HISTORY – P2
post-World War II decolonization period or the Cold War era
"One historical event that greatly intrigues me is the First Indochina War, which took place
from 1946 to 1954 in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. This conflict was primarily between the
French colonial forces and the Vietnamese nationalist movement, led by the Viet Minh, under
the leadership of Ho Chi Minh.
The war began after World War II, as Vietnam sought independence from French colonial rule.
The French, determined to maintain their control over Indochina, faced growing resistance from
the Viet Minh, who were deeply committed to ending colonialism. One of the most defining
moments of this war was the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954. This was a decisive
confrontation where the Viet Minh, despite their relatively limited resources, launched a siege
on the French garrison and achieved a stunning victory. This battle effectively marked the end of
French colonial power in the region.
What stands out about this war is not just the military strategy but also its broader
historical significance. The First Indochina War set the stage for the division of
Vietnam into North and South, ultimately leading to the Vietnam War, which
would later draw global attention.
This event interests me because it highlights the resilience and determination of
the Vietnamese people in the face of regaining sovereignty.
P3: "I believe history is a great source for reflection. draw lessons that can guide
us in making better decisions for the future." "By reflecting on history, we can
learn important lessons and act accordingly to avoid repeating mistakes."
Q1. Do young people like historical stories in your country?
I am afraid not, since history is not taught very effectively here in Vietnam. Many
of my friends aren’t keen on history, and most of them don’t even know some very
common heroes in Vietnamese history, which is really a shame.
Q2. Which historical period do you think is important in your country?
I would say the Nguyen Dynasty, since it witnessed our country’s transition from
the feudal age to the early modern era. The last Viet Emperor was a Nguyen, and
he put an end to his own regime.
Q3. Do you think history matters in a country’s future development?
Yes. We humans reflect on history to learn from our own mistakes. Understanding
our mistakes and correcting them is the solid foundation for future development.
Q4. What is the effective way of learning history, by reading books or watching
videos?
It really depends. For beginners, movies are a good starting point. Vivid images
and fighting scenes from movies can be very inspirational. It can help inspire
people to get to know more about history. However, when one wishes to have a
deeper insight, books are the better option.
CULTURE
"A time I experienced culture shock was when I traveled to Japan for the first time a few years
ago. I had heard a lot about Japanese culture, but being there was completely different from what
I expected.
One thing that surprised me the most was how quiet public places were, like trains or buses.
People didn’t talk loudly or make phone calls, even when they were with friends. It felt very
unusual to me because in my country, public spaces are usually full of chatter and noise. At first,
I found it a little uncomfortable because I didn’t know how to act.
Another thing was the way people bow to greet each other instead of shaking hands. I wasn’t
used to it, so I felt awkward and unsure if I was doing it right. Over time, I learned to adjust by
observing others and copying their behavior.
Looking back, I think the experience was eye-opening. It taught me to respect and adapt to new
customs, even if they feel strange at first. I also gained a deeper appreciation for cultural
differences, which made me more open-minded and curious about the world."
Q: Why is it important to learn about different cultures?
A: I believe learning about different cultures is important because it helps us to gain a
better understanding of the world and its people. For example, when I visited Japan last
year, I learned about their customs and traditions, like bowing as a sign of respect,
which helped me to better interact with locals and show my appreciation for their
culture. It also allows us to appreciate diversity and different ways of life, which can
ultimately lead to more tolerance and empathy towards others.
"Well, globalisation has definitely had both positive and negative effects on local cultures. On
the positive side, it’s made it easier for people to share ideas, knowledge, and cultural practices.
For example, I’ve had the chance to try foods from all over the world, which has been a great
way to learn about other cultures. But at the same time, it has its downsides. It often leads to
cultures becoming more similar and traditional customs being forgotten. So, while it brings
people together, it can also take away some of the uniqueness of local cultures."
Do you think that language is an important aspect of
culture?
A: Yes, definitely. Language allows people to communicate with one another and
express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions. It is also closely tied to a community’s
identity and heritage. For example, when I visited Spain, I made an effort to learn some
basic Spanish phrases and found that locals appreciated my effort to communicate with
them in their own language.
Q: How do you think technology has influenced culture
in recent years?
A: I think technology has had a significant impact on culture in recent years. It has
allowed people to connect with others from all over the world and share their cultural
experiences more easily. For instance, I have been able to connect with people from
different parts of the world through social media and learn about their cultures. At the
same time, it has also led to the rise of new forms of culture, such as online
communities and social media influencers.
