(Reading time: 9 - 18 minutes)
14. PLAYING GAMES (new)
Where did you play when you were a child?
Sample answer
When I was young, I usually played with my neighbour friends in the playground nearby my house, or played with my classmates in the schoolyard.
How often did you go to your friends' houses to play games?
Sample answer
I went to my next-door neighbour's house to play with their children every evening after I finished my homework. Sometimes, I even spent a whole weekend at my friend's house.
What kinds of game do Vietnamese children usually play?
Sample answer
Vietnamese kids are very into outdoor games or physical activities. That's why they often play soccer, basketball or badminton. Also, sometimes I see them playing games like blind man's buff, tug-of-war, hopscotch, or touch-and-go.
What are the differences between children playing games at present and in the past?
Sample answer
Clearly, children who were born before the rise of modern technology and social media like enjoying outdoor activities and hanging out with peers. On the other hand, children nowadays are very into the social networking sites and the virtual world created by computer games.
15. WATCHING TV (new)
How often do you watch TV?
Sample answer
I don't usually watch TV, maybe only once a month. I generally watch movies on Netflix via my laptop.
Do you usually watch TV with your family?
Sample answer: if no
No, I usually get back home pretty late when my mom and dad are ready to go to bed. So we rarely have time together to watch TV.
Sample answer: if yes
Yes, but I only watch TV with my family at weekends because I am quite busy with my work during weekdays. We usually watch game shows or comedy shows.
What kinds of TV shows do you like to watch?
Sample answer 1
I love watching documentaries because we can learn about new things. My favourite is a series about nature and animals.
Sample answer 2
I like watching game shows or quiz shows. The presenters of these shows are very funny and I like it when the contestants win big prizes.
Sample answer 3
My favourite is the news programme. I think it's important to understand the events in your country and in the world and listen to business reports.
Sample answer 4
I enjoy watching soap operas because they are similar to real life. My favourite is called "tieng set trong mua" and I never miss any episode.
Sample answer 5
I'm very interested in talk shows. The guests are often celebrities or those with special talents so they are really interesting. You can learn about their lives through the talk shows.
Sample answer 6
I'm a sports fan so I like watching sports programmes on TV. I enjoy listening to the experts commenting on a football match or predicting the results.
Sample answer 7
I like to watch TV series related to crime investigation, like Sherlock Holmes, or Crime Scene Investigation Miami, or animations, like baby boss or Frozen. I usually enjoy these TV series on Netflix.
What TV shows are popular in Vietnam?
Sample answer
I would say that soap opera is very well-liked among middle aged women, especially housewives. Some other fal or comedy shows are also popular in Vietnam.
16. Makeup (new)
Do you often wear makeup?
Sample answer 1
Well, I wear light makeup when I go to work and I consider eyebrow drawing and putting on lipstick are essential.
Sample answer 2
I only wear makeup occasionally, not every day, especially when I join a special event or welcome my guests at home.
What does wearing makeup mean to you?
Sample answer
Putting on a little makeup makes me feel more confident in myself, especially when I interact with other people.
Do you give makeup as a gift?
Sample answer
Yes, I have given cosmetics to my female friends as a gift, such as lipstick, eyeliner, eyebrow pencils, foundation. All women need makeup and cosmetics.
What do you think when you see a man wearing makeup?
Sample answer
I think it's ok for guys to wear makeup, not heavy makeup but light makeup. Men have skin issues just like women so a little foundation may not be a bad idea to covers breakout or look good for a special event.
17. Hair style (new)
How long have you had this hair style?
Sample answer
I have worn my hair short/long like this for around 2 years. I am thinking of changing a new hairstyle but haven't figured out how it should be. / I am happy and comfortable with this hairstyle so I'm not going to change.
Do you like to visit the barber's/ hair salon?
Sample answer
Yes, it would be better if I have my hair cut by a professional hairdresser, rather than doing it myself.
Have you ever had a hair cut that you don't like?
Sample answer
Yes, it was three years ago when I left a hair salon dissatisfied with my new hairstyle. The hairdresser cut my fringe/bangs too short and I looked very dumb and silly.
18. Eating (new)
How often do you eat with your family?
Sample answer
I only have me
Sample answer
ls with my family on weekend evenings. During weekday I am busy with my work and usually get back home very late in the evening.
Do you like eating healthy food?
Sample answer
Yes. Rice, vegetables and fruit are the main part of my diet. I don't often eat meat since I prefer vegetarian food.
Do you eat out a lot?
Sample answer
No, I often eat in or eat homemade food prepared by my mom. I just eat at restaurants occasionally, especially when I hang out with my friends or when I am a mood for foreign food.
Do you prefer to eat at home or at a restaurant? / Do you prefer home-cooked food or food from restaurants?
Sample answer
I like home-cooked food more because I think it's healthier and you know exactly what you're eating. I also enjoy cooking for family and friends.
19. Music (old)
When do you listen to music?
Sample answer
I listen to music when I’m in need or relaxation or a quick escape from the stressful world of work, or when I need to stay focus.
How much time do you spend listening to music everyday?
