Sample sentences for writing task 1
1. Describing information:
1.1. Writing introduction:
The table/ line graph/ bar chart/ column chart/ pie chart shows/ illustrates/ describes the
percentage of/the number of/the proportion of/ the rate of………… . Overall, ……..
As can be seen from the chart, ………………………………………(topic sentence)
1.2 Presenting statistics:
-

The USA and Japan both had 10% of the unemployed people

-

The USA and Japan accounted for 10% of the unemployed people

-

10% of the unemployed people were from the USA and Japan

-

There were 10% of the unemployed people in the USA and Japan

-

the profit of France remained steady / stable/ constant at 10%

-

the profit of France rose / increased/ grew up/ went up/ by 10% / from 10% to 20%

-

the profit of France fell/ decreased/ went down/ declined/ dropped by 10% / from 20% to
10%

1.3 Expressing changes in data: (Trend)
-

The number of the unemployed increased/ rose/ went up suddenly / rapidly/ dramatically/
sharply/ significantly/ slightly/ steadily/ gradually/ slowly from …. to…..

-

The number of the unemployed decreased/ fell/ went down/ dropped suddenly / rapidly/
dramatically/ sharply/ significantly/ slightly/ steadily/ gradually/ slowly from …. to…..

-

There was a sudden / rapid/ dramatic/ sharp/ significant/ slight/ steady/ gradual/ slow
increase / rise/ climb in the number of the unemployed from ….to…..

-

There was a sudden / rapid / dramatic/ sharp / significant / slight / steady/ gradual / slow
decrease/ fall / drop in the number of the unemployed from ….to…..

-

The number of the unemployed people fluctuated between ………..and…


-

There was a fluctuation in the number of the unemployed people between …and…

-

There was little/ no change in the number of the unemployed people from….to…

-

The figures peaked/ reached the peak/ reached the highest point at 20% in December

-

The data bottomed out/ reached the bottom/ reached the lowest point at 10% in Dec

Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


1.4 Comparing data
-

the percentage of profit in France doubled from May to June

-

the percentage of profit in France increased three –fold/ four – fold from May to June

-


France made twice/ three times/ four times the percentage of profit in May than in June

-

the USA and Japan had the largest percentage/ number of the unemployed people (75%)

-

The USA had almost/ nearly/ about one quarter of/ a third of/ a half of/ three quarter of the
total number of the unemployed people

-

The USA had almost/ nearly/ about one quarter of/ a half of/ three quarter of /twice/ three
times as many the unemployed people as Japan

-

The USA had almost/ nearly/ about as many as Japan

-

The USA had nearly/ about / exactly/ the same number of the unemployed people as Japan

-

There were more unemployed people in the USA than those in Japan (10% and 6%
respectively)

-


The number of the unemployed people in the USA rose steadily, whereas/ while that in
Japan fell slightly

-

The number of the unemployed people in the USA (6%) were fewer than that in Japan
(10%)

-

More/ fewer/ female students (10%) than males (6%) chose online games

-

In comparison to the female students (6%), the males (10%) chose more online games

2. Describing process:
-

The diagram illustrates/ shows the process of clean energy production from coal

-

The diagram illustrates/ shows how clean energy is produced from coal. The first stage is to
prepare coal. …………………..
The next stage is to produce energy. ……………………………

-


The diagram illustrates/ shows the structure of a fire extinguisher and its operation. The a fire
extinguisher consists of …………………., which is
In order for a fire extinguisher to work, first……………..

-

First……………then/ next/ after that/…………………. Finally,

-

After/ before……………..

Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


Sample writing task 1
Describing data (one chart)

The bar graph describes the consumption of meat per person each year in kilograms in USA
between the years 1950 and 2000. As can be clearly seen that there was a fluctuation in the figure of
Beef during five decades. In 1950, this number was approximately 30 kg and increased slightly to over
35 kg in 1960. After that it rose to a peak at nearly 50 kg by 1970 then continued its downward trend
more gradually to 40 kg by 2000.
However, the consumption of poultry went up gradually from 1950 to 2000. In fact, this number
was only less than 15 kg in 1950. By 1960, it rose slightly but later increased dramatically to well under
30 kg. After it maintained the same level between 1970 and 1980 which was followed by a swift growth
in the last two decades, it reached the highest peak of around 50 kg by 2000. Overall, the graph reflects
the differences between beef and poultry consumption during the period 1950-2000.

Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.



Writing task 1

You should write 20 minutes for this task.
The chart below shows the amount of leisure time enjoyed by men and women
of different employment status.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information shown below.
You should write at least 150 words.

model answer:

The chart illustrates the number of hours of leisure that men and women enjoyed in a typical week in
1998-1999, according to gender and employment status. Among those employed full-time, men on
average had fifty hours of leisure, whereas women had approximately thirty-seven hours. There were no
figures given for male part-time workers, but female part-timers had forty hours of leisure time. Lastly,
there were only figures given for housewives (approximately fifty-four hours of leisure).
In the unemployed and retired categories, leisure time showed an increase for both sexes. Men enjoyed
more leisure time than women. The unemployed and retired men spent over eighty hours, compared
with seventy hours for women. Overall, the chart demonstrates that in the categories for which statistics
on male leisure time were available, men enjoyed at least ten hours of extra leisure time.

Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


Describing trend:

The line graph describes the amount of wool price in New Zealand between the years 1980 and
2000. As can be clearly seen that there was a fluctuation in the number of New Zealand wool price
during two decades. In fact, in 1980, this figure was consistently 2 dollars, but later increased slightly to

over 2 dollars after a year. However, it fell significantly to under 1.5 in 1985 then continued its upward
trend to reach the peak at 5 dollars in 1987, a threefold growth. This number decreased suddenly to 3 in
the early 1990.
However, the wool price had little change from 1990 to 2000, except a sharp rise in 1995. The
price maintained the same level around 3 dollars during four years (1990 - 1994). After that it recovered
steadily in 1994 with fewer than 4 then continued to go up sharply to over 4.5 in 1995. In the last five
years, it fell again to just 3.5 in 1998 and remained constant at the same level in 2000. Overall, the
graph reflects that the number of New Zealand wool price fluctuated during the period reached the
highest peak of over 5 dollars and fell to an all time level of under 1.5.

Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


Describing process
The diagram below shows how a central heating system in a house works.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where
relevant.

The diagram illustrates the operation of a domestic central heating system in a house. It consists of a
tank which is used to store water in the roof: a boiler fuelled by gas or oil; and pipes. All these ensure a
constant flow of hot water to the radiators, which have small tubes inside them to help distribute the
heat,

and

the

taps.

In order for the system to work, first, cold water enters the house and is stored in a water storage tank.

From there, it flows down to the boiler, located on the ground floor of the house. After that, the boiler
heats up the water as it passes through it. The hot water is then pumped round the house through a
system of pipes and flows into the radiators, located in different rooms. The water circulates through the
radiators, and this warms each of the rooms. Some of the water is directed to the taps to provide hot
water for the house. Once the water has been through the pipes and radiators, it is returned to the boiler
to be re-heated and circulated round the house again.

Describing two graphs
Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


The two pie charts illustrate the amount of time of each student spending on two levels.
Although the rate of Computers in level 2 (11%) is slightly more than that in level 1, with only an
increase of 1%, this number of Physics is zero. In addition, while the amount of time spending on
Chemistry in level 2 is 11%, this figure in level 1 is zero. Finally, the sum of time learning on
Computers of level 1 and level 2 is 10% and 11% respectively
As can be seen from the two charts, English, Engineering and Math are three subjects of both
levels which have high amount of time . English is the biggest subject in level 1 accounting for 36%,
while the figure of level 2 is less 8% than level 1’s number. The amount of time learning on Engineering
in level 2 is similar to English’s figure (28%). Math is the second biggest subject in level 1, with 24%,
but the figure of level 2 is 2% lower than level 1’s number. Following is the number of hours learning
on Engineering in level 1, with 20%. Overall, the charts reflect the differences of time learning on each
subject of two levels.

Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


Describing two graphs

The two graphs describe the amount of expenditure on health and education in UAE between

1985 and 1993, and the trend of infant mortality and life expectancy. As can be shown from the line
graph, the number of life expectancy increased gradually from 60 years in 1970 to over 70 years in
1992, whereas the figure of infant mortality plunged over the period. In fact, this number fell steeply
from 70 per 1000 births to 20 per 1000 births, a huge decrease of over 70%.
As can be seen clearly from the bar chart,

the expenditure on both sections (health and

education) had a dramatic increase during the period. In 1985, this number of health was only under
8% but later went up gradually to 10% in 1993. In comparison, the rate of education category was a
great deal more than that of health section. In fact, this figure was consistently around 10% in 1985.
After that it rose sharply to approximately 14% by 1990 then continued its upward trend more slightly to
under 15% by 1993. Overall, the charts reflect the differences about the percentage between health and
education, life expectancy and infant mortality.

Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


Task 1: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagram below shows the typical stages of consumer goods manufacturing, including the
process by which information is fed back to earlier stages to enable adjustment.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the process shown.
You should write at least 150 words.

Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


Sample answer:
Most consumer goods go through a series of stages before they emerge as finished products ready

for sale.
Raw materials and manufactured components comprise the initial physical input in the
manufacturing process. Once obtained, these are stored for later assembly. But assembly first
depends upon the production planning stage, where it is decided how and in what quantities the
stored materials will be processed to create sufficient quantities of finished goods. The production
planning stage itself follows the requirements of the goods' design stage that proceeds from
extensive research. After assembly, the products are inspected and tested to maintain quality
control l Those units that pass the inspection and testing stages are then packaged, despatched
and offered for sale in retail outlets. The level of sales, which is the end point of the manufacturing
process, helps determine production planning.
A product's design is not only the result of product research, but is also influenced by testing and
market research. If the testing stage (after assembly and inspection) reveals unacceptable
problems in the finished product, then adjustments will have to be made to the product's design.
Similarly, market research, which examines the extent and nature of the demand for products, has
the role of guiding product design to suit consumer demands which may change with time. Market
research, while influenced by product sales, also serves to foster future sales by devising suitable
advertising for the goods.
Thus the reality of consumer goods manufacturing goes well beyond a simple linear production
process.

Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


Sample writing task 2
Topic: Living in an apartment instead of a university dormitory has advantages and
disadvantages. Discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of apartment living.
When a person decides to enter a university away from home, he or she must also consider living
accommodations. Although most universities offer student dormitories, students frequently opt to live in
an apartment. While there are many advantages to apartment living, there are also many disadvantages.
Before a student decides to live in an apartment, all the aspects of that kind of accommodation should be

reviewed.
Living in an apartment has many advantages. First, students can choose to live in a quiet
neighborhood. A quiet neighborhood is conducive to studying. Away from the distractions of campus
life, students can be more serious about their studies. Second, apartment life allows students to be more
independent. For example, they can cook whatever they want to eat and have their meals whenever they
want them. Third, students can often find apartments that are cheaper than the fee for room and board in
a dormitory.
However, living in an apartment also has disadvantages. Being away from campus life can make
students feel isolated. Another disadvantage is that apartments close to campus are usually expensive,
and those farther away are not within walking distance. Therefore, transportation must be considered.
Finally, students who live in apartments must cook their own meals, shop for food, perhaps carry their
laundry to a Laundromat, and clean their entire apartment – not just their room.
Even though there are many advantages to apartment living, I would prefer to live in the
university dormitory for the following reasons. First, I will be new at the university and meeting people
will be easier in a dormitory setting. Second, I won’t have to worry about purchasing and cooking food
or cleaning up afterwards. Consequently, I will have more time for my studies. Finally, I will be within
walking distance of my classes and the university library. In conclusion, living on campus is more
advantageous for me than living in an apartment.

Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


To what extend do you agree? Maintaining Death sentence?
1

How would you feel if a loved one were killed? Would you want retribution, or would having the
killer in prison be enough? This question has been asked many times, but people are not in
agreement about the ultimate punishment. We all know that it is wrong to take a human life,
but if our government does the killing, is it still a crime? Some people say that the
government doesn't have the right to end someone's life. However, a majority of the people

approve of the view that capital punishment should be preserved.