Q: What are some of the benefits of travelling to other countries and
experiencing their cultures?
"I think travelling to other countries and experiencing their cultures is incredibly
rewarding. It gives us the chance to learn about different lifestyles, traditions, and
perspectives, which can really broaden our horizons. For example, when I visited
Thailand, I tried authentic Thai food and attended a Buddhist temple ceremony. It
was such a unique experience and helped me appreciate their culture so much
more. Travelling also helps us improve our social skills because we get to meet and
interact with people from different backgrounds, which can be both exciting and
challenging at times."
ENVIRONMENT – 2 TOPICS
(place visited with no air pollution)
"A place I visited with no air pollution was a small mountain village called Sapa, in northern
Vietnam. I went there about two years ago during the autumn season with my family, and it was
one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been to.
The air felt incredibly fresh and clean, probably because the village is surrounded by tall
mountains, forests, and rice terraces. There are very few cars or motorbikes, so there wasn’t any
smoke or noise. Instead, I could hear birds chirping and the sound of a gentle breeze.
During my visit, I spent a lot of time hiking and exploring the area. One of the highlights
was climbing a hill to watch the sunrise. The view was breathtaking, and the cool, crisp air made
me feel so relaxed. We also visited some local markets and tried traditional food made with fresh
ingredients from nearby farms.
I think this place had no air pollution because it’s far from big cities and industries. People
there live in harmony with nature and rely more on farming than modern technology. Visiting
Sapa made me realize how important it is to protect the environment and enjoy the simple beauty
of nature."
Environmental problem in the news
"An environmental problem that has been in the news is plastic pollution in the oceans. I first
heard about it last year when I watched a documentary on TV. It showed how beaches in
Southeast Asia, especially in countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, were covered in plastic
waste. The problem also affects many other parts of the world.
The documentary explained that the main cause is the huge amount of plastic that people throw
away every day, like bottles, bags, and packaging. A lot of this waste isn’t recycled properly and
ends up in rivers, which carry it to the ocean. Once there, it harms marine animals like turtles and
fish. It even breaks into tiny pieces called microplastics, which can enter the food chain and
affect humans as well.
Seeing the images of animals trapped in plastic or eating it made me feel sad and a little guilty.
It was shocking to realize how much harm we’re causing to the planet with something as small
as a plastic straw or bag.
I think we need to take this problem seriously. Governments should create stricter laws to
reduce plastic use, and people should try to use reusable items instead. Watching that
documentary made me more aware of my own habits, and I’ve started using a reusable water
bottle on a daily basis
BUSINESS
"In the future, I would love to start a small café. It would be located in my hometown, maybe in
a quiet area near a park or a busy street where people often pass by. I want it to be a cozy place
where people can relax, meet friends, or even work while enjoying good coffee and snacks.
To start this business, I would need to rent a small space and decorate it in a warm and
comfortable style, with wooden furniture and soft lighting. I would also need to hire a few staff
and find a good supplier for fresh coffee beans and baked goods. I think social media would be
important too, so I’d promote the café online to attract more customers.
The reason I want to start this business is that I love coffee, and I enjoy creating welcoming
spaces for people. I’ve always thought it would be rewarding to have a place where customers
feel happy and relaxed. Also, small cafés are becoming very popular, especially with young
people, so I think it could be a successful idea.
Overall, I feel that running a small café would be both exciting and challenging. It’s not just
about making money—it’s also about connecting with people and building a friendly
community."
5. What kinds of qualities should a successful businessman have?
(Một doanh nhân thành đạt cần có những phẩm chất gì?)
I suppose there are certain attributes that effective entrepreneurs should
possess. One that should never be overlooked is leadership skills, including
the ability to communicate well, handle and delegate responsibilities and
motivate their workers. In addition, what makes a great leader is also the
ability to forecast what changes or obstacles that his business may run
into in order to adapt easily with new trends and keep the company
afloat.
1. Is there much pollution where you live? (Nơi bạn ở có ô nhiễm nhiều hay không?)
Yes, of course, you know, I am currently living in Ho Chi Minh City - one of the most developed
and bustling cities in Vietnam. Many people have gravitated to this city to live and build
manufacturing factories. It’s noticeable that exhaust fumes from moving vehicles and CO2
emissions from factories are the leading causes of poor air quality.
