Hướng dẫn ôn tập Anh Van B

ENGLISH FOR B1-LEVEL STUDENTS
Designed by Nguyen Van Tuan, MA
Lecturer
Department of English
College of Foreign Languages


7. What’s my hobby?
I don’t mind being on my own or staying at home. I like computer and indoor activities which are quiet and relaxing.

I like doing things outdoors and love animals, but I am also artistic. I also like doing things on my own.

3. I can’t stand staying at home. I prefer being outside and doing sports, but I don’t really like animals


1.1 I love meeting people
9. Write an online profile
Hi, I’m______ and I’m from_____ .I like______ and________ . I hate ______ and I can’t stand_____ . I want to ________ and________.


1.2 Keeping in touch

2. Give reasons for your answers.
I think text is the best because it would be very noisy and difficult to hear a telephone conversation
I think email is best because you can send a link to the website.
I think mobile phone is the best because you can explain why you are going to be late and how long you will be.

1.2 Keeping in touch

4. I think a postcard is best because you can send a picture of the place where you are staying.
5. I think landline is best because you might want to talk for a long time


10. Write an email
Hi Alex,
Would you like to come over to my house tomorrow? I’ve just bought a new computer. It’s great because it is much quicker than my old one. We can play this new game that I’ve discovered.
Hope you can come.
From _________


1.2 Keeping in touch
8. Writing extra
Discuss the questions in pairs.
How much time do you spend on the computer?
Do you use chat rooms? Why/why not/
What games do you play on the computer?
What is your favourite website?
Do you think the internet is safe?

2.1 He’s the youngest brother

1. Vocabulary
A: cheerful, confident, kind, lazy, shy
B: elderly, in his/her thirties
C: bald, a beard, curly hair, fair hair, glasses, handsome, a moustache, pretty, slim, tall
D: a grandparent, a twin

2. To be: bald, cheerful, confident, elderly, a grandparent, handsome, in his thirties, kind, lazy, pretty, shy, slim, tall, a twin
To have: a beard, curly hair, fair hair, glasses, a moustache

2.1 He’s the youngest brother

6. Write sentences
I think teenagers are friendlier than elderly people because they need to have more friends.

Men are more hard working than women because women waste hours every day chatting.

Shy people are not as attractive as confident people because a big smile makes everyone looks better.


2.2 Such a messy room

1.
armchair 3 blinds 1 carpet 1,3

ceiling 1,2,3,4 cupboard 4 curtains 2

cushion 1,2,4 desk 3 drawers 1

duvet 1,2,3 fan 1 mirror 3,4

pillow 1,2,4 photos 2 posters 2

rubbish bin 3 shelf 2,3

3.1 It used to be different

1.
1. The people are singing around the piano.
2. The boy is writing a letter.
3. The man is making a phone call.
4. The women are getting dressed.
5. The woman is washing clothes.
3.1 It used to be different
2.
1. Today people watch TV for entertainment.
2. Today people phone or use emails.
3. Today people have mobile phones.
4. Today people wear jeans or T-shirts.
5. Today people have washing machines.
3.1 It used to be different
7.
Photo 1:
This family is watching television together. They are eating something in the bowl. They are all laughing. Three of them are sitting in the sofa. Three of the people are wearing jeans. There is a lamp next to the sofa. The man is saying something to the woman. The children are talking about the cartoon film on the TV. They look about 10 and 12. The boy is playing with a cat and the girl is eating an ice-cream.
3.1 It used to be different
7.
Photo 2: This family is playing football on the beach. It is a sunny day and the sky is blue. The man is standing in the goal. The woman is holding a ball in her arms, They are all wearing shorts and have bare feet. The woman is wearing a sun hat. The girl is shouting to the boy. The boy is running toward the goal. The man is waiting for the boy to come. The man is wearing sunglasses.
3.1 It used to be different
7.
3.1 It used to be different


3.1 It used to be different
8. Dimitri eats meals, plays sport and watches sport. He used to do homework, do housework and go on holiday. Elena eats meals. She used to do housework and go on holiday.
9. Dimitri asks Elena a question to start the conversation. They both talk for about the same length of time. The involve each other by asking questions and using phases such as What about you?
3.2 The street is lined with trees

3.2 The street is lined with trees

3.2 The street is lined with trees

3.2 The street is lined with trees


3.2 The street is lined with trees


1. - Photo 1 shows New Jersey port in New York. This is the largest port in the east coast of North America, and is at the centre of the busiest consumer market in the world.
- Photo 2 is the Red Square in Moscow. The photo shows Basil’s Cathedral, at the south east end of Red Square. It is one of the most famous squares in the world.
3.2 The street is lined with trees
1.
- Photo 3 shows Carnaby Street in Central London. This is a famous pedestrianised shopping area near Oxford Street.
- Photo 4 shows a metro/an underground station outside one of the most famous department stores in Paris, Galeries La fayettes.