2 It could be argued that allowing the death penalty is for the sake of punishment itself. Criminals who
commit serious crimes should be separated from society. The punishment will depend on the degree of
the crime. Capital punishment, the most severe form of punishment, ends criminals' lives. It seems
reasonable that this severe punishment be reserved for those who commit the most serious crimes.
3 Most people agree that preserving capital punishment is also financial. The government doesn't have
to spend a lot of money on criminals. Next to capital punishment, the most severe punishment is a life
sentence in prison, where the government has to take care of criminals until they die naturally. These
criminals do not work, but they receive free housing and food. It is unfair to use tax dollars for such a
purpose.
4 Many people state that continuing the use of the death penalty is based on the purpose of government.
If the government has legitimate power to make, judge, and carry out the laws, it should also have the
power to decide if criminals should die. Capital punishment is like any other sentence. If one believes
that the government has the right to charge a fine or put criminals into jail, then the government must
also have the same power to decide the fate of a prisoner's life.
5 The opponents of capital punishment might say that nobody has the right to decide who should die,
including the government. However, when the government sends soldiers into war, in some way, it is
deciding those soldiers' fate; some will live and some will be killed. As long as the government has a
right to send its citizens to a battlefield, it has a right to put criminals to death.
6 Therefore, there are many good reasons to maintain capital punishment. Certainly not every criminal
should be put to death. Capital punishment will be viewed as the harshest form of punishment. If no
punishment can reform a murderer, then capital punishment is the best thing that can be done for that
person and for society.
Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


Topic: It is sometimes argued that because tertiary education is a greater benefit to the individual
than to the society, students should pay full fees, others think that society gain more benefits
Discuss both of these views

As the modern world is becoming increasing complex, and knowledge is becoming more and
more specialized, there is no doubt that tertiary education is necessary both for the whole society and for
individuals who want to ensure that they have a good profession. The question of who benefits more is
important to society and government in deciding who should be expected to pay for the costs is debated.
There is no doubt that the whole society benefits. In all developing countries, there has been a
strong effort to raise the educational level of the society by putting as much money as possible into
providing educational institutions. Universities and colleges are, however, expensive to run. Because of
this, it is felt that such countries are held back in all forms of development. Without enough educated
professionals such as doctors, teachers, dentists and engineers, developing countries cannot move ahead.
Governments in such countries provide scholarships, or free education, to as many students as they can
afford because they realize that the whole country will benefit. Many developed countries also try to
offer free tertiary education because they want a highly educated population.
However, there is also a strong argument that individuals benefit so much from tertiary education
that they should be expected to pay for it. Doctors, lawyers and engineers have some of the highest
incomes in most societies. People argue that the government, and the tax payer, should not pay for
students who will later earn more than anyone else. Moreover, most students come from the middle
classes, and their parents can afford to pay for their fees. There are, of course, some students who cannot
afford to pay. This problem can be overcome by a system like the one that is being used in Australia, for
example, the government gives the students a loan to pay for their fees, and later, when they are earning
a good salary, they repay this loan.
It is probably impossible to decide whether the individual or the society benefits more from
tertiary education, but since both benefit, the costs should probably be paid for by both equally.

Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


Topic: Do you use computers in your academic work? What are the effects of Computers on Higher
Education?
1


People have always created conveniences to make life easier. One such modern invention is the

computer, which has improved many aspects of our lives. One example is in the field of education.
Thanks to computer technology, higher education today has three major conveniences: lecture variety,
easy research, and time-saving writing.
2

One important effect of computer technology on higher education is the availability of lectures. As a

result of the development of computer networks, we can access lectures from many universities in real
time. We are now able to sit down in front of a digital screen and listen to a lecture being given at
another university. In addition, by utilizing interactive media, we can question the lecturer and exchange
opinions with other students via e-mail. Such computerized lectures give us access to knowledge that
previously we didn't have. For this reason, we can learn from professors in specialized fields, regardless
of where they are teaching.
3