2. Do you take an interest in nature? (Bạn có hứng thú với thiên nhiên hay không?)
Sure, I lived in the country with my family when I was a little girl, so I had many opportunities
to commune with the natural environment. Even though I have moved to the city now and don't
get back to nature as often as before but I am still into the natural world so much and do
everything I can to protect it.
3. Do you or your family take steps to protect the environment? (Bạn hoặc gia đình bạn có thực
hiện các biện pháp nào để giúp bảo vệ môi trường hay không?)
Yes, of course, since childhood, my brother and I have been taught by our parents about the
importance of the environment in life. We limit the use of single-use products by bringing cloth
bags to store food every time we go to the market and always dispose of waste in the right place.
4. Are residents in your town good at recycling waste? (Cư dân ở thị trấn của bạn có giỏi tái chế
rác thải?)
According to my observations, the people around me do not have the habit of recycling waste.
They throw trash everywhere and most domestic as well as industrial waste is incinerated for the
sake of convenience.
P3:
1. What kinds of pollution are serious in your country? (Những loại ô nhiễm nào
nghiêm trọng ở nước bạn?)
According to my observations, water pollution and air pollution are the two most
serious types of environmental pollution in Vietnam today. While water contamination
is caused by a lot of factors, such as agricultural operations, the discharge of industrial
waste and untreated sewage, overpopulation and the process of urbanization are the
two main causes of air pollution in Vietnam.
2. What do you think is the main danger the world faces in terms of the environment?
(Bạn nghĩ mối nguy hiểm chính mà thế giới phải đối mặt liên quan đến môi trường
là gì?)
Climate change is quite likely the most serious threat right now. It appears that
rising sea levels and desertification are unavoidable. Humans will increasingly battle
for resources, our standard of living will stagnate and ultimately fall.#
3. What examples are there of how we damage the natural world?
"There are many ways we damage the natural world, and it's often linked to human
activities. For example, deforestation is a major issue, as we clear forests for
agriculture or urban development, which destroys habitats and reduces
biodiversity. Pollution is another significant problem, especially plastic waste, which
ends up in oceans and harms marine life. Climate change is also a huge concern,
mainly caused by burning fossil fuels, which leads to rising temperatures and
extreme weather patterns. These activities have long-lasting effects on ecosystems
and the planet as a whole."
3. What can individuals do to protect our environment? (Mọi người có thể làm gì để
bảo vệ môi trường của chúng ta?)
In my opinion, everyone is accountable for the environment as a whole, and there
are a few things that each person can do to help solve this problem. Firstly, we can
use recycled products instead of single-use products like plastic bottles or plastic
bags. Secondly, instead of throwing waste all over the place, individuals may either
deposit it in the waste container or bring it home with them.
TECHNOLOGY
TOPIC 1: THING CANT LIVE WITHOUT – LAPTOP
"One thing I can’t live without is my laptop. I’ve been using it for about three years now, and
it’s an important part of my daily life.
I use it for many things, like studying, working, and staying connected with people. For example,
I write essays and do research for school on it, and I also use it to attend online classes. When
I’m not studying, I enjoy watching movies, listening to music, or playing games on my laptop.
It’s also where I store important files, photos, and documents.
The reason I can’t live without it is that it helps me stay organized and productive. It’s not just
a tool for entertainment—it’s something I rely on for learning and getting work done.
Without my laptop, it would be much harder to keep up with everything, especially in today’s
world where technology is such a big part of life.
I feel really thankful to have it because it makes my life so much easier. It’s not just a machine
—it’s like a personal assistant that helps me stay connected and creative."
TOPIC 2: apps use most in ur phone – youtube
"One app I use the most on my phone is YouTube. I’ve been using it for many years now, and it
has become a big part of my daily routine.
I first came across YouTube when a friend showed me a funny video, and after that, I was
hooked. I use the app for all sorts of things—mainly to watch tutorials, discover new hobbies,
and stay up-to-date with current events. For example, I watch cooking videos to learn new
recipes or improve my cooking skills, and I also follow channels that offer educational content
on topics like technology and travel.
The reason I use it so much is that it’s very convenient. Whenever I have free time or want to
relax, I can just open the app and find something interesting to watch. It’s also great for solving
problems quickly—for example, if I don’t know how to fix something, I can search for a quick
"how-to" video.
Overall, I think YouTube is a great app because it offers so much variety. It’s both fun and
helpful, and I can’t imagine not having it on my phone."
2. Do you think everyone needs to know how to use
[the item you choose to talk about]?
