UNIT 20: SOCIETY
PART 1:
Âm nhạc
1. Tell me about a noise that you can hear around your home?
Well, one of the most noticeable sounds around my home is the chirping of birds early in
the morning. It usually starts at dawn, and although it can be a bit loud, I actually find it
rather soothing because it creates a refreshing start to the day. From time to time, I also
hear the hum of motorbikes passing by on the main road nearby. Admittedly, that kind of
noise can be slightly annoying, especially when I’m trying to concentrate on studying.
Still, I would say I’ve grown accustomed to it over the years. In a way, these sounds have
become part of the background of my daily life, like a soundtrack that reflects the rhythm
of my neighborhood.
Vocabulary / Idioms
noticeable sounds – âm thanh dễ nhận thấy
at dawn – vào lúc bình minh
soothing – êm dịu, dễ chịu
hum of motorbikes – tiếng xe máy vo ve, ù ù
accustomed to – quen với, thích nghi với
soundtrack – nhạc nền (ẩn dụ)
rhythm of my neighborhood – nhịp sống của khu phố
a refreshing start to the day – khởi đầu ngày mới đầy sảng khoái
slightly annoying – hơi phiền toái
grown accustomed to it – đã dần quen với nó
part of the background of my daily life – trở thành một phần quen thuộc trong cuộc
sống hằng ngày
a soundtrack that reflects the rhythm – ẩn dụ: âm thanh như nhạc nền phản ánh nhịp
sống
2. What kinds of sound do you like?
I’m really fond of natural sounds, especially the sound of rain falling on the roof. It has a
calming effect on me and helps me unwind after a stressful day. I also enjoy listening to
gentle instrumental music, like piano or guitar melodies, because they create a peaceful
atmosphere that allows me to concentrate better on my tasks. From time to time, I even
like the cheerful noise of children playing outside, since it brings a sense of liveliness and
reminds me of my own carefree childhood.
Từ vựng khó / ít phổ biến
gentle instrumental music – nhạc không lời dịu nhẹ
melodies – giai điệu
carefree childhood – tuổi thơ vô tư lự
soothing and uplifting – dễ chịu và nâng cao tinh thần
loud or disruptive – ồn ào hoặc gây phiền nhiễu
helps me unwind after a stressful day – giúp thư giãn sau một ngày căng thẳng
brings a sense of liveliness – mang lại cảm giác sống động
reminds me of my carefree childhood – gợi nhớ tuổi thơ vô lo vô nghĩ
3. What kinds of sounds do you dislike?
To be honest, I can’t stand loud and harsh noises, such as the constant honking of car horns in traffic
jams. They make me feel irritated and sometimes even give me a headache. I also dislike the sound of
construction work, like drilling or hammering, because it’s extremely disruptive and makes it almost
impossible to focus on studying or relaxing. Another sound that bothers me is dogs barking endlessly
at night, which often interrupts my sleep. Overall, I would say I prefer a quiet and peaceful
environment, since excessive noise really drains my energy.
Từ vựng khó / ít phổ biến
can’t stand – không chịu nổi
loud and harsh noises – âm thanh lớn và chói tai
constant honking – tiếng còi xe liên tục
irritated – khó chịu, bực bội
construction work – công trình xây dựng
drilling / hammering – khoan / đóng búa
disruptive – gây gián đoạn
interrupts my sleep – làm gián đoạn giấc ngủ
peaceful environment – môi trường yên bình
excessive noise – tiếng ồn quá mức
drains my energy – rút cạn năng lượng
4. In which kind of place do you prefer to work or study, a noisy place or a quiet place?
Without a doubt, I prefer a quiet place to work or study. A calm environment allows me to
concentrate better and finish tasks more efficiently, without being distracted by constant
background noise. For example, when I study in the library, I can really get into the flow of
learning and absorb knowledge much faster. In contrast, noisy places, such as cafés or
crowded streets, tend to break my focus and make me feel mentally drained. So, for me, a
peaceful setting is the key to staying productive and motivated.
Từ vựng khó / ít phổ biến
without a doubt – chắc chắn
calm environment – môi trường yên tĩnh
concentrate better – tập trung tốt hơn
efficiently – hiệu quả
constant background noise – tiếng ồn liên tục xung quanh
get into the flow of learning – chìm vào dòng chảy học tập
absorb knowledge – tiếp thu kiến thức
mentally drained – kiệt sức tinh thần
peaceful setting – không gian yên bình
productive and motivated – năng suất và có động lực
get into the flow – đạt trạng thái tập trung cao độ
break my focus – làm gián đoạn sự tập trung
drains my energy / mentally drained – kiệt sức tinh thần
the key to staying productive – chìa khóa để duy trì năng suất
5. Are traffic jam a big issue in your city?
Yes, traffic congestion is definitely a major problem in my city. During rush hours, the streets
are often packed with cars and motorbikes, which leads to long delays and a lot of frustration for
commuters. One of the main reasons is that the number of private vehicles has increased
dramatically, while the public transport system is still underdeveloped. Besides wasting people’s
time, traffic jams also contribute to air pollution and noise, which negatively affect the overall
quality of life. Personally, I think the government should invest more in expanding roads and
improving public transportation to ease the situation.