1.
A. What can you do in the cities? Do you visit the museums? go shopping? Go to the cinema? Take photographs? etc.
B. What’s your favourite city? Why?


2.
1. port 2. tower 3. square
4. pedestrian 5. underground
6. statue



4.
1. A 2. A 3. B 4. A 5.B 6. A 7. A 8. B
9. B 10. A
- In pairs, plan a day out in Montreal.
Language for making suggestion:
Why don’t we..........? We could ........
Let’s ..................
Time sequences:
First,........, after that........., next........., finally...........


In 1852 much of the city was destroyed by a large fire.
In the 1960s and 70s many old buildings were repaired.
Old Montreal was declared a historic district in 1964.
In 1988 an ice storm caused $1 billion worth of damage to the city.
Many famous films were made in Montreal.
66% of Montrealers speak French as their first language.

EXAM GUIDE
Dear Jerome,
There will be a classical concert in the park at this weekend. I will go to the concert because I like this kind of music very much and my favourite musician will perform in the band. Would you like to go for the concert with me?
Best wishes,



EXAM GUIDE
Dear Mark,
Yes, I had a job in a shop last summer and I loved it. It was a shoe shop in the town centre. I had to work long hours but I met some really nice people and I made a lot of money. I will use it to buy a car when I go to college next year. You are lucky that your uncle has a shop. If you do, you will save money too. If you do not work, you will get bored because the summer holidays are quite long. Let me know your decision.
Best wishes,
Jack

EXAM GUIDE
Dear Hayley,
Thank you for your letter. How are you? You are right. I worked in a clothes shop last summer, but I did not like it. I had to work from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and it was hard. I do not know about working in a book shop. I have never worked in a book shop. I do not think you should work all the summer. If you work, you will be tired and maybe you will not have time for fun on the beach. Write soon and tell me what you decide.
Lots of love,
Emilie

EXAM GUIDE
It was my birthday last month, so I had a party and I got lots of presents. I put all the presents in my bedroom and I opened them after my party. I liked the presents and I said thank you to everyone. Two weeks later the phone rang. It was my grandmother, who asked me if I had liked my present. I was very embarrassed because I did not know anything about a present from my grandmother. I went upstairs and looked in my bedroom. Under the bed there was a little box. I pulled it out and opened it. It was a beautiful necklace from my grandmother. I loved it

READING
LITTLE THINGS

Little drops of water
Little grains of sand
Make the vast ocean
And the pleasant land.
Little deeds of kindness
Little words of love
Make the Earth happy
Like the Heaven above.


DREAMS
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow

UNIT 4: Speaking
Win the lottery, rob a bank, write a bestseller, invent something, become a leader….
Oprah Winfrey: popular US chat show who owns a production company; Stella McCartney: successful fashion designer with a famous dad, Richard Brandson; built the Virgin Empire (includes Virgin Airlines, Trains and Records); Paul Newman used to be a film star and used some of his earnings to start a successful salad cream company
Bill Gates, Madona, Mark Zuckerberg co-creating the social networking site

UNIT 4: Listening 4a
Payphone: John Paul Getty put payphones in the bedroom of his house so his friends couldn’t make free phone calls.

Mice: Matthew Preud sold mice to his friends when he was at school.

Suit: Bill Gates doesn’t wear suits because he knows he doesn’t have to look good.

Five o’clock: Rupert Murdoch goes to five o’clock meetings (in the mornings)

UNIT 8: CHANGE
a change of heart
a decision that what you thought earlier is not true or right now
He`d been active in the organization for years, but after a change of heart, Yang left the group.
for a change
as something different
Why don`t we eat dinner on the porch for a change?

UNIT 8: CHANGE
(It`s) time for a change.
an expression announcing a decision to make a change.
Bill: Are you really going to take a new job? Mary: Yes, it`s time for a change. Jane: Are you going to Florida for your vacation again? Fred: No. It`s time for a change. We`re going skiing.

UNIT 8: CHANGE
change horses in midstream
to make major changes in an activity that has already begun;
The house is half-built. It`s too late to hire a different architect. You can`t change horses in midstream.

UNIT 8: CHANGE
change your mind
to have a different opinion or intention than you had before
If you don`t buy the painting now, he may change his mind and refuse to sell it. After the interview I completely changed my mind about her abilities.

UNIT 8: CHANGE READING 8
One and a half billion people watched the Live Aid concerts. There was a terrible famine in sub-Saharan Africa. The concert raised 140 million pounds. Live Aid was a miracle, because the concert achieved things that previously people did not think were possible.

UNIT 8: CHANGE READING 8
In 1985 there were no mobile phones and computers were outside the experience of most ordinary people. Ten cities around the world held the Live 8 concerts. Bob Geldof says the linga franca is rock music, not English. English is often described as a ‘linga franca’, because people all over the world use it to communicate.

UNIT 8: CHANGE READING 8
Live Aid started new ways of thinking and behaving in broadcasting, in putting political pressure on government s and in raising money. Previously, people had not thought about using a huge concert to raise money, or to change politics. They had not considered how simultaneous broadcasting could be used to unite people around the world.

