IMPORTANT TOPICS (PART 1)

1. Work/study

What subject do you study?

I'm dealing with various subjects, like Math, Literature, and Physics. It's a hefty workload, and I'm working
hard to balance my time among these different fields.

Do you think that your subject is popular in your country?

It might be, as many people choose to study language, especially English. It seems to be a good tool for
people to connect with new friends and develop various cultures around the world

How important is it to you to study a subject that you love?

It is really important to study a subject that I have a strong preference for. Because it pushes me to do
better and really work to my advantage to excel.

2. Home/Apartment

Do you live in a house or an apartment?

I live in a two-story house with my parents. It’s a very nice house in the suburbs of Donghoi with a small
and pretty front garden, which is full of flowers.

How long have you lived in the house or apartment you’re living in now?

I have lived in my current house since I was born. I am very familiar with the surrounding area, my
neighborhood is tranquil, so my house is a nice place for me to concentrate on my studies and work

3. Advertising and adverts

Do you enjoy watching adverts/commercials on TV or the Internet?

While it’s just a conjecture, I doubt that anyone finds watching advertisements enjoyable, particularly
when they interrupt our ongoing TV shows or movies, and I am not the exception.

Would you like to work in advertising?

I would say probably not, first, it is not something that I am interested in. So, I’d better do something that I
am good at, such as teaching English; and besides, considering the sunk cost, even if I were interested in
advertising, it is something I would not do in the future.

Is there an advert/commercial that you really remember from when you were younger?

Absolutely! About ten years ago, I remembered this fantastic Vinamilk ad, It had 3 animated cows singing
a catchy and funny song with cute dance moves. I loved it and would turn on the TV every day just to
watch that cheerful commercial

Do you notice advertising in public places (e.g. on trains, in the street)?

I do see a lot of advertising on buses, such as skincare commercials, clothing, food, etc., and I guess this
is because bus advertising is a great outdoor advertising strategy and it easily reaches a large target
audience.

4. Remembering to do things

Are you good at memorizing things?

I would say that I am generally good at remembering things. I make a conscious effort to stay organized
and use memory aids when needed. However, like everyone, there are instances where I might forget
things, but overall, I consider myself to have a reliable memory.

Have you ever forgotten to do something important?

Luckily, nothing major. I might forget small details, but for important stuff, I
always save it on my phone, in notebooks, or on to-do lists - you know, just to be safe.

IMPORTANT TOPICS (PART 1) 1

 What do you do to help you remember to do things?

I would say I am a high-tech person, so I prefer using digital tools like calendar apps and reminder
notifications to using traditional tools, due to their convenient

It is easy for you to remember to do things?

While I try to stay organized and use reminders, there are moments when it can be easy to forget certain
tasks, especially if I'm busy or preoccupied with other activities. .

What do you need to remember to do every day?

I make it a point to remember daily tasks like taking vitamins, checking emails, setting my schedule for the
day, and ensuring I have all the necessary items before leaving the house.

5. Famous people in the news

Which famous people from your country are often in the news?

I often see famous people in the news, such as singers, actors, athletes, and politicians. They usually
make headlines for their achievements, controversies, or charitable actions.

Do you enjoy hearing news about famous people?

Yes, I do pay attention to famous people in the news because their stories can be inspiring, informative, or
even entertaining. It’s interesting to learn about their lives and the impact they have on society

Do you believe everything you read about famous people?

It’s difficult to determine whether the news about famous people in the media is true or not. Sometimes,
the media can exaggerate stories to attract more attention. So, it’s important for us to be critical thinkers
and verify the credibility of the sources

Would you like to be famous and in the news?

I wouldn’t necessarily want to be a famous person in the news. It can be challenging to maintain a private
life and deal with constant scrutiny from the media and the public.

6. Different stages in life

What do you hope you'll be doing in five years' time? [Why?]

In a 5-year period, I hope to achieve the goal I have set, as being an English teacher, and also be a girl
who can stay positive despite facing difficulties and a wealthy girl to purchase whatever I want without
concern about the prices.

