30 thg 8, 2010

Speaking: Questions and Answers in an IELTS Test (3 parts)

Part 1:

How do most people travel to work where you live?

In my country, most people travel to work by motorbike. Most of Vietnamese people still live in destitute so their major vehicle to work is motorbike. However, there are still affluent people who use cars to work. Besides, there is a steady increase in the number of people using cars.

What traffic problems are there in your area?

In my area, there are many traffic problems. One of the major problems is traffic jam. Especially in rush hours, there are usually traffic jams in crossroads which are awful. Another problem is accidents which cause much death and bad consequences for generations.

How do traffic problems affect you?

Well, firstly, traffic jams get on my nerves. It makes me late for school although I usually try to go to school early. The consequences are more serious when I have a vital test on that day. Secondly, if I am stuck in a traffic jam, I feel very uncomfortable because of noise and polluted smoke. Lastly, it is accidents that make me feel unsafe when driving. I always hope to arrive home safe and sound as soon as possible.

How would you reduce the traffic problems in your area?

In my opinion, there are many ways to decrease traffic problems. As far as I am concerned, firstly, we can mitigate this problem by improving civilian’s awareness through education and propaganda. Secondly, we can reduce traffic problems by enlarging and developing transport systems. Lastly, traffic police should be reinforced to control vehicle lines and solve problems if possible.

Part 2:

In my opinion, playing sports is quite an effective way to keep fit and healthy. Therefore, I spend much time playing sports, especially, swimming. At weekend or summer vacation, my best chums and I usually go to the swimming pool near my high school. This is a good chance for me to relax and for us to meet each other. At first, I did not like swimming because I was scared of water. However, when seeing my friends feel happy and healthy when swimming, I envied them. From that time, I said to myself that I could not so coward and should surmount my scare. Year in year out, I tried to swim to prove that I could do it although it was not just a piece of cake for me. Finally, I succeeded and swam well. Firstly, I like swimming because it is a popular method to keep me healthy. Secondly, when swimming, we cansimultaneously move all parts of our body, which helps our bodies fitter and more flexible. Next, when I swim, I feel very comfortable, fresh and almost forget all my tiredness and sorrow. They are the reasons why most of youngsters choose swimming.

Part 3:

How have games changed from the time you were a child?

As I see it, games changed a lot from the time I was a child. Firstly, games in the past are not as popular as these now. Secondly, games now are more complicated and developing than these in the past because of the advance of technology in many functions. The last and the most disadvantage is the violent games now which have bad influence on players.

Do you think this has been a positive change? Why?

In my opinion, it is fairly difficult to confirm this has been a positive change. The reason is that this has been both positive and negative. The positive is that the development of games reflects the improvement of technology, the creation of game makers and satisfies the demands of players. However, games now are so attractive that they make many players crazy about them and ignore studying or other outdoor activities. Besides, many games contain violent details which are very harmful to players.

Why do you think children like playing games?

In my opinion, children like playing games for many reasons. The first reason is games help children relax after hard studying. Secondly, children were attracted by the excellent effects of graphic art, sound and even 3-dimensional effects. Lastly, games help children out of genuine life and bring them to a virtual world in which that can be a king or a queen.

Do you think competitive games are good or bad for children? In what ways?

In my opinion, competitive games are both good and bad for children. They are good because they teach children to fight difficulties. Besides, they teach children that nothing is easy to gain and we must fight to take it. However, competitive games still have bad effect on children. If players are not strong and astute enough, they will have blind faith in these games. They will bring what they have faced in games to real life and become violent and warlike.

How can games sometimes help to unite people?

In my opinion, games sometimes help to unite people because there is also a virtual world in games. Games can be a world that gathers people having the same interest which is playing games. We can see that there are many websites or associations which were established by game players for many purposes such as sharing experience or even doing charity. Therefore, we can see that games sometimes help to unite people.

Why is competition often seen as important in today’s society?

In my opinion, there are many reasons why competition is often seen as vital in today’s society. Firstly, the more and more developing society is, the more and more competitive it is. To survive, people need competitions. For example, there are competitions between companies to get profits and customers. Secondly, competition makes the improvement of society. For example, competition makes companies have to innovate technology and make their products outstanding. Therefore, competition partially brings good things to society.