UNIT 8: CHANGE READING 8
The message that Live Aid delivered was the need for change. The concert raised awareness of the sensible situation in Africa, and how the developed countries were partially responsible. People realized that this situation should change. There were simultaneous concerts on the two different continents. The concerts were broadcast all over the world at the same time. Concorde was put on stand-by for the concert so it would be used if necessary.
JOBS
 Which jobs
can be done by robots?
no longer exist?
require absolutely no intelligence?
have low salaries but high prestige?
require very long training?
will be most needed in the future?


JOBS
 Which jobs
7. are overpaid?
8. young children typically want to do?
9. can be done from home?
10. you would really hate to do?
11. are well-paid but dangerous?
12. are most suitable for females?


JOBS
  Semco is a company which sells parts for ships. The company is organised differently from the majority of businesses. Unnecessary jobs were cut by the company boss, Ricardo Semier, with the result that even top managers do photocopying and dial the phones. Uniforms have been relaxed and employees work flexible hours. The new way of operating has proved successful for Semco


JOBS
  1. Employees set their own salaries, meet guests in reception, do the photocopying, send faxes, type letters, dial the phones an even fix equipment.
2. Semco has plants instead walls, staff can decorate their own workplace so it looks different, and some of the staff wear uniforms while others wear T-shirts.
3. Rubin Agater is a sales manager at Semco. He is important because he knows how to fix oil pumps.


JOBS
  4. Workers can decide their own work hours and use Semco machinery.
5. Yes. Profits have increased and the company is growing.
6. Peer pressure is the strong feeling that you must do the same things as the other people around you. It is important because this is what makes people work hard at Semco.


9.3 JOBS Listening 11a
  1. Air hostess/She still does the job now. She says she has to be good at dealing with people. When people have arguments, she needs to be able to listen to people and solve their problems. She also needs to persuade people to do things they do not want to do.
9.3 JOBS Listening 11a
  2. Office manager. She did the job in the past. She needed to prioritize and delegate. She worked under a lot of pressure and worked irregular hours. It was useful to be able to type fast and she used a range of computer software.
9.3 JOBS Listening 11a
  3. Medical scientist. He did this job in the past. He had to be able to work accurately, and be good with figures. Nowadays they use a lot of computer software to help solve problems.
9.3 JOBS Listening 11a, b
  4. Bus driver. He does the job now. He says he needs to be able to drive well, and be patient. He has to be good at dealing with people who get angry, and he works irregular hours.
9.3 JOBS Listening 12
  - dealing with people S1 - drive well S 4
- solving problems S 1,3
- listening to people S 1
- persuading people S 1
- languages S 1 - use a range of computer
- delegating S 2 software S 3
- prioritizing S 2
- work accurately S 3
- work irregular hours S 2,4
- speak more than one language S 1
- type fast S2
TEST 2 WRITING 1
Hello Alex,
How are you doing? I have spent my holiday in Dalat for more than three days and I am enjoying my holiday here. I’ve stayed in a luxury hotel with a good view from my room. There are a lot of beautiful hills with pine trees behind my hotel. The hotel service is excellent and the food in the restaurant is delicious. I am really happy with these.
See you.
Peter
TEST 2 WRITING 2
Dear Alex,
I am happy to hear that you want to travel to Vietnam. I will give you some good advice before you come to my country. First of all, you should travel by plane, flying directly from Sydney to Saigon where you can have many interesting places to visit and different kinds of local food to enjoy. Please don’t forget to bring sunglasses and summer clothes with you because it is sunny and hot at the moment in Vietnam. If you want to understand more about the religion and royal culture, you ought to visit Hue where you can go to the pagodas and the King’s tombs. I hope that you will have a good time and unforgettable memories after your visit to my country. See you soon.
Lot of love,
John
TEST 3 WRITING 1
Hello Maria,
We are going to have a party on 24 May to celebrate Nam’s 20th birthday. We’ve booked a table for ten people at Huong Giang Restaurant, at 24 Le Loi Street. The party will start at 7 p.m. and go on till late. There will be a four-course meal and music.
I would like to invite you to the party. I’ll pick you up at your school at 6.30.
Peter
TEST 3 WRITING 2
Dear Alex,
Thank you for your letter in which you asked me about the changes to my room. Last week, I decided to buy a new shelf and a sofa at a furniture shop. They were delivered to my house yesterday. I put the shelf next to the table on the left. The bright color of the shelf goes well with the color of the wall behind it. I put the sofa at the right corner to the left of the bed. I can sit on the sofa to watch TV or to read books comfortably. I am happy with the changes to my room because it seems to look tidier and more comfortable now.
Best wishes,
John
 
Upper-Inter 1 CONNECT
  Step-sister: girl or woman whose father or mother has married her mother or father

