolutely. I tend to approach situations with calmness and try to see the bigger
picture rather than reacting impulsively. Patience, to me, is a skill you develop
through life experience.
3. Were you more patient or less patient in the past compared to now?
I used to be much less patient, especially in my early twenties. I wanted instant
results and quick progress. Over time, I’ve realized that some things just take
time and effort, and being impatient only makes the process more stressful.
4. Have you ever lost your patience?
Yes, of course. One time, I was dealing with customer service for hours, getting
transferred from one person to another without a solution. I eventually snapped
and raised my voice, which I later regretted.
5. What do you become impatient about?
I tend to be quite impatient when I’m forced to wait unnecessarily, especially in
heavy traffic. It really gets under my skin because I feel like I’m wasting
precious time that could have been spent more productively.
6. Do you think patience is important?
Definitely. In both personal and professional life, patience helps you stay
focused, make better decisions, and maintain healthier relationships. It's a quality
that often separates emotionally intelligent people from the rest.

🔹Topic 13: Writing

1. Do you usually write by hand or write using a computer?
I mostly use a computer these days, especially for work and communication,
because it's fast and easy to organize. But when I need to brainstorm or reflect, I
still prefer handwriting, it feels more personal and helps me think clearly.
2. Nowadays, how do most people write things?
Most people use digital devices like phones or laptops since it’s more convenient
and time-saving. Handwriting is becoming rare, though it’s still used for quick
notes or in some formal situations.
3. Did you like writing things when you were a child?
Yes, I did. I used to write stories and keep a diary almost every day. It was a fun
way to express myself and also helped me develop a love for language.

🔹Topic 14: Weather

1. What's the weather usually like in your hometown?
It’s mostly hot and humid throughout the year, with a long rainy season. The
temperature rarely drops below 25 degrees, so it can feel a bit exhausting
sometimes.
2. Do you have a habit of checking the weather forecast?
Not really. To be honest, I find weather forecasts rather unreliable, as the weather
where I live tends to be unpredictable. For instance, it was forecast to rain so I
moved my class online, but then not a single drop fell. On the other hand, the
forecast promised a bright and sunny day, so we planned a picnic, only to end up
soaked in the rain.

3. Do you like hot weather?

Yes, I do. Since I grew up in a tropical country, I’ve become accustomed to the
heat. In fact, I usually feel more energetic and productive on hot days than on
cold ones, perhaps because the sunshine naturally lifts my mood and boosts my
energy levels.
4. What do you do in hot weather?
To be honest, hot weather is nothing unusual in Vietnam, especially in the South
where it’s hot all year round. So, my routine doesn’t really change. Typically, we
just stay indoors, switch on the air conditioning, stay hydrated, and go about our
usual activities as normal.

5. Do you like wet weather?

Only if I can stay at home. Rainy days give me a sense of tranquility, and I enjoy
curling up, doing nothing, or even taking a nap with the soothing sound of
rainfall in the background. However, going out in wet weather is inconvenient
and something I’d rather avoid.

6. Would you like to visit a hot country?

Absolutely. From what I know, many countries with hot climates also boast rich
cultural traditions and fascinating historical heritage. I’d love the opportunity to
explore such places and immerse myself in the great civilizations that have
shaped human history.

🔹 Topic 15: Spending Time by Yourself

1. Do you like spending time by yourself?
Not at all. I’ve never really been the kind of person who enjoys solitude. In fact, I
tend to cling to the idea of constant companionship because I find loneliness
quite unsettling.
2. Are you happy when you are alone?
No, quite the contrary. Whenever I’m left on my own, I feel restless and uneasy.
That’s why I always want my husband around me, his presence gives me a sense
of comfort and emotional security.
3. What do you do when you spend time by yourself?
Well, to be honest, I rarely have what people call “me time.” Whether I’m
working, playing games, reading, or even sleeping, my husband is there with me.
He once joked that although it’s rather bizarre and even hilarious at times, he
actually enjoys it, because he feels bored and insecure without me by his side.