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Session 08
I. COLLOCATION
TOPIC 4: CHARACTTER & BEHAVIOUR
When I was a teenager, I was painfully shy (extremely shy). I loved reading books, and I had a vivid
imagination (had a creative and colourful imagination). My best friend had a more outgoing personality
(she like to be friendly and sociable) and a good sense of humor (ability to make other people laugh).
Unfortunately she was also brutally honest, and sometimes her comments hurt my feelings (made me sad,
upset, or angry).
Although I was fiercely loyal to her, she showed her true colours (reveled her true personality) when
she played a prank (did a trick) that humiliated me in front of the class. I bore a grudge (continued feeling
angry) against her for years afterwards. Now that I look back on it, I can see that she had low self-esteem
(she considered herself inferior) and a bit of a mean streak (a “streak” is a tiny bit of someone’s
personality).
I’ve come out of my shell (become less shy) since those days; I have a thicker skin (I’m less sensitive
to criticism) and it doesn’t bother me when people speak their minds (say exactly what they think, without
considering the effects of the words on others).
My biggest flaw is that I have a tendency to be arrogant – some say I have a superiority complex
(consider myself superior to others). I’ll admit that it is hard for me to swallow my pride (stop being
arrogant) and recognize when I’ve been mistaken about something. My resolution for the New Year is to
make a more concerted effort to put others first (consider the needs of other people more important than
my own).
QUIZ
1. A lot of successful entrepreneurs have not only a bright / lucid / vivid imagination, but also the
willingness to work hard.
2. He really hurt my emotions / feelings / senses when he called me an idiot.
3. His superiority belief / complex / tendency makes him impossible to work with because he won’t
listen to suggestions.
4. I had to chew / eat / swallow my pride and apologize to Janet for overreacting to her criticism.
5. I like to date men with a great feel / sense / touch of humour.
6. In some cultures, it’s considered very rude to say / speak / talk your mind.
7. It’s good to get / put / set others first, but not at the expense of your own well-being.
8. Most people who work as comedians have very outgoing / tendency / upcoming personalities.
9. My brother is brutally / carefully / painfully shy, but I’m trying to encourage him to come out of
his case / shell / skin.
10. My daughter gets along with her classmates, but she has a competitive spot / streak / strip when it
comes to academics.

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11. My husband forgives other people very easily; he’s not one to bear / hurt / swallow a grudge.
12. She would never cheat on her husband; she’s angrily / brutally / fiercely loyal to him.
13. The kids were suspended for playing a grudge / prank / streak on the teacher – they put a live
snake inside her desk.
14. Working with a therapist has helped me overcome my problems with deep / low / small self-esteem.
15. You need to develop a fatter / harder / thicker skin; you can’t let every little comment upset you.

II. SPEAKING
TOPIC 7: TOY
TOPIC Q&A
Q1: What was your favourite toy in childhood?
Well, to be honest, I was kind of a spoiled kid. My parents used to pamper me with all kinds of toys,
buy my favourite was this Power Ranger action figure. I am a big fan of the franchise so when I got the
toy, I was elated. I still have it in my living room, actually.
Q2: Should parents buy many toys for their children?
Mhmm, personally I don’t think it’s a good idea. I mean, if parents indulge their children and just buy
whatever toy they like, the kids are likely to develop a habit of pestering their parents for things, and that’s
definitely not a good thing.
Q3: What are the benefits of children playing toys?
People often think of toys as being detrimental to kids, but I think they can benefit children’s
development in some ways. Educational toys like building blocks can actually boost the cognitive
development of small kids. For example, my brother used to with Lego a lot when he was small, and he’s
a very creative person.
Q4: What are the disadvantages of children playing toys?
Toys can be time-consuming. I mean, children often lose track of time when thay play with toys, and
as a result, they may not have enough time for other priorities such as study, for example.

VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS
 a spoiled kid (n): đứa trẻ hư, được chiều
 pamper somebody with something (v): chiều chuộng ai bằng cái gì
 action figure (n): đồ chơi hành động, kiểu siêu nhân
 indulge (v): chiều chuộng
 pester (v): vòi vĩnh
 detrimental (adj): có hại (~harmful)

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 boost the cognitive development: đẩy mạnh quá trình phát triển não
 lose track of time (idm): quên hết giờ giấc

TOPIC 8: WEATHER
TOPIC Q&A
Q1: What’s the weather like where you live?
Well, Vietnam is a tropical country, so it’s pretty much hot and humid year round. However, in Northern
cities like Hanoi, we actually enjoy four distinct seasons. So in summery months, it can get really
sweltering and by contrast, temperatures can really dip in winter.
Q2: What type of weather do you like best?
I’d consider myself a cold weather person. I love the crisp mornings at the end of fall and the chill of
winter. Maybe it’s because we have to bundle up as the weather turns cold, and I love wearing sweaters and
overcoats.
Q3: Does the weather ever affect what you do?
You know, I gotta say yes, especially when it rains. I mean, I cannot go out and run my errands if it’s
pouring outside. The roads get really slippery, so it’s quite dangerous to drive. Besides, you will definitely
be soaked if our do decide to go out.

VOCABULARY HIGHLIGHTS
 tropical (adj): nhiệt đới
 humid (adj): ẩm ướt
 enjoy four distinct seasons (v): bốn mùa rõ rệt
 sweltering (adj): rất nóng
 temperatures … dip: nhiệt độ giảm sâu
 a cold weather person: người thích thời tiết lạnh
 crisp (adj): lạnh (và khô)
 chill (n): cái lạnh (adj = chilly)
 bundle up (v): mặc nhiều quần áo
 run errands (v): chạy việc vặt
 pour (v): mưa như trút nước
 slippery (adj): trơn trượt
 soaked (adj): ướt như chuột lột

EXERCISES
TOPIC 7: TOY
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Exercise 1. Fill in the blanks, using the words provided.
spoiled pester track cognitive pampering
1. I’ve been giving my dog a lot of treats recently. Do you think I am _______________ him too
much?
2. When I play video games, I always lose _______________ of time and end up playing too much.
3. Educational toys can do wonders for a child’s _______________ development.
4. If parents always accommodate children’s requests, they will _______________ for new things all
the time.
5. _______________ children are generally very ill-mannered.
Exercise 2 – Fill in the blanks.
1. I love Power Rangers, so as a kid I used to had a lot of Power Ranger action _______________.
2. I don’t think parents should _______________ their children too much, lest they become unable to
lead an independent lifestyle when they become grown-ups.
3. I think excessive gaming can definitely be _______________ to the development of small kids.
4. Overindulging children can turn them into _______________ brats.
Exercise 3 – Choose the correct word.
1. My parents were sort of over-indulgent / pampering when I was a kid so they bought me a boat
load of toys.
2. Children who were born with a silver spoon in their mouth tend to pester / paster their parents
and are unwilling to do hard work.
3. Toys can be a huge distractor / distraction for kids, so you shouldn’t let yours play with them too
much.
4. Lego is an example of how toys can dramatically boost kids’ cognitive / cognition development.

TOPIC 8: WEATHER
Exercise 1 – Fill in the blank, using the words provided.
distinct sweltering errands slippery dip
1. Living in Hanoi, we’re fortunate enough to enjoy four _______________ seasons.
2. In the winter, the temperatures can really _______________, especially at night, so it’s always wise
to bundle up.
3. Going to the pool is the best way to shelter from the _______________ heat of summer.
4. After it rains, the roads always get so _______________ so it’s not safe to drive.
5. “Where are you heading?” “Oh I’m just going to run some _______________ real quick.”
Exercise 2 – Multiple choice questions
1. I used to live in Nebraska, where the weather gets really freezing in the colder months, and I just
couldn’t stand the _____.

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A. hills B. chill C. thrill D. bill
2. It’s _____ outside, so you should wait until the rain stops.
A. pouring B. dropping C. slipping D. falling
3. Vietnam is a _____ country, so precipitation is high year round.
A. tropical B. arid C. polar D. continental
Exercise 3 – Choose the correct word
1. I am kind of a cold weather human / person so I love winters.
2. It’s really chucking it down outside, but I have to leave. I’d probably be soaped / soaked by the
time I get home though.
3. Winters in Sweden can be brutal, so you gotta bundle / hurdle up whenever you go out.
4. I love the crispy / crisp air up in the mountains, especially in the morning. It just feels so
refreshing.