Well I would say that now more than ever it is extremely useful not only for
professional development but also for personal reasons. As I said before,
everything has a computer now, so knowing even a shred about computers
will help you interact with the world more efficiently. Of course not
everyone has access to computers so that should be a focus too, how to
make it more accessible for everyone.
3. What kinds of electrical appliances are most used
in the home, besides the telephone and computer?
Televisions would qualify I think. We are on the constant search for
entertainment in our downtime and television provides exactly that. With
the advent and refinement of smart TVs, as consumers, we now have even
more oversight of the content that we consume and how we consume it.
That makes people spend more time on their TVs since they have more
content online that they can access through it.
4. What are some examples of electronic or electrical
equipment that are commonly used for
communication?
Perhaps not an electrical equipment per se, but the internet is
a massive platform that allows all sorts of devices to communicate with one
another and it has definitely got to a point where it has made the world so
much smaller and interconnected. I would argue that, although intangible,
it is an indispensable tool that has seeped into almost every moment of our
day and you definitely miss when it suddenly does not work.
DESCRIBE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
"A healthy lifestyle, in my opinion, is about finding a good balance between eating well, staying
active, and looking after your mental health. It’s a way of living that helps you feel good both
physically and mentally.
When it comes to eating, people with a healthy lifestyle tend to focus on fresh foods like fruits,
vegetables, and lean proteins. They avoid too much junk food and try to drink plenty of water.
Exercise is also a big part of the picture—whether it’s walking, running, yoga, or going to the
gym. Staying active helps your body stay strong and keeps your energy levels high.
Another important part is taking care of your mind. This can mean different things for different
people—things like getting enough sleep, doing some meditation, or just spending time outdoors.
It’s all about reducing stress and feeling calm.
The benefits of living this way are clear. Not only does it help you stay fit, but it can also lower
the risk of serious health issues like heart disease or diabetes. On top of that, it can improve your
mood and make you feel happier overall.
I think this lifestyle is healthy because it’s all about balance. It’s not extreme or overly strict—
it’s about making choices that support your well-being in the long run."
For health-related food questions: You can emphasize the balanced diet part (e.g., fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, etc.).
For exercise-related questions: Focus on your physical activity routine, like walking, yoga,
or gym workouts.
For doctor or illness-related questions: You can talk about how maintaining a healthy
lifestyle helps prevent illness and keeps you from needing to visit the doctor often.
For public health issue questions: You can briefly mention the importance of a healthy
lifestyle in the context of addressing public health concerns like obesity or stress.
Q. 1. Why do some people choose to start their own business?
"Well, there are quite a few reasons why people decide to start their own business. One
main reason is the desire for independence. For instance, my friend Sarah started her own
graphic design agency because she wanted the freedom to work on projects that matched
her creative vision, instead of following strict corporate rules. Another reason is that it
gives people a chance to follow their passion and turn their ideas into something real. And,
of course, there’s the potential for financial rewards, which can be very appealing if the
business is successful."
Q.2. Do you think you have to be a risk-taker to be successful in business?
ChatGPT đã nói:
ChatGPT
Here’s a natural and easy-to-remember response:
"I think being a risk-taker can help, but it’s not the only thing that makes someone
successful in business. Taking risks is important because it allows you to try new ideas and
grab opportunities, but it needs to be calculated, not reckless. For example, successful
entrepreneurs often take risks, but they also plan carefully and think about the possible
outcomes. At the same time, qualities like hard work, creativity, and persistence are just as
important for success in business."
Q.4. What would you say are the attributes of a successful businessperson?
Ans: Successful businesspeople possess several key attributes. They are driven and have a
strong work ethic. They are willing to put in the necessary effort and go the extra mile to
achieve their goals. Next, successful businesspeople are adaptable and possess excellent
problem-solving skills. They can quickly respond to changing market conditions, identify
opportunities, and navigate challenges effectively. I also believe that successful businessmen
also possess resilience and the ability to learn from failures. They view setbacks as
opportunities for growth and use them as stepping stones to future success.
P1:
"My hometown, Song Lo District, has changed a lot over the years. For example, many of
the roads are now paved, which makes it much easier to get around. There are also more
shops and cafes than before, so it feels a bit livelier. At the same time, schools and
healthcare facilities have improved, which is really helpful for the community. But I’ve also
noticed that some traditional houses and festivals aren’t as common as they used to be,
which is a bit of a shame."