Half-sister: a sister who is the child of only one of your parent

Acquaintance: someone you know but not very well

Soulmate: someone you have very close relationship because you share or understand the same emotion and interests
Upper-Inter 1 CONNECT
  Close friend: someone you are good friends with

Partner: someone you are having a serious relationship with


CONNECT Lead-in 2b
  1. make people think well when they first meet you
2. like someone as soon as you meet them for the first time
3. have many similar attitudes or experiences to another person
4. have similar view about something to somebody else
5. feel you see things in a similar way to someone else.
CONNECT Reading 1
  A true friend....
shows respect for your view on things
takes you just the way you are
will treat you honestly
won`t mess with your feelings
will help you in every way he/she can
won`t `demand` things from you
is loyal if you don`t overstep his/her bounderies
can last forever, but you both have to work on it
CONNECT Reading 1
  1. Supportive
A good friend knows your dreams and will try to make the best in helping you achieve what you want.
2. Trustworthy
A good friend is someone whom you can trust. They won`t do something stupid that could bring you down.
3. . Caring and Thoughtful
Good friends care about you. Although there are many ways of letting you know that they care. Perhaps they may give you a hug, talk to you on the phone or invite you to their home.
CONNECT Reading 1
  4. Loyal

A good friend would always be there for you in times of good and bad. Being loyal is what almost everyone looks for in a friend. A loyal friend could try his/her best to keep in touch, even though you`re far apart. Once a friend, always a friend. Even though the distance is there, the friendship still remains.


CONNECT Reading 1
  5. Supportive
A good friend knows your dreams and will try to make the best in helping you achieve what you want.


Writing 7
 1. Alison-Keith called about tonight. Jackie and Steve can’t come. You still want to go to the film? Please call Kith on mobile
2. James-Please call Tina Jenkins (HSBS Customer Service) 01303813843 a.s.a.p re. large credit card payment
3. Brian-Please ring Sarah Shiali- 01273443750 to arrange when she can come and see car you’re selling.


Writing 9 p7
 
Harry talks to Jamie about his family; Paula about his relationships and love life; Alex about work and practical things; Nigel is Harry’s best friend from school but they have lost touch

Family ties 1 p9
  The Boehmer family is the world’s largest family of jugglers (tung hung) and has won a number of awards, performing all over the US and beyond. They have been performing to audiences with their varied juggling
Family ties 1 p9
  I think a big family is good. You`re never lonely and there`s always someone to hang around with or play with or do something with and lots of things to share and you learn some good values about sharing and being patient and, yeah, I think big families are better than small families.
Family ties 1 p9
  I would like to be from a big family, because in a big family, you always have company. You have a wider variety of people to spend time with, and I associate big families with fun and laughter, so I think I would prefer a big family even though I like my small family.
Family ties 1 p9
  you`ll have special memories and when you get older you`ll be able to look back and think of all the good times you had with your brothers and sisters.

When there’s so many people it’s impossible to be bored; it’s never quiet, but it’s easy to have a lot of fun. You never feel alone or left out
Family ties 1 p9
  It’s always better to have someone beside you — and here, in this house, you have somebody everywhere, so you always feel strong.

It’s difficult for parents to spend equal time with all of their children.
Family ties 1 p9
You may get less parental time, but its compensated for by siblings.

You may get less inheritance, but you will have a very rich family life.

You may spend more time mentoring, but mentoring skills are invaluable.

You may spend more time baby-sitting, but that will make you a better parent.



Mobile connections p12
The number of young people who have a mobile phone: one quarter of 4-15 years old in Tokyo; half of Japanese high school students

3. The reasons why young people want a mobile phone: “lifestyle”, parents, to keep in touch with friends


Mobile connections p12
4. How parents feel about their children having a mobile phone: they think they spend too much time on the phone; makes it difficult to keep a check on who their children are communicating with

6. The amount of contacts teenagers feel they need with their friends: several times a day

Mobile connections p12
7. The effect of mobile phone on reading for pleasure: reducing the amount children read for pleasure

9. The health risks of mobile phones to children: children under 16 should only use mobile phones to make calls in an emergency

10. Some possible educational uses of mobile phones: to get revision, mock exam questions; for teachers to keep in touch with pupils

Mobile connections p12
look up to. Admire, respect, as in The students really looked up to Mr. Jones.

grow up
Become an adult, as in Sam wants to be a policeman when he grows up.
Read more:





Mobile connections p12
show off
seek attention by displaying one`s accomplishments, abilities, or possessions. For example, I`m wearing shorts to show off my Florida tan.
Get on
To be or continue on harmonious terms: He gets on well with the neighbors.