How can people remember all the different stages in their lives?

writing diaries, taking photos…

What is the best thing about being the age you are now?

The best thing about being my age is that we only have to worry about our studies and not our job. As all
the adults keep on telling me, you should enjoy the time in secondary-high school because university is
looming and life gets more serious.

What did you enjoy most about your childhood?

Playing around the house was my most loved pastime. Putting puzzles together was another thing I
enjoyed as it was challenging and could involve my friends and me.

7. Colors

What colors do you like most [Why/why not?]

I really like black, most of my stuff is mostly black. I find it looks nice and easy to match. When it comes to
clothes, I often go for black because it makes me look slimmer and more confident.

What color would you choose if you were buying a new car? [Why/Why not?]

If I were to purchase a car, I would likely choose a silver or gray color. These colors are not only sleek and
modern but also practical in terms of maintenance, especially considering the climate in Vietnam.

IMPORTANT TOPICS (PART 1) 2

 Is color important to you when you buy clothes? [Why/why not?]

Not really. I care more about the materials and style of the clothes. I like timeless, simple styles that never
go out of fashion, and I prioritize good-quality materials for durability.

Do any colors have a special meaning in .../your country?

In our country, certain colors indeed hold special significance. For instance, red symbolizes luck and
happiness, often worn during celebrations. Yellow represents royalty and prosperity, while white is
associated with purity and mourning.

8. Money

Do you generally prefer to spend money or save money? [Why?]

A bit of both really. On the one hand, I really like to see wealth, accumulating in my bank account, and
every month I try to set about 50% of my income aside for saving. On the other hand, I don’t think it’s bad
to spend money on myself and have fun once in a while, why not

How often do you use a credit card to pay for things? [Why/Why not?]

I hardly use credit cards except in special cases: It is easy to develop bad habits like overspending or
impulse consumption.

How do you feel about using a phone app to pay for things? [Why/Why not?]

Payment apps and mobile payments are helpful, efficient, and convenient to use. It makes cashless
transactions possible and it speeds up the payment process. It also gives me instant access to things I
need to buy without bringing a wallet

Will you use cash more often in the future? [Why/Why not?]

I don’t think so. As online payment is growing in popularity, effective and easy, people are so used to
living with this type of payment. With technology, there might be, more convenient means for people to
pay for things in the future

9. Running

Did you do much running when you were a child? [Why/Why not?]

In my childhood, I was quite an active child, and running was a regular part of my routine. Engaging in
outdoor activities contributed to my overall well-being.

When was the last time you ran anywhere? [Why?]

The last time I went running was just last weekend. I believe in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and running
provides an effective and enjoyable way to stay physically active. It’s a great stress reliever and allows me
to connect with nature.

How do you feel about running as exercise? [Why?]

I believe running is an excellent form of exercise for various reasons. Firstly, it's a cardiovascular activity
that promotes heart health and helps maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, it's a versatile exercise that
doesn't require expensive equipment, and you can do it almost anywhere. Personally, I find that running
outdoors allows me to connect with nature and reduces stress.

10. Films

What's your favorite kind of film/movie? [Why?]

Personally, I’m into drama, action, and historical films. These genres tend to provide
captivating storylines and fascinating characters, while also shedding light on significant events
and social issues.

Did you go to the cinema/movies a lot when you were a child? [Why/Why not?]

Once in a blue moon, at that time, my parents were super busy, so they mainly bought DVDs for me to
watch films at home rather than going to the movie theater.

IMPORTANT TOPICS (PART 1) 3

 Do you think watching films/movies is a good way to spend time with friends?
[Why? Why not?]

Absolutely, going to the cinema is a great way to hang out with friends. It combines entertainment
and socializing, allowing us to bond over shared experiences and discuss the film afterward.

Would you like to make a film/movie yourself one day? [Why/Why not?]

Yeah, the idea of making a film sounds pretty cool. I've tried making some short videos and stuff like that,
but a full-length film would be a whole different thing, you know. Anyway, while I don't have any plans at
the moment, I wouldn't rule it out in the future.