Yellow words: academic.

Green words: Idioms.

Use the dictionary to find the meanings of those words for longer remembrance.

24 thg 8, 2010

Speaking IELTS Part 3 about Status Symbols

IELTS Speaking Part 3: status symbols

In part 3 of the IELTS speaking test you should try to give longer answers with opinions, reasons, comparisons and examples. Here are some example questions and answers related to last week's part 2 topic:

In your country, what possessions show a higher status or position in society? (địa vị xã hội cao)

In my country, people who are wealthy tend to buy big houses and cars. Certain makes of car such as Mercedes or Ferrari are status symbols. They let other people know that you are important or powerful. People who want to give this impression often wear expensive designer clothes, or watches by brands (đồ hiệu) like Rolex.

Do you think we place too much importance on possessions?

Probably, yes. Some people are obsessed with (ám ảnh) showing off their new mobile phone or wearing the latest fashions. I think it's a problem for teenagers because there's a lot of peer pressure (áp lực muốn bắt chước bạn bè) to follow fashion or buy the latest gadget that their friends have got.

Do you think things were different 50 years ago?

Yes, maybe people were less materialistic (academic word). I think they bought things that lasted longer; my grandparents talk about how they repaired things rather than throwing them away. Maybe brands and advertising weren't as powerful as they are now.

20 thg 8, 2010

Thông báo về việc báo cáo tên đề tài (cập nhật mới) gửi Thành Ủy

Các anh chị báo cáo tên đề tài bằng cách nhập trực tiếp vào file.
B1: Click vào đường link sau
B2: Nhập tên trực tiếp vào file Excel của Google Doc.
B3: Click save và thoát ra.
(Đề nghị chỉ ghi tên của mình và ko chỉnh sửa gì thêm)

Possible Questions in Part 1 of Speaking test (continued)

5. Educational Background

- What is your major?
- Why did you choose … as your major?
- Why did you choose your particular field of study?
- What did you study at university?
- What was your major at university?
- What did you major in?
- How do you like your major?
- When and where did you graduate?
- What degrees have you obtained?
- Could you tell me a bit about your educational background?
- What has been the greatest change in your field?
- What is the educational system like in Vietnam?
- Are these any changes in the educational in Vietnam?
- What are the changes in education in Vietnam?
- What is the education like in rural areas in Vietnam?
- What do you think of the education in rural areas in Vietnam?
- Are computers used in schools in Vietnam?
- What are computers used for in schools?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of the use of computers in school?
- Which is the best university in your country? Why do you think so?

6. Work experience:

- Where do you work?
- What do you do?
- What do you do for a living?
- What’s your line of business?
- What’s your job?
- What is your responsibility at work?
- What are you responsible for at work?
- What kind of work are you in charge of?
- Can you use simple language to describe your job to me?
- What is your routine work?
- What do you do exactly every day?
- What is a typical working day of yours like?
- Can you describe a typical working day to me?
- How do you like your job?
- What is the importance of your job?
- Could you tell me something about your job/your teaching methods?
- What made you decide to become a doctor/economist/teacher?
- What is the most difficult thing in your job?
- What is the most challenging thing in your work?
- Have you ever changed your job?
- What was your previous job?
- Why did you leave your previous job?
- Why did you take up your present job?
- How long have you been working at this job?
- What made you decide to take up this job?
- If you had the opportunity to change your job, what would you like to do? Why?
- What is the secret of being successful at work?
- What is your opinion of the qualities and skills of a good company manager?
- Why do you want to change jobs?
- Why do you want to change your field of work?
- Why do you want to work here with this company?
- What interests you most about this position?
- What kind of experience do you have for this job?
- What training or qualifications do you have for a job like this?
- Do you think your job is very stressful? In what way?
- What do you do to help you deal with the stress of your job?
- What is stressful about your present job?
- Could you think of an example of something stressful that happened at your work?
- How does the stress of your job manifest itself?
- What are the major sources of stress at work?
- What do you do to relieve the stress of your job?
7. Hobbies:
- Do you have any hobbies? What are they? (music, sports, swimming, jogging, travelling, reading, painting, collecting stamps/coins, etc.)
- What do you do in your spare time?
- How do you spend your weekends?
- What’s your favourite sport?
- What are the rules of playing basketball/tennis/chess/your favourite sport?
- What is the most popular sport in your country?
- What are sporting facilities like in your university/this city?
- Do you often go to cinemas/theatres?
- What kind of films do you like best?
- What film have you seen recently? Could you say something about the film?
- Who is your favourite film star? Will you describe him/her to me?
- What book/novel have you read recently? Could you tell me what the book is about? Do you often watch TV?
- What is your favourite programme? (News and current affairs, music, police shows, movies, talk shows, sports, soap operas, documentaries, game shows, cartoons, situation comedies, etc.)
- What kind of music do you like best? Why? (classic, pop, jazz, rock and roll, country music, etc.)