The development of computers also makes it possible for us to have access to more information via

the Internet and databases. Consequently, when we research a topic, we don't necessarily have to go to
the library to find information because the computer has many resources. It is easy to use the Internet
and databases since all we have to do is type in a few key words and wait a few moments. In addition,
we can do this research at home, making it convenient for busy students.
4

One more effect of computer technology on higher education is time-saving writing techniques. E-

mail assignments are becoming more common at universities. As a result, the assignments are much
quicker and easier to finish than before. When it is time to hand in our assigned papers or homework, we
simply send them via e-mail to our professors. This method is beneficial for students and convenient for

teachers, who won't risk losing their students' work in a mountain of papers. Another time-saving device
is the word processor. Because of improved word-processing programs, we have the added benefit of
spell-checking and grammar-checking programs. If we typed a grammatically incorrect sentence, one of
these programs highlights the incorrect parts of the sentence and corrects them. In addition, without
using a dictionary, we can write papers that have no spelling mistakes. Because of these two functions,
e-mail and word processing, both teachers and students can save a great deal of time.
5

To summarize, computer technology has three main positive effects on higher education: lecture

variety, easy research, and time-saving writing. Because the advent of computers is education, we can
advance our knowledge and save precious time. Academic life will never be the same!
Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


Topic: How are the life in the city different from the Rural Life?
1

Imagine life in Toronto. Now imagine life in a neighboring rural Canadian town. Finally, picture

life in Rome, Italy. Which of these last two places is more different from Toronto? Many people might
mistakenly choose Rome because it is in a different country. In fact, city dwellers all over the world tend
to have similar lifestyles, so the biggest differences are between Toronto and its smaller neighbor. Urban
people and rural people, regardless of their country, live quite differently. Perhaps some of the most
notable differences in the lives of these two groups include degree of friendliness, pace of life, and
variety of activities.
2

One major difference between growing up in the city and in the country is the degree of friendliness.


In large cities, we often hear of people living in huge apartment buildings with hundreds of strangers.
These urban apartment dwellers tend to be wary of unknown faces and rarely get to know their
neighbors well. The situation in a small town is often just the opposite. Small-town people generally
grow up together, attend the same schools and churches, and share the same friends. As a result, rural
people are much more likely to treat their neighbors like family and invite them into their homes.
3

Another difference is the pace of life. In the city, life moves very quickly. The streets reflect this

hectic pace and are rarely empty, even late at night. City dwellers appear to be racing to get somewhere
important. Life for them tends to be a series of deadlines. In the country, life is much slower. Even
during peak hours, traffic jams occur less often. Stores close in the early evening, and the streets don't
come alive until the next morning. The people here seem more relaxed and move in a more leisurely
way. The pace of life in these two areas couldn't be more different.
4

A third difference lies in the way people are able to spend their free time. Although life in the city

has its drawbacks, city dwellers have a much wider choice of activities that they can participate in. For
example, they can go to museums, eat in exotic restaurants, attend concerts, and shop in hundreds of
stores. The activities available to people in rural areas, however, are much more limited. It is rare to find
museums or exotic restaurants there. Concert tours almost never include stops in country towns. Finally,
people who enjoy shopping might be disappointed in the small number of stores.
5

Life in urban areas and life in rural areas vary in terms of human interaction, pace of life, and daily

activities. Other important differences exist, too, but none of these makes one place better than the other.
The places are simply different. Only people who have experienced living in both the city and the
country can truly appreciate the unique characteristics of each.

Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


Topics for writing task 2
1. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the
following topic
Fathers are just as capable as mothers of taking care of children, so men should share
parenting work more equally with women
To what extend do you agree with this statement?
2. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the
following topic
Education is recognized as vital to the future of any society in today’s world. Governments
throughout the world should make education compulsory for all children between the ages of 5 and
15
3. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the
following topic
Qualities a person needs to become successful in today’s world can not be learnt at university
or similar academic institution
To what extend do you agree with this statement?
4. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the
following topic
Sports now receive too much attention from the public. Sport personalities are paid much
more than they deserve
To what extend do you agree with this statement?
5. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the
following topic
Should parents be obliged to immunize their children against common childhood diseases? Or
do you think individuals have the right to choose not immunize their children?
To what extend do you agree with this statement?
6. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the

following topic
Zoos take up a lot of land but serve no useful purposes. They therefore should be closed.
To what extend do you agree with this statement?
7. Write an essay for a university teacher on the following topic
Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


People in modern society use the computer to shop, to bank, to work, and to communicate
with each other. However, a danger of using the computer is that it makes human become isolated
and lose their social skills
To what extend do you agree with this statement?
8. Write an essay for a university teacher on the following topic
The private motor vehicle has greatly improved individual freedom of movement. Moreover, it
is possible for people within the low to middle income range to have their own car. As a consequence
there is an increasing use of private transport in cities and suburbs
Unfortunately, the use of private cars has contributes to some of today’s most serious
environmental problems. How can the use of private transport be reduced ?
9. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the
following topic
The idea of having a single career is becoming an old fashioned one. The new fashion will be
to have several careers or ways of earning money and further education will be something that
continues throughout life
To what extend do you agree with this statement?
10. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the
following topic
The idea of going overseas for university study is an exciting prospect for many people. But
while it offers some advantages , it is probably better to stay home because of the difficulties a student
inevitably encounters living and studying in a different culture
To what extend do you agree with this statement?
11. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the

following topic
The mass media, including television, radio and newspapers, have great influence in shaping
people’s ideas
To what extend do you agree with this statement?
12. Write an essay for a university teacher on the following topic
“Telecommuting” refers to workers doing their jobs from home for part of each week and
communicating with their office using computer technology. Telecommuting is growing in many
countries and is expected to be common for most office workers in the coming decades
How do you think society will be affected by the growth of telecommuting?
Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


13. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the
following topic
“Fatherhood ought to be emphasized as much as motherhood. The idea that women are solely
responsible for deciding whether or not to have babies leads on to the idea that they are so
responsible for bringing the children up”
To what extend do you agree with this statement?
14. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the
following topic
Without capital punishment (death penalty) our lives are less secure and crimes of violence
increase. Capital punishment is essential to control violence in society
To what extend do you agree with this statement?
15. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the
following topic
The position of women in society has changed remarkably in the last twenty years. Many of
the problems young people now experience, such as juvenile delinquency arise from the fact that
married women now work and are not at home to care for their children
To what extend do you agree with this statement?
16. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the

following topic
Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations by providing
such things as food and education? Or is it the responsibility of the governments of poorer nations to
look after their citizens themselves
Discuss both of these views
17. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the
following topic
Academic achievement at school or university is the only true measure of a person’s
intelligence
To what extend do you agree with this statement?
18. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the
following topic
Parents and family background have more influence than teachers on a young person’s
learning and academic achievement
Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


To what extend do you agree with this statement?
19. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the
following topic
Modern technology has increased material wealth, but not happiness
To what extend do you agree with this statement?
20. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the
following topic
Many parents use punishment to teach the difference between right and wrong to kids. Many
think punishment is necessary to help children learn the distinction.
What degree do you agree or disagree? What kind of punishment do you think can parents
and teachers use ?

Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.



Sample sentences for speaking skills
Part 1
Warm-up
1. Could you show me your identification card please?
Here you are
2. Could you tell me your full name please?
My name’s…..
3. What shall I call you?
You can call me…………..
4. Does your name have any special meaning?
Yes, it does. It means…………
5. Why do so many people change their names?
Many people change their names because they……………….
6. Is your name important to you?
Yes, it is. My name ……………………
Hometown or birth place
1. Where do you come from?
I come from Hanoi, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam
2. Where do you live?
I live in ……….. it ………..
3. Can you tell me something about your hometown?
My hometown is about ….kilometers from Hanoi. It is beautiful and quiet. It…
4. Can you tell me some famous landscapes or scenic spots in your hometown?
In my hometown,……………
5. Can you tell me some history of your hometown?
My hometown has long lasting history. It…………….
Personal background and information
Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.