Mobile connections p12
go out with someone: to date
Jesse has been going out with Luke since they met last winter.
Fall out
Meaning: Argue and be on bad terms with someone
Example: They FELL OUT over the decision and hardly speak to each other any more.
Mobile connections p12
Split up
Meaning: Finish a relationship
Example: They are always SPLITTING UP and then getting back together again.
Make up
Meaning: Stop being angry with someone
Example: They are always arguing, but they MAKE UP again very quickly.
5.2 (4)
1. Rambling: having an irregular shape and covering a large area
2. Pretty much to ourselves: almost nobody else used it (the garden)
3. Haven’t changed a bit: not different
4. Mess around: behave in a silly way when you should be paying attention or doing something sensible
5. Model child: a child who is considered to be good
6. Reasonably well: quite well
7. Apparently: you have heard something is true but you are not completely sure about it
8. Shame really: you are disappointed about something/ It’s a pity
5.2 (9)
Communication-2 p72
Choose material for your time capsule is made of carefully e.g. aluminum or stainless steel so that it will last a long time.
Make sure that books and newspapers are printed on the highest quality paper so they do not deteriorate any faster than necessary.
Use black and white photographs rather than color as they are more stable and last longer
Do not use technology which will become redundant. Better to use things that only need eyes or hands.
Label the outside of the time capsule clearly with a permanent marker pen
EXPLORE- Lead in p75 3b
To have itchy feet: want to go somewhere new or do something different
To go into uncharted territory: go to a place which is quite unexplored, where there are few maps
To go as an independent traveler: travel on your own not as part of an organized group or tour
To wander around: walk slowly around an area, usually without clear direction or aim
To be bitten by the travel bug: have a sudden strong urge to travel more
To experience culture shock: feel confused or anxious when you visit a place that is very different from the one you are used to
EXPLORE- Reading 3 p77
F (she fits in both places)
F ( she was worried the ropes would break)
F ( the sand flies were the itchiest)
Don’t know ( it mentioned tears but we don’t know if she cried)
Don’t know ( they might have done, but they also wanted to film the leeches)
T
Don’t know (there wasn’t much water but we don’t know if it was dirty or not
Don’t know (she enjoys eating with her family but the text does not mention cooking
EXPLORE- Reading 3 p77
Fascinating: extremely interesting
Daunting: frightening in a way that you feel less confident
Challenging: difficult in interesting or enjoyable way
Petrified: extremely frightened so that you cannot move or think
Annoying: making you feel slightly angry
Disgusting: extremely unpleasant, making you feel sick
Inspiring: giving people a feeling of excitement and desire to do something great
Worried: unhappy because you keep thinking about a problem/something bad might happen
EXPLORE- 6.2 A magical kingdom p79

1. The environment is very clean, nature is flourishing and there is peace amongst the people with no discrimination

2. Few tourists go because tourism is strictly controlled by the government to preserve the peaceful, clean state of the country
EXPLORE- 6.2 A magical kingdom p79
One of the main beliefs of the Bhutanese people is that you shouldn’t harm any kind of living thing, human or non-human

The natural environment in Bhutan is incredibly clean and contains a huge variety of different animals and plants

The few tourists that Bhutan allows to have to come on organized trips, not as independent travelers.

Vocabulary p.79
Cool: low in temperature but not cold, often in a way that feels pleasant
Chilly: cold enough to make you feel uncomfortable
Subzero temperatures: below zero or freezing
Mild: fairly warm
Humid: wet and usually hot air
Scorching: extremely hot
To pour: rain very hard; Showery: short periods of rain
Drizzle: light rain; Breeze: gentle wind
Clear: no clouds; bright: sunny and light
Overcast: dark with clouds
Changeable: change very often
SUCCESS Voc 9 p106

Outgoing: someone who likes meeting and talking to new people
Open: honest and not wanting to hide things from people
Proactive: someone who makes things happen or change, does not just react to events
Opinionated: someone who expresses very strong opinions about things in a way that annoys people
Single-minded: having one aim and working hard to achieve it
Easy-going: not easy upset or worried
SUCCESS Voc 9 p106