8. Festivals:

- What are the traditional festivals in your country? (Wandering Souls Day, Mid-autumn Festival, May First/Labour Day, National Day, New Year, etc.)
- What do you do in/during the Spring Festival?
- Can you describe one of the main festivals celebrated in your country?
- Tell me something about your customs in your country and give me some examples, please.
9. Travelling:
- Have you travelled a lot in Vietnam?
- Have you travelled abroad?
- What places have you been to?
- Which place/city/country do you like best? Why?
- What place in HCMC do you like best? Why? (Ben Thanh Market, Dam Sen Park, Cu Chi Tunnels, Sai Gon Water Park, Zoo & Botanical Gardens, etc.)
- What places in HCMC should a foreigner visit? Why?
- Where do you go when you are enjoying Vietnamese culture?
- Which city is the best in Vietnam? Why do you think so?
- What are your first impressions of Japan/the United States/Australia/your host country?
- Could you tell me an interesting trip or vacation you have taken recently?
- How do most people travel in your country?
- Which is the best way of travelling in your opinion? Why do you think so?
- How do you like travelling by air?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling by air/train/car?
- Have you had or heard of any dangerous experiences in travelling? Will you describe them to me?
- Have you had any car accident? If yes, describe it to me please.

10. Future Plan: Studying Abroad

- Why do you want to take the IELTS test?
- What do you want to study in Britain?
- What do you intend to study in Australia?
- Which university are you going to study in?
- Why do you choose this university?
- Could you tell me why you choose to study at this university?
- Where are you going to study in Britain?
- What’s your study plan in Britain?
- What is your research proposal all about? (in detail)
- What do you hope for most form your study abroad?
- What will your study abroad do for your career?
- Should you study more theory or do more practice? Give your reasons, please.
- How important are the roles of theory and practice in your discipline?
- What kind of differences in the facilities/cultures are you expecting between Vietnam and the UK?
- How will your study in Britain benefit your work in Vietnam/your unit/your people when you come back to Vietnam?
- What do you intend to do after you finish studying?
- What prolems can you foresee in the future when you come back to Vietnam?
- Will there be any adjustment problems in your life when you come back to Vietnam? If so, what are they?
- Are you required to make any changes in your work when you come back home?
- Will you have to make any changes in your work/life when you come back to Vietnam?
- Do you think there will be a gap between your knowledge gained in Vietnam and the level of knowledge you are going to encounter on arrival? If so, what will it be?
- What do you think about the future of Vietnam if Vietnam keeps an open policy?
- What do you know about Britain? (geological location, weather, people, character, food, customs, holidays, etc.)
- What problems do you think you will have in Britain?
- How will you overcome the problems?
- How will you deal with the problems?
- Do you think you’ll be able to cope with English-language demands of your intended study programme in Britain?
- What difficulties do you think you’ll have in your studies in Britain?
- Can you imagine what life in Britain would be like?
- How will you fare in Britain without your family?
- Are there any special places you want to see in Britain? What are they?
- What do you especially want to do in Britain?