🔹 Từ vựng khó / ít phổ biến
traffic congestion – tắc nghẽn giao thông
rush hours – giờ cao điểm
packed with – chật kín, đông nghẹt
commuters – người đi làm, đi học hằng ngày
dramatically – đáng kể
underdeveloped – chưa phát triển
contribute to – góp phần vào
overall quality of life – chất lượng cuộc sống tổng thể
invest in – đầu tư vào
ease the situation – làm dịu tình trạng, cải thiện tình hình
a major problem in my city – một vấn đề lớn ở thành phố tôi
leads to long delays – gây ra sự chậm trễ kéo dài
wasting people’s time – lãng phí thời gian của người dân
air pollution and noise – ô nhiễm không khí và tiếng ồn
invest more in expanding roads – đầu tư thêm vào việc mở rộng đường
6. Do you obey the law all the time?
For the most part, yes, I do my best to follow the law because I believe it keeps society organized
and safe. I always obey traffic regulations, pay my bills on time, and avoid doing anything that
could get me into trouble. That being said, I have to admit that sometimes I might break minor
rules without realizing it, such as crossing the street where there isn’t a pedestrian lane. Still, I
think what really matters is having respect for the law and being responsible for my actions.
Từ vựng khó / ít phổ biến
for the most part – hầu hết, phần lớn
keep society organized and safe – giữ cho xã hội có trật tự và an toàn
obey traffic regulations – tuân thủ luật giao thông
get me into trouble – khiến tôi gặp rắc rối
minor rules – những quy định nhỏ
pedestrian lane – vạch dành cho người đi bộ
what really matters – điều quan trọng nhất
being responsible for my actions – chịu trách nhiệm cho hành động của mình
do my best to follow the law – cố gắng hết sức để tuân thủ luật
break minor rules – vi phạm quy định nhỏ
without realizing it – mà không nhận ra
respect for the law – tôn trọng pháp luật
Well, one of the most important laws in my country is the traffic law that requires
people to wear helmets when riding motorbikes. Since Vietnam has one of the largest
numbers of motorbike users in the world, this law was introduced to protect people from serious
head injuries in case of accidents.
I first knew about this law back in 2007, when it was officially enforced nationwide. At
that time, it was all over the news and everyone was talking about it because before then, many
people used to ride without any protection. Schools also raised awareness by showing us
documentaries about the dangers of traffic accidents, so I became very conscious of this law
quite early.
I think this law is extremely important for several reasons. Firstly, it directly saves lives.
Statistics have shown that since the law was implemented, the number of fatal accidents has
dropped significantly. Secondly, it raises people’s awareness about road safety in general, which
helps create a more disciplined traffic culture. And finally, it reminds us of our responsibility, not
only to ourselves but also to other road users, because reckless behavior can put everyone at risk.
To put it simply, the helmet law may seem basic, but it plays a vital role in protecting
millions of people every day. Without it, the streets would definitely be far more dangerous.
Từ vựng (Vocabulary)
enforce a law = thi hành luật
introduce a law = ban hành luật
raise awareness = nâng cao nhận thức
fatal accidents = tai nạn chết người
road safety = an toàn giao thông
disciplined traffic culture = văn hóa giao thông có kỷ luật
reckless behavior = hành vi liều lĩnh
head injuries = chấn thương đầu
statistics have shown that… = số liệu thống kê cho thấy rằng…
protect people from… = bảo vệ mọi người khỏi…
remind us of our responsibility = nhắc nhở trách nhiệm của chúng ta
all over the news = xuất hiện khắp trên tin tức
play a vital role in… = đóng vai trò quan trọng
to put it simply = nói một cách đơn giản
save lives = cứu mạng sống
millions of people every day = nhấn mạnh quy mô lớn
drop significantly = giảm đáng kể
❓ Question 1: Do you think people would prefer to be police officers or
lawyers?
Well, it really depends on people’s personality and priorities. Many individuals might prefer to
be lawyers because this profession is often associated with prestige, financial stability, and
intellectual challenges. Lawyers usually work in offices, and although their job can be stressful,
it is generally considered safer than being a police officer.
On the other hand, some people are drawn to becoming police officers because they want
to serve their community and maintain public order. The sense of duty and honor that comes
with this job can be very rewarding. However, I believe that overall, more people would choose
to be lawyers, simply because the risks of working in law enforcement are much higher, and not
everyone is willing to put themselves in danger on a daily basis.
❓ Question 2: Does society need police officers?
Absolutely, police officers are indispensable in any society. They play a crucial role in
maintaining law and order, preventing crimes, and ensuring that citizens feel safe in their daily
lives. Without them, chaos would inevitably follow, as there would be no one to enforce laws or
protect people from harmful behavior.
In addition, police officers also serve as a deterrent. Just the presence of law enforcement on the
streets can discourage potential criminals from committing illegal acts. Beyond crime control,
they often provide assistance in emergencies, such as accidents or natural disasters, which further
highlights their importance. So, in my opinion, a society without police officers would simply
not function effectively.
Từ vựng & cấu trúc nổi bật
associated with prestige / financial stability / intellectual challenges = gắn với uy tín /
sự ổn định tài chính / thử thách trí tuệ
serve their community / maintain public order = phục vụ cộng đồng / duy trì trật tự xã
hội
sense of duty and honor = cảm giác về trách nhiệm và danh dự
put themselves in danger on a daily basis = đặt bản thân vào nguy hiểm hằng ngày
indispensable / play a crucial role in… = không thể thiếu / đóng vai trò quan trọng
chaos would inevitably follow = hỗn loạn chắc chắn sẽ xảy ra
act as a deterrent = đóng vai trò răn đe
society would not function effectively = xã hội sẽ không thể hoạt động hiệu quả