7. Selfish: caring only about yourself rather than other people

8. Witty: using words in a funny, interesting and intelligent way

9. Manipulative: good at secretly controlling or tricking people to get what you want

10. Headstrong: very determined to do what you want
SUCCESS Voc 9 p106
Outgoing = extrovert  introvert
Open = sociable  reserved
3. Proactive = enthuastic  lazy
Opinionated = arrogant  modest
Single-minded = determined  undecided
Easygoing = relaxed  uptight
Selfish = egotistic  generous
Witty = amusing  dull
Manipulative = controlling  upfront
Headstrong = determined  irresolute
SUCCESS Voc 12a p106
To be a complete doormat= to be someone who lets other people treat them badly and never complaint
To be the center of attention= to be the person who everyone is interested in, listen to
3. To be down-to-earth = to be practical and direct in a sensible, honest way
To be really high maintenance= to be someone who demands or expects people to look after them a great deal
To be a party animal = to be someone who enjoys going to parties and drink a lot of alcohol and behaves in a loud and often rude way
SUCCESS Listening 3 p107
There are some famous athletes like Mohamed Ali and Michael Schumacher who have succeeded because they have complete self-belief in their ability to win
Sports psychologists can work with sportspeople to help change their negative thoughts about falling into positive ones about winning
3. Some athletes and teams have specific routine that they do in order to focus themselves on the goal or to bring the players together as a team
TEST 2- WRITING PART 1
Content:
Explain you are writing on behalf of Mr and Mrs Stanton
Say you want to reserve a room for the dates given. Give the details about the type of room you want
Check that vegetarian food can be served both lunch and dinner
Ask for a list of tours and check that there are English-speaking guides
Ask for information on price and check that breakfast is included in the price
Ask the manager to confirm the arrangement in writing
TEST 2- WRITING PART 1
Dear Sir or Madam
I am writing on behalf of Mr and Mrs Stanton who will stay in your hotel during their trip. Your hotel, Hotel Bella Vistal, has been recommended to me by Mr Charles Brown, your regular guest, who has told me quite a lot about the hotel.
I wish to reserve a double room for 7 nights from 16th November. I would like to have a quiet room with a bathroom and a good sea view. Would you please inform me the cost of the room and let me know if the breakfast is included?
Mr and Mrs Stanton are vegetarians from Australia. Please confirm that you can provide a list of tours with English-speaking tour guides and that vegetarian food can be served for them.
I would also like you to confirm the arrangement in writing as soon as possible.
I look forward to receiving your reply.

Yours faithfully
TEST 2- WRITING PART 2
Content:
In your introduction state your opinion clearly. Which of the two you think is best.
In the body of your essay give reasons for your choice and support them with examples.
Make a list of possible disadvantages of your preferred lifestyle and give examples.
In your conclusion summarize which lifestyle you prefer and why
TEST 2- WRITING PART 2
Choosing to live in a big city or in a small country village has been a matter of great concern. Despite some disadvantages urban life may have, I prefer to live in a big city because a big city can bring me a better life with a range of choices.
In a big city, there are many choices I can make for many aspects of my life. For instance, I am likely to be able to find many different types of food and this could lead to good health. In addition, I can have chances to join different cultural events as I have a large list to choose from. In education, I can also select from a long list of good schools to send my children to, which leads to the potential for my children’s better future. Furthermore, it is worth noting that a big city offers me good opportunities for employment at any companies or organizations. I have better access to choices in healthcare as well. If I suffer from a serious disease, I have specialists to effectively treat the disease.
TEST 2- WRITING PART 2
However, I may lead a stressful lifestyle in a big city. Actually, I can be in a hurry because I do not have enough time for myself. Moreover, a big city is often very crowded and as a result I have to suffer from the constant noise and traffic congestion. Additionally, an urban area is so polluted that I can be deprived of fresh air. Besides this, I may have to live in tiny flats where I hardly have enough fresh air and privacy.
In conclusion, living in a big city has both advantages and disadvantages. Despite many drawbacks like stress, pollution and lack of space, I have a strong belief that a big city always creates a favour condition for me to have a better life .


TEST 3- WRITING PART 1
Content:
In your introduction state clearly that you are writing to complain.
Provide the background information about the date and destination of your trip.
Complain about the coach being old and dirty, and about it leaving 30 minutes late.
Complain about the driver being rude and unhelpful. Say that he refused to help you with your luggage.
Explain that you were not given a 25% discount, as stated in the advertisement because the online booking had to be made at least a month in advance, which is not stated in the advert.
In your conclusion ask for a full refund or a free return ticket.
TEST 3- WRITING PART 1
Dear Sir
I am writing to complain about the service of a long coach journey provided by your company.
I made a long journey to Ho Chi Minh City in your company coach on 20th October this year but I felt deeply dissatisfied with the service.
The coach is supposed to be modern and punctual according to your advert but the it was old and dirty. In addition, it left 30 minutes late.
To make matter worse, the driver is described as a friendly and helpful person. However, I found that he was rude and unhelpful. He refused to help me with my luggage.
I was not given a 25% discount, as stated in your advertisement because the online booking had to be made at least a month in advance, which is not mentioned in the advert.
I would be grateful if I could get a full refund or a return ticket from your company.
Please let me know what you action you intend to take as soon as you can.
Yours faithfully





Yours faithfully
TEST 5- WRITING PART 1
Dear Ms Richarson,
On behalf of the music society, I would like to say thank you for your letter dated 6th November. I am very interested in the idea of your visit to my hometown.
I especially appreciate the information you have provided but I would like to know more about your group so that I will be able to make a better plan for your group’s performance.
I would also like you to confirm your arrival time. Would it be possible to have a discussion about the British folk music after the concert? To welcome your group, I wish to invite all the members to have dinner with us after the discussion.
Concerning the accommodation, I suggest that all of you could either stay in a good hotel in the town center or stay in the homes of my society members.
Our music society consists of 16 amateur members whose ages range from 20 to 25. They are keen on royal music which used to be played for the Kings and the royal families but now is played to serve domestic and foreign tourists.
I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely






Yours faithfully
TEST 5- WRITING PART 2
Growing up in whatever type of family always has its benefits and drawbacks. However, the major differences between growing up in small family and a large one lie in parental care and child companionship.