11. Fish and fishing

Have you ever visited a place where you saw lots of fish? [Why/Why not?]

I've visited aquariums where I was surrounded by fascinating marine life. The vibrant colors, diverse
species, and the feeling of being underwater without getting wet are truly captivating. It's a unique
experience that provides insight into the beauty and diversity of the underwater world.

Would you ever watch a TV program or film/movie about fish? [Why/Why not?]

Yes, I’ve seen a few documentaries about marine life and fishing practices. They provide fascinating
insights into the underwater world and the challenges faced by fishermen.

Is fishing popular in .../your country? [Why/Why not?]

Yes, fishing is quite popular in my country, especially in coastal regions and near rivers. It’s not just
a recreational activity but also a significant part of the local economy for many communities.

How do you feel about eating fish? [Why?]

Absolutely, I’m a big fan of fish. It’s not only a great source of protein but also incredibly versatile in
cooking. I particularly enjoy trying out different seafood recipes.

Have you ever kept a fish as a pet?

I haven’t, I don’t think it is a good idea to keep fish as pets due to its high maintenance, it requires a lot of
care and attention. And I am always preoccupied with deadlines, so I don’t have time to feed them.

12. Tea and coffee

Is it common to drink tea and coffee in .../your country? [Why/Why not?]

Oh, absolutely, tea and coffee are like daily essentials in Vietnam. Coffee, in particular, is a big deal. We've
got our own unique style, like the famous Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk, and you'll find
coffee shops on practically every corner. It's a social thing too; people often gather at cafes to catch up or
just chill.

Do you ever go out to drink tea or coffee? [Why/Why not?]

Yeah, sure! As I was saying, I’m a huge fan of coffee but I enjoy make it by myself, so I usually go out and
buy coffee. Nothing really special, just a popular type of coffee that is sold everywhere in supermarkets in
Vietnam.

When was the last time you drank tea or coffee?[ Why?]

This morning, before going to this center to take the test haha. Yep, that’s my problem, I drink an awful lot
of coffee. It’s not healthy, I know. But without that, I don’t know if I have enough energy to do this or not.

Would you offer a visitor to your home for tea or coffee? [Why/Why not?]

I guess this is just a matter of preference. But in Vietnam, most households usually have a teapot in their
living room to welcome guests. That said, if a friend comes to my house and says he’d like a cup of
coffee, I will make him one.

13. Helping others

What kind of help do you give to other people? [Why/Why not?]

I have done a sizable number of things to help people, but the best way is by making charitable donations

IMPORTANT TOPICS (PART 1) 4

 Did your family encourage you to be helpful when you were younger? [Why/Why not?]

Right from the beginning, my parents always encouraged me to be helpful, as they taught me the
importance of kindness and helping others. In VN, treating everyone with respect and assíting those in
need is deelp rooted.

Do you enjoy helping people? [Why/Why not?]

Yes, I do. I think I’m being a very helpful person and I’m always there to help when someone around me
needs it. In my country, people tend to view helping others as a virtue

When was the last time someone helped you? [How?]

I don’t keep track of the number of times I’ve assisted someone. Yes, I do not keep count because there is
no significant or minor help.

14. Maps

How often do you use a map on your phone? [Why/Why not?]

I use maps on my phone regularly, almost every time I go somewhere I'm not very familiar with. It's
convenient because I can quickly access maps on my smartphone and get real-time directions.

Would you ever use a paper map? [Why/Why not?]

Well, during my school days I had paper maps most often to guide myself but nowadays I update myself
with the help of e-maps usually and to be true I find the latter a much more convenient method than the
former one.

Do you generally find it easy to read maps? [Why/Why not?]

I always have a hard time interpreting the overwhelming amount of information presented by a
map.However, I do believe that being able to navigate using a map is an essential survival skill.

Would you ever put a map on the wall in your home? [Why/Why not?]

Well, I don’t use paper map quite often, so there are no maps avaliable in my home. I rather to choose a
picture of a famous place or famous artist to put on the wall rather than a map.

IMPORTANT TOPICS (PART 1) 5