III. LISTENING
SECTION 1
Question 1-10
Complete the form below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR NUMBERS for each answer.

HOST FAMILY APPLICANT

Example Answer
Name: Jenny Chan
Present address: Sea View Guest House, 1 _______________
Daytime phone number: 2237676
NB Best time to contact is 2 __________
Age: 19
Intended length of stay: 3 __________
Occupation while in UK: student
General level of English: 4 _________
Preferred location: in the 5 __________
Special diet: 6 __________
Other requirements: own facilities, own television, 7 __________, to be 8 __________
Maximum price: 9 £ __________ a week

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Preferred starting date: 10 __________

SECTION 2 Question 11-20

Question 11-13
Complete the sentences below.
Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
11. The next meeting of the soccer club will be in the _________ in King’s park on 2 July.
12. The first event is a __________.
13. At the final dinner, players receive __________.
Question 14-17
Complete the table below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.

Competition Number of Teams Games Begin Training Session (in

King’s Park)
Junior 14 __________ 8.30 am 15 __________

Senior 16 __________ 2.00 pm 17 __________

Question 18-20
Complete the table below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

Name of Office Bearer Responsibility

Robert Young: President to manage meetings

Gina Costello: Treasurer to 18 _______________

David West: Secretary to 19 _______________

Jason Dokic: Head Coach to 20 _______________

SECTION 3 Question 21-30

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Question 21-24
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.

Box Telecom
Problems: been affected by  drop in 21 __________
 growing 22 __________
 delays due to a strike
Cause of problems:  high 23 __________
 lack of good 24 __________

Question 25-27
Choose the correct letter A, B or C.
25. What does Karin think the company will do?
A. look for private investors
B. accept a takeover offer
C. issue some new shares
26. How does the tutor suggest the company can recover?
A. by appointing a new managing director
B. by changing the way it tis organized
C. by closing some of its retail outlets
27. The tutor wants Jason and Karin to produce a report which
A. offers solutions to Box Telecom’s problems.
B. analyses the UK market.
C. compares different companies.
Questions 28-30
Which opinion does each person express about Box Telecom?
Choose your answers from the box and write the letters A-F next to questions 28-30

A its workers are motivated

B it has too little investment
C it will overcome its problems
D its marketing campaign needs improvement

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E it is old-fashioned
F it has strong managers

28. Karin __________

29. Jason __________
30. the tutor __________

SECTION 4 Questions 31-40

Question 31-36
Choose the correct letter A, B or C.
31. During the first week of term, students are invited to _____
A. be shown round the library by the librarian.
B. listen to descriptions of library resources.
C. do an intensive course in the computer centre.
32. The speaker warns the students that _____
A. internet materials can be unreliable.
B. downloaded information must be acknowledged.
C. computer access may be limited at times.
33. The library is acquiring more CDs as a resource because _____
A. they are a cheap source of information.
B. they take up very little space.
C. they are more up to date than the reference books.
34. Students are encouraged to use journals online because _____
A. the articles do not need to be returned to the shelves.
B. reading online is cheaper than photocopying articles.
C. the stock of printed articles is to be reduced.
35. Why might some students continue to use reference books?
A. they can be taken away from the library
B. they provide information unavailable elsewhere
C. they can be borrowed for an extended loan period
36. What is the responsibility of the Training Supervisor?

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A. to supervise and support library staff
B. to provide orientation to the library facilities
C. to identify needs and inform section managers
Question 37 – 40
Which section of the university will help postgraduate students with their dissertations in the
following ways?
A. the postgraduate’s own department or tutor
B. library staff
C. another section of the university
Write the correct letter A, B or C, next to questions 37-40.
37 training in specialized computer programs __________

38 advising on bibliography presentation __________

39 checking the draft of the dissertation __________

40 providing language support __________

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Vocabulary

close friend: a very good friend.