Parents in a big family hardly have enough time to take care of their children because both of them have to work in order to support such a big family. They are usually tired after a long day of hard work and unable to perform their parental duties. Due to their neglect of duty, their children may have neither nourishing meals nor good learning results. On the contrary, children in a small family tend to receive more financial support and better care from their parents. Because the have fewer children, they could spend more time and money on their children food, clothes and education.





Yours faithfully
TEST 5- WRITING PART 2
Children in a small family often lack companionship. They tend to do everything on their own because they find it difficult to have their siblings share their hardship with. In contrast, children in a large family never do anything or play any games alone. Their brothers and sisters are ready to help them or share happiness and sadness with them.

Despite the little care and small amount money I may receive from my parents, I believe a large family is better for me because it brings me greater creativity and better sense of responsibility. In fact, because of the little money spent on food, clothes and toys, I have to be more creative to make my own toys, prepare my nutritious meals and alter my brother’s clothes. In addition, I must be more responsible for doing housework, learning hard and taking care of my younger brothers when my parents do not have enough time to perform their duties.





Yours faithfully
TEST - SPEAKING PART 1
Tests ability: to use language for social purposes, e.g. making introductions, answering questions about yourself.

Part 1 of the FCE Speaking test lasts about 3 minutes. The examiner will ask some `getting-to-know-you` questions perhaps to find out where you come from, your interests, your family or your studies etc.

Example Questions
Q: Where are you from?
Q: Tell me something about your family.
Q: What did you enjoy most when you were at primary school?
Q: Do you have any plans for a holiday this year?
Q: Do you play any musical instruments?





TEST - SPEAKING PART 1
Tips!
Giving full answers to the examiner`s questions will help get the interview off to a good start.
1) Avoid giving short, uncommunicative replies.

Q: Tell me something about your family.

A: I live with my mum, dad and sister and brother. (Don`t stop there!) My sister`s younger than me and still goes to school. My brother works as a computer technician.





TEST - SPEAKING PART 1
Tips!
2) Avoid short, `yes`, `no` answers to closed questions. (These are questions beginning `Have you ...`, `Do you ...`, `Is it ...` etc which can be answered simply with a yes or no answer).
Q: Do you have any plans for a holiday this year?
A: Yes. (Don`t stop there!) If I get the chance I`d like to visit my friend in Hanoi. We haven`t seen each other for a while and I`m really looking forward to seeing him and getting to know Germany.
Q: Do you play any musical instruments?
A: No. (Don`t stop there!) We had music lessons when I was at school but I was never very good.




TEST - SPEAKING PART 1
Tips!
3) Offer examples to help you explain a statement.

Q: Why are you preparing for the FCE exam?

A: No reason really. (Don`t stop there!) I enjoy learning English and I think it would be good to have a qualification to show my level.


TEST - SPEAKING PART 2
Tests ability: to speak at length coherently, use language to describe, compare and contrast and comment upon a topic.

Part 2 of the FCE Speaking test lasts between 4 minutes (6 minutes for groups of three). The examiner gives you two photographs and your partner a different pair of photographs. You have to speak about your two photos without interruption for about 1 minute and also answer a question about your partner`s photographs when he or she has finished their long turn.



TEST - SPEAKING PART 2
Example Task
The interview will begin with the examiner saying something like:

Q: In this part of the test I`m going to give each of you two photographs. I`d like you to talk about your photographs on your own for about 1 minute and also to answer a short question about your partner`s photographs.

Q: (Candidate A), here are your photographs. They show people participating in sporting activities.

Q: I`d like you to compare the two photographs and say why sport is important to people.

Q: All right?



TEST - SPEAKING PART 2

Notice there are TWO instructions here: first to `compare` the two photographs and also `to say why` sport is important to people. In Part 2 candidates need to show they can compare but also give an opinion.



TEST - SPEAKING PART 2



TEST - SPEAKING PART 2

The examiner will then ask Candidate B a short question about these photographs.

Q: Thank you (Candidate A). (Candidate B) which sport would you most like to try?

Candidate B will then do their long turn with a different set of photographs and at the end, Candidate A will be asked a short question.



TEST - SPEAKING PART 2
Tips!
1. Listen to the instructions carefully and make sure you know what you have to talk about. If you don`t understand the instructions you should ask the examiner to repeat them:

"Excuse me, could you say that again?"
"I`m sorry, but would you mind repeating that?"



TEST - SPEAKING PART 2
2. The question will help you with the structure of your talk.
A) Start with a general summary of the topic:
`These two photographs show people involved in a sport.`
B) Then move on to a comparison of the two pictures, using words to help explain the comparison:



TEST - SPEAKING PART 2
Both photographs were taken outside and each of the people are concentrating hard on what they`re doing. `The top photo shows a woman rock climbing while the bottom photo is of a young skating ... It looks like the woman is out in the natural world whereas the boy is in a man-made skating park ..... etc.`


TEST - SPEAKING PART 2
C) Finally give your opinion with examples, again using signposting words and expressions to help the examiner follow your argument.
`In my opinion, sport is important for people in lots of ways. For example, it`s a way to keep fit of course, but we also meet new people and can get a lot of enjoyment from a sport ... etc.`


TEST - SPEAKING PART 3

Tests ability: to use language to discuss, express an opinion, to agree and disagree, speculate and evaluate etc.