11. Future Plan: Emigration

- Why do you want to emigrate to Canada/Australia/New Zealand?
- What made you choose to emigrate to Canada?
- Do you have any particular reasons to emigrate to Canada?
- Which city will be your future home?
- What do you know about the country you are moving to?
- What is your plan for the near future?
- What is your long-term plan in Canada/Australia/New Zealand?
- Could you tell me your plan in detail?
- What kind of job do you want to find in Canada?
- What kind of work do you want to do there?
- How can you find a job there?
- How can you make a living there?
- What soft of job do you see yourself doing in Canada?
- What difficulties/problems do you think you’ll have after emigration?
- How will you solve the problems?
- What will you do if you miss your parents/friends?
- What kind of life can you imagine you are going to have in a new country?
12. Friendship:
- Why is friendship important in your life?
- What is the most important quality in a friend?
- Do you have any close friends/long-distance friendships?
- How do you communicate with your friends?
- Do you have close friends of the opposite sex? If so, how are those friends different from your same-sex friends?
- Is it acceptable in your culture for friends who care for each other to expess anger openly?
- Is it OK for friends to disagree with each other? Explain.
- What do you need to do in order to keep a friendship strong?
- Do you think that friends play different roles at different times in our lives? (in childhood/adolescence/adulthood). Give some examples.
- What different roles does friendship play in childhood, adolescence and adulthood?
13. Others:
- What would you regard as the most significant events in your country’s recent histoy?
- What important event has happened in the world recently?
- What important event has happened in your country recently?
- How do you like your life at your school/university?
- What do you think of the teaching/training at your school/university?
- In what way do you think the training at your school/university is helpful or falls short?
- What aspect of English do you find the most difficult?
- What will you do if you fail IELTS?

If you finish answering these questions, I think it will help you a lot in the speaking test.

19 thg 8, 2010

Essay for reference - Writing task 2

There are many kinds of essays of writing task 2. Problem - Solution seems to be a difficult task because you have to state the problem and introduce the solutions to solve it.

There are two ways to do this kind of essay:

Method 1:

Introduction

Body Paragraph 1: The Problems

Body Paragraph 2: The Solutions

....

Conclusion

Method 2:

Introduction

Body Paragraph 1: Problem 1 - Solution 1

Body Paragraph 2: Problem 2 - Solution 2

....

Conclusion

The essay below is written in method 1, which shows the problem in Body paragraph1 and presents the solutions in Body paragraph 2 and 3.

Explain some of the ways in which humans are damaging the environment. What can governments do to address these problems? What can individual people do?

Humans are responsible for a variety of environmental problems, but we can also take steps to reduce the damage that we are causing to the planet. This essay will discuss environmental problems and the measures that governments and individuals can take to address these problems.

Two of the biggest threats to the environment are air pollution and waste. Gas emissions from factories and exhaust fumes from vehicles lead to global warming, which may have a devastating effect on the planet in the future. As the human population increases, we are also producing ever greater quantities of waste, which contaminates the earth and pollutes rivers and oceans.

Governments could certainly make more effort to reduce air pollution. They could introduce laws to limit emissions from factories or to force companies to use renewable energy from solar, wind or water power. They could also impose ‘green taxes’ on drivers and airline companies. In this way, people would be encouraged to use public transport and to take fewer flights abroad, therefore reducing emissions.

Individuals should also take responsibility for the impact they have on the environment. They can take public transport rather than driving, choose products with less packaging, and recycle as much as possible. Most supermarkets now provide reusable bags for shoppers as well as ‘banks’ for recycling glass, plastic and paper in their car parks. By reusing and recycling, we can help to reduce waste.

In conclusion, both national governments and individuals must play their part in looking after the environment.

Bold words and phrases are very useful for you to write in task 2.



Lớp QLGD K20 vô cùng sững sờ và đau buồn khi nghe tin cô đã ra đi!
Mong cô có giấc ngủ ngàn thu thật thanh thản, yên bình!
Mong gia đình cô sớm vượt qua nỗi đau này!




16 thg 8, 2010

Possible Questions in Part 1 of Speaking test

Try to write answers to these questions, check grammar errors and practice answering them to get quicker reactions.