1. Are you a student or do you have a job?
I’m a…………..
2. What do you like most about your study?
The best thing I like about my study is………………
3. What kind of job do you prefer after graduation?
I still prefer to keep my current job. I want to practice what I learnt
4. What is your major?
I study ………………………..
5. What do you do for living?
I work as a ………………………..
6. Could you tell me a typical day of yours?
I get up at 6, and have breakfast. After that I go to work. I work until 11.30 and then have
lunch. I leave the office at 5. I have dinner at 7. After dinner, I watch TV and I go to bed
at 10.30
7. Are you satisfied with your job?
Yes, I am quite satisfied with my job. It is suitable with my qualification
8. What do you like most about your job?
The thing I like most about my job is…………………
9. What kind of job do you prefer in the future?
I still prefer to keep my current job. I want to practice what I learnt and have deep
knowledge of my major
Hobby or inclination
1. What do you usually do in your spare time?
In my free time, I usually ………………..
2. Do you prefer to stay alone or with your friends?
I prefer to go out with my friends. With my friends, I can share ideas and feelings
together
3. What do you usually do on weekends and weekdays?

Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


On weekdays, I usually go to work. At weekends, I sometimes go out with my friends,
sometimes, visit my relatives. In the evening, sometimes I take my children out to have
dinner in the restaurant
4. What do you usually do when you go out?
I usually go out with my friends, we go to the bar to have something to drink and talk
with each other
5. What do you usually do with your friends?
we go to the bar to have something to drink and talk with each other about the sport or
our jobs
6. Do you like reading?
Yes, I do. Reading helps me relax and widens my knowledge
7. What kind of books do you like best?
I like reading……………….
8. Do you like English? Why or why not?
Yes, I do. English helps me improve knowledge and get to know other countries in the
world
9. What do you think of the importance of English?
English is an international language, so it is very necessary in the globalization
10. What are good hobbies and bad hobbies? Why?
I think different people have different ideas about this problem, for me, good hobbies are
reading or ………., but bad hobbies are sitting around and doing nothing

Future plan
1. Why do you take the IELTS test?

I take IELTS test because I want to apply for a scholarship in an English speaking
country

2. What are you planning to do in the next five years?

In the next five years, I am going to……………………
Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


3. What are you planning to do in the next ten years?

In the next five years, I am going to
4. What is the first thing you will do when you arrive at the new place?

The first thing I will do is to ……………………

Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.


TOPICS FOR PART 2
1. Things
- A piece of equipment
- A photograph
- Invention before computer
- Children’s game (sport not suggested)
- Game
- Technological advancement
- Best present
- Animal you like as a pet
- Thing you bought that you were happy with
- Something successful you have done
2. People:
- Well –known person

- Friend in school time / a friend you like most
- A person you work with/ study with/ influence you/ a person you like/ admire
- A neighbor/ teacher/ boss
- Teenager you know
- A family you know/ your family
- Role of family in traditional Vietnamese society
- Role of women in the family
3. Places:
- Restaurant or café
- Interesting building
- Museum
- Historical place
- A city you are impressed with/ you visited
- Foreign country you have been to
- A shopping center/ shop
- A place where there is a lot of water
- A large organization
- A tourist attraction
4. Media – communication
- Book / favorite book
- Letter / email
- Music / movie
- Newspaper/ magazine / media you rely on to get information
- A news story
- Advertisement
- Show/ performance
- Way of getting news
5. Celebration/ leisure time
- Festival
Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.



- Holiday/ interesting trip
- Hobby
- Party/ happy event
- Travel experience
- Celebration you involve
- Competition/ contest
- Activity you enjoy in leisure time
- How to spend a free day
- A memorable meal/ traditional food in Vietnam/ food you like to eat
6. Environment
- Environmental problem
- An example of serious pollution
- Extreme weather
7. Study
- Skill you would like to learn
- Learning English
- Subject at school/ subject you like to learn
- An informative speech
- Feature of the education system
- Education law in Vietnam
- A good law in Vietnam
- Traditional industry
- Job
- Achievement success

Pham Thanh Tam, M.A.