In Part 3 of the test, which lasts about 3 minutes, the examiner will give both candidates instructions and a set of visuals and the candidates will have to try to reach some form of agreement.



TEST - SPEAKING PART 2
The examiner will say something like:
Q: Now, I`d like you to talk about something together for about 3 minutes.
Q: I`d like you to imagine that you are planning a week-long touring holiday with your partner around the country that you`re studying in. You want to see as much as possible but don`t want to spend too much money on transport. Look at the types of transport shown in the photographs.

Q: First talk to each other about how useful each of these forms of transport might be for your holiday. Then decide which one would be best.

Q: All right?



TEST - SPEAKING PART 3



TEST - SPEAKING PART 2
Tips!
It will help both yourself and your partner if you work together collaboratively on this task.

1. Be prepared to ask your partner for his or her opinion rather than simply stating your own. For example:
`What do you think?`
`How about you?`
`Do you think ...?`



TEST - SPEAKING PART 2
Tips!
2. Listen carefully` to what your partner says and respond to comments he or she makes to help the discussion flow. For example:
`Do/Have/Are you?`
`Don`t/Haven`t/Aren`t you?`
`Do you think so?
`Really?‘

3. If you disagree try expressing this politely. For example:
`I see what you mean but ...`
`I can see your point but ...`
`But don`t you think ...`



TEST - SPEAKING PART 3
Tips!
4. Use expressions to allow yourself time to think. For example:
`That`s a good question.`
`Well, let me think ...`
`It`s difficult to say ...`

5. You`ll possibly find you don`t understand something your partner has said. If this happens, take control with simple questions like those below to help you deal positively with the situation. This will also give you the chance to impress the examiner with your communication skills.



TEST - SPEAKING PART 4
Tips!
Tests ability: to use language to express and justify an opinion, to agree and disagree etc.

In Part 4 of the test, which lasts about 4 minutes, the examiner will join both candidates in a discussion about the general topic that appeared in Part 3.



TEST - SPEAKING PART 4
Example Questions
Q: Which sports are popular with young people in your country?

Q: Some people say people don`t participate in sport as much as they should. Do you think this is true?

Q: Do you think team sports are more fun than individuial sports



TEST - SPEAKING PART 4
Tips
1. Again, as with earlier sections of the test, avoid short, `yes`, `no` answers to the examiner`s questions.

2. Continue to work with your partner. Respond constructively and show interest in things he or she says.




Your comments
- Hindu women wear nose rings as a sign
of chastity.
- The atmosphere around the nose
becomes pure.


Your comments


Why women choose to wear makeup

To enhance their natural beauty
If a woman has pretty eyes, she may use eyeliner to make them stand out more.

To hide some deficiencies
After a night of little sleep, a woman may have dark circles under her eyes. Her well-applied makeup can hide them right away.

Why women choose to wear makeup

-To give her face a more youthful appearance.
She may use makeup to hide lines, blemishes, and age spots.

To give them confidence.
The first thing a person usually notices is a woman`s face. If it has been enhanced with skillfully applied makeup, a woman often feels ready for the world.

Comments
Only bad women use heavy make-up to attract men. We would consider them immoral.

I think I’d be interested to talk to someone who’s got a lot of tattoos to find out the story behind each tattoo, find out why they did it and what it means for them.

Comments
I think old people who get their hair dyed want to be younger than their ages.

As far as I am concerned, those who are not thinking about themselves never look at themselves in the mirror every morning.

BELIEFS
If you swallow a seed a plant will grow inside you.

You can get pregnant from kissing.

I believe that women are born to be loved and respected.

BELIEFS
I have a belief that my life depends largely on my fate.

God saves our life.

I believe that one should not fall in love while being a student.

I hold a belief that marriage should be a five-year renewable contract not a life long commitment.

Vietnamese Superstitions
A Vietnamese man tries to borrow money to buy lottery tickets because he dreamed of a food the night before.

An old Vietnamese grandfather believes the charm of a certain necklace could chase away evil spirits and he may give it to his grandson to protect the boy.

An businessman does not start his new business on the fifth day of the lunar month because he believes that particular date brings him bad luck.



Vietnamese Superstitions
A Vietnamese man tries not to leave his house when he sees a female passing by his gate.

Many Vietnamese men avoid eating dog meat on certain dates of the lunar months.

Some Vietnamese mothers ask their daughters not to wear white shirts to go out at nights.



Now Your Turns…….
In groups of five, discuss some more Vietnamese superstitions. Remember that the superstitions could come from your region, your experience, or your culture.



Explain why…….
Why do y