enjoy each other’s company: to like spending time with each other.
| Steve and Noah are always together, they definitely enjoy each others company.
fair-weather friend: someone who is your friend only when you are cheerful and successful.
| A lot of John’s friends turned out to be fair-weather friends. They were with him when he was rich and
left him when he went bankrupt.
friends are like second family: that is to say your friends love you and make you feel comfortable.
get in touch with somebody: to contact somebody.
| I plan to get in touch with my friends when I return home.
near and dear to someone: very important to someone.
| Her parents are the only people who are near and dear to her.
shoulder to cry on: someone who is always ready to listen to your problems.
| I’m so glad my boyfriend is so kind and sympathetic, it’s good to always have a shoulder to cry on.
to be through thick and thin: to have some good times and difficult times together.
| Your parents are married for 15 years, they must have been through thick and thin together.
to be well-matched: to be similar to somebody in interests.
| They are well-matched. to break up: to end a relationship.
| It is hard to believe that Jacob and Sarah broke up. They were dating since high school.
to drift apart: to become less close to someone.
| As years went by, school friends drifted apart.
to fall for someone (to fall in love with someone): to start loving somebody.
| They were childhood friends, and he fell for her!
to fall out with: to quarrel, to have a conflict.
| He left the party after falling out with his girlfriend.
to get on like a house on fire: people get on like a house on fire when they like each other’s company
and become friends very quickly.
| I like my new roommate! We have a lot of same interests and get on like a house on fire.
to get on well with somebody: to have a good relationship with somebody.
| I’m an outgoing person and I easily get on well with new people.
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to get to know someone: to become acquainted with someone.
| I thought Jenna was selfish until I got to know her and understood her real character.
to have a lot in common: to have similar interests.
to have friends in high places: to have friends in powerful positions in business or government.
| Joe owes his fast career growth to his friends in high places.
to hit it off with somebody: to quickly become close friends with somebody.
| I could not imagine that Laura will hit it off with Dylan! They are so different.
to keep in touch with someone: to maintain contact with someone.
| I keep in touch with my friends from high school, although we graduated five years [Link] lose touch
with someone: to lose contact with someone.
| I lost touch with Mary since she moved to Canada.
to see eye to eye: to agree.
| I think it’s better to live in a big city, but my brother doesn’t see eye to eye with me about it.
to strike up (a conversation, a relationship): to start.
| I feel awkward when I strike up a conversation with unknown people.
ups and downs: a mixture of good and bad things that happen.
| We’re friends for almost 30 years! Surely we’ve had our ups and downs.

IELTS Speaking sample about Friends

Part 1

Do you have a lot of friends?

Not a lot, but I have a few very close friends … I think it is better to have one reliable friend that a
thousand fair-weather friends… Although it’s not easy to meet someone you have a lot in common
with, I think managed to do it.

How often do you see your friends?

As often as I can… We enjoy each other’s company, so we see each other almost daily… What’s more,
we live very close to each other, so it’s easy for us to meet up.

Is there anything special about your friends?

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Oh, that’s an interesting question… I guess there are lot of things… For instance, my best friend can draw
unbelievable art, good enough to sell. And my other friend is really keen on cooking… But most
importantly, they are people, who are near and dear to my heart.
For how long do you know them?
I’ve known my friends since my childhood… We’ve been through thick and thin together… Probably
that’s why we’re so close now.

Part 2

Now, have a look at the card and prepare a monologue.

Describe your friend. You should say:

– Who is he/she
– When did you meet
– Why is he/she so close to you
and say what do you like about your friend the most

I would like to talk about my friend William… I wouldn’t say he’s my best friend, but I would rather
call him as a good friend of mine… I met him last year at local sports centre. It turned out that we were
studying at the same college… Then, miraculously, I got into the same class with him and we got on like
a house on fire… He’s the sweetest person I’ve ever met! He’s smart, helpful, caring, funny and
somehow good-looking… And most importantly, we have a lot in common and he understands me as
nobody else does.

Part 3
Do you think friendship is important nowadays?
Yes, certainly! Without my friends I’d be very sad and lonely, but they cheer me up and help in every way
possible… Of course, all relationships have their ups and downs, but we should definitely try not to lose
touch with our friends.

What do you think is the best time to get new friends?

Hmm… Probably, the best time to get new friends is your school and university years. You have many
possibilities to get in touch with different people… And it is easier to find friends with similar
interests…
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Is it important to stay in touch with your friends throughout the years?
Yes, it very important not to lose touch with your friends… Surely, everyone changes and even close
friends can drift apart. But, in my opinion, friends are your second family and we should highly
appreciate them.

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