TOPIC 01.

JOBS AND STUDY

PART 1. SOCIAL INTERATION

1.What is your job? / What kind of work do you do?

Well, I am currently working as a visiting English teacher at some tertiary

institutions in Ha Noi. I have been teaching for 2 years, and I think teaching is a
fantastic job because the timetable is quite flexible.

2.What are your main duties?

I must tailor new lesson plans on a weekly basis, then impart new knowledge to my
students. Besides, I also have regular meetings with my students’ parents to inform
them about their children’s learning progess.

3.Is there any other work you would like to do in the future?

I am not so sure about what happens in the future, but I enjoy doing my job now
because I am able to earn a good living, and my students make me feel motivated
day by day. On top of that, I work in a close-knit community of teachers, and I am
grateful for that.

4.Do you get on well with your co-workers?

Yes, I have firm friends in my workplace who are not only friendly but also
supportive. Whenever I am entangled in ups and downs or feel dishheartened, they
always stand by me, champion me. I feel so fortunate to have them in my life.

5.What do you like about your job?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is that I am not stuck behind a desk.
Unlike bankers, engineers who must work from 9 a.m to 5 p.m, I have irregular
schedules.

6.Are you a student or do you work?

I am a freshman studying at the University of Technology – VNU. My major is

Computer Science which concentrates on developing computer softwares. I find it
pretty intriguing because I have to keep myself updated with new technology
everyday.

7.Why did you choose that university?

Well, VNU is one of the top-notch universities in Viet Nam, so studying there not
only provides solid insights but also ensures a bright future for each student.
Besides, VNU is building its reputation as a leading international university offering
numerous scholarships for students nationwide.

8.Why did you choose your major?

To be honest, being a Technology Developer means that I can make a good living
compared to other occupations. Most importantly, my future job is not a 9 to 5 job,
so I can work from home whenever I want.

9.Is that popular in your country?

Yes, it is. In fact, it did not draw a lot of attention from learners and parents in the
past because it was assumed to be quite challenging to study Computer Science.
However, this major is promising to bring a lot of development potential when
today, giant technology firms are deeply penetrating into the Viet Nam market.

10. Do you get along with your classmates?

Yes, of course. One of the perks of studying there is to meet wonderful and gifted
students. Although we are from different backgrounds, we rarely have any discords.
We share everything together, and support each other wholeheartedly when
someone is in trouble.

PART 2. SOLUTION DISCUSSION

Topic 1: You have just received your first salary. How would you use the money?

There are THREE options for you to choose:

 To buy your mom a gift

 To buy a new laptop
 To save up for future

Model answer:
 If I got my first wage, I would definitely purchase a high-end cosmetic kit for
my mom. My mom has been sacrificing everything to help us have a bright future,
and I always aspire that one day I will work hard and be able to buy all the best
things for her. My mom dreams of having an anti-aging cream, because her face
starts to wrinkle. However, instead of buying what she loves, she saves up all her
money in order to make sure that I can have a better education. So many times, I see
her searching on the Internet for some eye cream products, but end up not buying.
Last week, when we were going shopping together, she stopped by an Estee Lauder
store for a long time to consult a customer care staff. Although the staff offered a
special discount, my mom refused to take anything.

The idea of possessing a brand new laptop sounds very enticing to me, but
my personal computer and table are working fine, so there is no reason for me to
have a new one at the moment. Saving up is necessary, and I do suppose that I need
a contingency fund for rainy days. But my first salary should be given to the most
important person in my life who used all her money to raise her children without
asking for anything.

Topic 2: You are going to graduate. Which criteria will you choose to decide to
work in a company?

There are THREE options for you to choose:

 Working environment
 Salary
 A company’s reputation

Model answer:

After finishing my bachelor program, I consider the working environment as

the top priority in choosing a place to work. When everyone in the office gets on
well with each other, I not only master new skills from my senior colleagues such as
communication, teamwork, and problem solving but also improve my productivity.
I know some big firms where new grads are often assigned menial tasks around the
workplace or running errands for their managers. These duties are pointless in
developing personal competence, and it will be a waste of time if I do them day
after day without acquiring anything new. Therefore, working in a suitable
environment enables me to make use of my knowledge and potential. As a result, I
will have more golden opportunities to develop myself more professionally and to
move up the ladder quicker.

I am an inexperienced applicant, and I have a lot of things to learn, so for a

new grad like me, monthly wages are not necessary to be high as long as I can make
ends meet. The prospect of being a part of a well-known corporation sounds
alluring, but I know for sure that it will be very challenging and competitive for a
newcomer like me to work there, not to mention I may have to face countless
daunting tasks. There are college grads landing a fantastic job at NY, KPMG, and so
on. But they hand in their resignation after a few months because of pressure.

Topic 3: You are considering joining some activities to gain experience for
your future career.

Here are some ideas:

 Taking part in part-time jobs

 Volunteering for charity projects
 Becoming a member of a soft-skill development club

I reckon that doing a part-time job does wonders for my future profession.
When I work part-time, I can use my knowledge that I gathered at university, then I
am able to apply it in the real working environment. Therefore, I will be gaining
more hands-on experience compared to those who only learn about theoretical
without practicing. In addition, starting an early career strengthens my soft skills.
For example, working as a waiter, I have to deal with a host of complaints, and
reports from demanding customers. Getting familiar with these situations allows me
to hone my communication and problem-solving skills which are extremely
beneficial for my future job. Most importantly, I will be on flexi-time and do shift
work; so my studying plan won’t be affected.
 Participation in philanthropy events is good because it helps me to develop a
sense of sympathy, to raise my awareness about social issues. However, a charity
project normally takes up to 2-3 months to organise, which is not ideal for my
studying scheme. I had been an active member in some soft-skill development clubs
before becoming a freshman, and I found that the clubs held in educational
institutes were not professional. The leaders did not possess good leadership, and
they showed too much power which distanced members from solidarity.

PART 3: TOPIC DEVELOPMENT

Topic: Describe a company you want to work

You should say:

 What the company is?

 Why do you want to work in that company?
 What difficulty you might encounter to work in that company?
 [Your own idea]

When I was a child, I always longed for working as a flight attendant for
Vietnam Airlines. Being a crew is fantastic because I will be given many
chances to explore the world, to broaden my insights into diverse cultures and
cuisine. Vietnam Airlines is building its reputation as a flaship carrier providing
impeccable sevice and exceptional experiences for all passengers. Unlike low-
cost airlines, passengers opting for Vietnam Airlines rarely experience delays. In
addition, this aviation firm has been buying many modern aircrafts such as
Boeing 787 and Airbus A350.

Job satisfaction is one of the important factors which appeals to employees in

Vietnam Airlines. They establish a close-knit enviroment where staff do not
suffer any strict hierarchy. Beside, the company also offers high wages and
regular salary increments. Each staff not only receives free international tickets
every year, but also have generous holiday entitlements.

I know I have to encounter a lot of adversities when working there. For

example, I have to fly long haul flights which make me feel exhausted.
However, I consider these challenges as my opportunities to push my limits
because I know that in order to be a successful person, we need to step out of
our comfort zone. I know I have a lot of things to learn now, but I will strive to
make my dream come true.