Speaking Notes
PART 1 INTERNET
1. Do you use the Internet (very much)?
→(Answer) Yes. (Give a reason for your answer) I depend on it for my study, work,
entertainment, so life would be totally dull without using the Internet.
2. How often do you use the Internet?
→ (Answer) I use it constantly throughout my daily routine. (Give a reason for your
answer) I check my emails whenever I wake up in the morning, I use it at university
and then I entertain myself by watching videos movies online before going to bed.
3. How (or, where) do you go onto the Internet?
→(Answer) I have a latest cutting-edge device, which is an Iphone 13 and I mostly
spend my free time on surfing the Internet through this device.
4. Have you ever bought anything on the Internet?
→(Answer) Yes. I’m crazy about shopping, especially cosmetics and clothes. (Give
a reason for your answer) Thanks to the Internet I have come to prefer online
shopping to going to market since there are a lot of offers available.
5. Is the Internet very important (or, useful) to you?
→(Answer) Absolutely! (Give a reason for your answer) With the invention of the
Internet, I can access a wide range of information, which is very useful for gaining
knowledge about areas I don’t know about.
6. When was the first time you used the Internet?
→(Answer) It was the moment I saw my older brother with his eyes glued to the
computer screen playing an online game called “Audition”. I was curious about what
he was doing. Then, he showed me how to connect to the Internet in order to play
that game.
7. How did you learn to use the Internet?
→(Answer) There is a subject called IT in my primary school. We had to write a report
on the computer and then my teacher instructed me how to log in. Now, I have become
an expert at using the Internet.
8. Do you think the Internet is a good thing?
→(Answer) To my mind, the Internet has definitely come up with great benefits to
offer all of us. (Give a reason for your answer) In the era of modernization, people
can keep in touch with each other regardless of distance. Moreover, the Internet
provides us with countless sources of helpful information. You see, just with a click
on Google, you get what you are looking for instantly. The Internet has surely
connected people around the world and made it a better place.
PART 2 EXPENSIVE THINGS/MONEY
Describe a place you went to where things were too expensive
You should say:
What the place is like
Why you went there
Why things are expensive there
And explain how you feel about the place
SAMPLE ANSWER
Introduction: One place in Vietnam where things can be quite expensive is the luxury
shopping center called Vincom Center in Ho Chi Minh City.
(What the place is like) Vincom Center is a modern, high-end mall with several floors
filled with international brands and designer stores. The atmosphere is bright and
upscale, with elegant decor, clean walkways, and a variety of dining options ranging
from fast food to gourmet restaurants.
(Why you went there) I went there to explore the shopping scene and see what
luxury brands were available in Vietnam. I was curious about how shopping in a big
city compared to smaller markets I had visited.
(Why things are expensive there) Things are expensive at Vincom Center for a few
reasons. First, it features international brands that are often priced higher due to
import taxes. Second, the mall's location in the heart of the city adds to the cost, as
rent and overhead for the stores are significant. Lastly, the target customers are often
tourists or wealthy locals who can afford to spend more.
(Explain how you feel about the place) I felt a bit overwhelmed by the prices. While
it was interesting to see such luxury items, I realized that most people in Vietnam shop
at more affordable places. It made me appreciate local markets and smaller shops,
where I could find unique products at reasonable prices.
Conclusion: Overall, visiting Vincom Center was a fascinating experience, but I
prefer to shop where I can find better deals.
VOCABULARY BANK
• luxury: sang trọng
• high-end: cao cấp
• filled with: đầy đủ
• bright and upscale: sáng sủa và sang trọng
• elegant décor: trang trí thanh lịch
• clean walkways: lối đi sạch sẽ
• dining options: lựa chọn ăn uống
• gourmet restaurants: nhà hàng cao cấp
• import taxes: thuế nhập khẩu
• overhead: chi phí cố định
• overwhelmed: bị choáng ngợp
• reasonable price: giá hợp lý
COLLOCATIONS:
1. luxury items – sản phẩm sang trọng
"The store offers a variety of luxury items."
2. high prices – giá cao
"Many tourists are surprised by the high prices in the city."
3. exclusive experience – trải nghiệm độc quyền
"Staying at the resort provides an exclusive experience."
4. upscale environment – môi trường cao cấp
"The restaurant has an upscale environment."
5. gourmet dining – ẩm thực cao cấp
"We enjoyed gourmet dining during our vacation."
6. premium services – dịch vụ cao cấp
"The hotel offers premium services to its guests."
7. exorbitant fees – phí tổn quá mức
"I was shocked by the exorbitant fees for activities."
8. import duties – thuế nhập khẩu
"Import duties can make products significantly more expensive."
PHRASAL VERBS:
1. fork out – chi nhiều tiền cho cái gì đó
"I had to fork out a lot for dinner."
2. shell out – chi tiền (thường là không muốn)
"I didn't want to shell out that much for a hotel."
3. add up – tăng lên về tổng số
"The costs can really add up during a vacation."
4. break the bank – rất đắt
"Staying there would break the bank."
5. look for – tìm kiếm cái gì đó
"I was looking for affordable options."
6. go over budget – vượt quá ngân sách đã định
"I ended up going over budget on my trip."
PART 3: Answer + Reason + Example + Consequence
1. Why do some people still use cash?
2. Will the payment be paperless in the future?
3. What do you think of the view that time is as important as money?
4. Is it more important to choose a job with a high salary or with more time off?
5. How important is it to have a variety of payment options?
6. Why are things more expensive in some places than in others?
SAMPLE ANSWER
1.Why do some people still use cash?
Some people still use cash because it is simple and easy to use. For instance,
in local markets, vendors may not accept credit or debit cards. As a result, people
need to carry cash to make purchases in these places. Additionally, using cash
can help individuals manage their spending better, since they can physically see
how much money they have left. Therefore, cash remains a popular payment
method for many.
2. Will the payment be paperless in the future?
Yes, I believe that payments will likely be more paperless in the future. This is
because many people are already using apps and cards for their transactions. For
example, contactless payments have become common in stores, making the
checkout process faster and more convenient. Consequently, as technology
continues to improve, it is likely that shopping will become even easier and more
efficient for everyone.
3. What do you think of the view that time is as important as money?
I think that time is just as important as money. This is mainly because time is
limited, whereas money can be earned again. For instance, spending quality time
with family and friends is invaluable and cannot be replaced. If people work too
much, they might miss out on significant moments in their lives. Therefore,
prioritizing time can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
4. Is it more important to choose a job with a high salary or with more time
off?
In my opinion, it can be more important to choose a job with more time off. This
is because having time to relax and enjoy life is essential for overall well-being. For
example, a high-paying job may come with long hours and high stress, which can
lead to burnout. In contrast, a job that offers more time off allows individuals to
recharge and spend quality time with loved ones. Consequently, this balance can
lead to greater happiness and job satisfaction.
5. How important is it to have a variety of payment options?
Having a variety of payment options is very important in today’s world. This is
because different people have different preferences when it comes to how they
pay for goods and services. For example, while some customers prefer using cash,
others may feel more comfortable with credit cards or mobile payment apps. As a
result, offering multiple payment methods can increase customer satisfaction and
potentially lead to higher sales for businesses.
6. Why are things more expensive in some places than in others?
Things are often more expensive in certain places due to factors such as
demand and location. For instance, tourist areas tend to have higher prices
because many visitors are willing to pay more for convenience. Additionally,
shipping costs can contribute to higher prices in remote areas where goods are
harder to obtain. Consequently, this can create significant price differences
between urban and rural locations, affecting what people can afford.