1. Basic Personal Questions about the Candidate:

- What's your name?

- Could you tell me your name?

- Does your name have a particular meaning?

- Does your name have a literal translation?

- Does your name affect your personality?

- Where are you from?

- Where do you come from?

- Where were you born?

- Where do you work?

2. Hometown:

- Where is your hometown located?

- Could you tell me something about your hometown?

- What kind of landscape surrounds your hometown?

- What is the main crop in your hometown?

- What are the main tourist attractions in your hometown?

- What is the climate like in your hometown?

- What are the characters of the people like in the region where you live?

- What are the differences in food/ climate/ accent / people between your hometown and X (a well-known city in your country)?

- What is people's favourite food in your region?

- How do you make X (a well-known food in your region)?

- How do you make dumplings?

- What is the style of buildings like in your hometown?

- How does the modern architecture style differ from the old style in your hometown?

- How often do you go back to your hometown?

- Are there any changes you have seen your hometown? What are they?

- What changes have taken place in your hometown?

- What has been the greatest change in your hometown?

3. Family life and marriage:

- Could you tell me something about your family?

- How many people are there in your family? Who are they?

- Where do you live?

- What is your home / flat / room like?

- Will you describe your home / flat / room to me?

- Have you got any children?

- What's your child's name?

- Does his/ her name have a meaning?

- What is your son's / daughter's character like?

- What does your wife/ husband do?

- Where does your wife/ husband work?

- When did you get married?

- Will you please describe your wedding to me?

- Was there any kind of ceremony?

- What did you / your wife wear on your wedding day?

- Where did you go on your honeymoon?

- Could you tell me what happens at a wedding in your country?

- Could you describe a traditional wedding ceremony to me?

- Did you have to ask for permission from your parents before you get married?

- Is the marriage arranged by the couple's parents?

- Will you say something about marriage in Viet Nam?

- Will you tell me something about the concept of the dowry?

- What do you think of the one-child policy in Vietnam?

- What kind of parents are you going to be?

- What hopes or fears do you have for your child?

- What sort of Vietnam would you like your child living in?

- What sort of future do you hope for your child?

- As a parent, do you plan to do anything different with your child than your parents did with you?

- Are you going to bring up your child differently? How?

- How different is your life from the lives of your parents / grandparents?

- What is the woman's role in Vietnam?

- What do you think of a woman's place at home?

- Who does the most housework in your family?

- What are the responsibilities of husband and wife?

- What is your opinion of equality of the sexes?

- Why is the divorce rate increasing in Vietnam?

- Did you enjoy your early teenage years?

- What was good or not good about your teenage years?

- How strict were your parents when you were a teenager?

- How much freedom do you like to give your daughter/ son?

- Should parents give their teenagers complete freedom? Explain.

- Are you stricter or less strict than your parents were? Give some examples.

- Does your son/daughter ever do things behind your back? Give some examples.

- How do parents respond to their teenagers who start having problems in school?

- How do schools respond to teenagers who start having problems in school?

- What do you think is the best way to deal with children’s problems?

- What do you think is the best age to be? Why?

- Do you think a child’s economic and social background makes a difference in their school performance? Why?

- What are the common problems of teenagers in Vietnam?

- What are the reasons for these problems?

- What are the best ways to deal with these problems?

(to be continued)

13 thg 8, 2010

Practice speaking Part 2

IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe an object

In IELTS speaking part 2, you might be asked to describe an object. For example:

  • Describe something you bought recently.
  • Describe a gift you gave or received.
  • Describe something you own which is important to you.
Choose something easy, like a mobile phone:

I'm going to describe my mobile phone. I bought it online / in a mobile phone shop / it was a present from...

I use the phone to keep in touch with friends and family, for communication by voice, text and email. It has various features like video, MP3 player, wireless Internet, digital camera and games. It's easy to share photos and music. I use it for almost everything, it even has a calendar that reminds me about appointments.

My phone is an essential part of my life. It holds my contacts, my photos, my music collection. I've got instant access to my favourite websites. It's like having my whole life in my pocket. I couldn't live without it
Underlined words and phares are very useful for IELTS.