Sample answer
It’s hard to say the exact time length of listening to music, but I would say I spend at least 2 hours per day to enjoy music.
What kinds of music do you like to listen to? / What are your favourite kinds of music?
Sample answer
I have my inclination towards pop music, especially US-UK pop music, when I am getting excited. But when my mood is down or I need to stay focus, I love to enjoy peaceful relaxing instrumental music.
Have you ever been to a music concert before?
Sample answer
No, I have never been to a music concert. I don’t like crowded places and prefer watching the concert broadcasted on TV or Youtube.
Does you taste of music change from the past?
Sample answer
Yes, of course. When I was in high school, my teen music taste was dominated by pop music with catchy tunes and fast tempos. However, now I prefer listening to instrumental music with gentle melodies to find peace and relaxation.
20. Friends (new)
What makes a good friend?
Sample answer
Well, there are many signs of a good friend, but I think, for the most part, a good friend is the person who stays by your side no matter what, doesn't judge you and especially doesn't hurt your feelings for any reasons.
Do you think you are a good friend?
Sample answer
Yes, I think I am. If one of my friends needs help, I will be there for him for her. Also, I always keep in mind to be respectful to my friends' feelings and thoughts. I don't want to hurt them with my words or actions.
Do you still contact your childhood friends?
Sample answer
No, I don't keep in touch my with childhood friends any longer. We have lived far from each other for a long time and, you know, out of sight, out of mind.
Do you have many close friends?
Sample answer
No, I have a small circle of friends so I only have a few close friends. I don't think I need more. It is true that the more the merrier, but also the more troublesome.
Do you think friendship is important?
Sample answer
Yes, having good friends who love and support you for who you are is really essential to your happiness and mental health. I would take myself as an example for this. Sometimes when I am so stressed, talking to a friend who cares is all the therapy I need.
Which do you prefer to spend time with: a friend or spend time alone?
Sample answer
It depends on the day. If I'm in a mood for talking and sharing, I'd love to meet up with my friends. But there are times I just want to have my alone time.
What kind of people do you like to have as friends?
Sample answer
I want to develop friendship with those who are kind, tactful and trustworthy because I believe those people would treat me well and be good for my mental health.
Do you like face-to-face conversations with people?
Sample answer
Yes, I do. I'm an extrovert so I always enjoy talking and having direct interactions with other people. I am driven by my characteristics to socialise and engage in face-to-face communications.
Are most of your friends from school or from outside school?
Sample answer
Well, I would say both. Some of my close friends are from university, but I also have good friendships with many colleagues whom I have worked with.
How often do you meet with your friends?
Sample answer
Since my work schedule is often hectic, I rarely have time to meet up with my friends. I think I only hang out with them once every three months.
What do you and your friends do together?
Sample answer
Well, normally there's just one pattern of our meetups. First, we have a meal together at a small restaurant. Then, we visit a coffee shop for chatter or a pub for good music.
21. JEANS (new)
Do you wear jeans? / How often do you wear jeans?
Sample answer: if yes
Yes, I am in jeans quite often, especially at the weekend. I usually wear dresses for work, and then my jeans and tops from Friday to Sunday.
Sample answer: if no
No, I usually wear regular pants rather than jeans. I find jeans uncomfortable to wear all day.
Do you like wearing jeans, why?
Sample answer: if yes
Yes. Jeans is my favourite piece of clothing. They last longer than other regular pants. A good pair of jeans can be with you for years. Also, you can easily match jeans with a variety of shirts and tops and look truly stylish.
Sample answer: if no
No. It's uncomfortable for me to wear jeans, especially skinny jeans which are normally really tight to emphasize the curve of human's hip. Also, high-quality jeans are normally heavier than regular pants because they are made from thick denim. This would make washing them more difficult.
Do you spend much money on jeans?
Sample answer: if yes
Yes. I currently own about 40 pairs of jeans and only about five pairs of regular pants. I think I have spent around over a thousand US dollars on jeans.
Sample answer: if no
No. I currently have only a pair of jeans and I have no intention to buy more. Jeans are neither my daily wearer nor my favourite, so that's enough.
Why do you think jeans are popular?
Sample answer
I assume that jeans have gained enormous popularity because they make people look stylish and fashionable. Skinny jeans can truly improve the physical appearance since they are tight, thereby emphasizing the curve of people's hip. A lot of young girls wear tight jeans so that they will be more sexy and attractive.
Do you think jeans are still popular in the future?
Sample answer
Yes. I believe that jeans won't be out of fashion in the future. People like this kind of clothing because it is made from long-lasting fabric and they can look fashionable and attractive in jeans.
22. Holiday (new)
Do you want to have a short journey or a long journey?
Sample answer
I have an inclination towards taking a short journey rather than a long journey. There are two reasons for this. First, a short journey means there is less time for transportation, as compared with a long journey. Second, a long journey would last more days than a short journey, which means it will be more expensive because of an increase in all travel expenses, including lodging and food.
Where do you want to go on holiday? Beach-side, mountains or city?
Sample answer
I can tell that I'd love to have a mountain holiday. The reason is that I can escape from the stressful city life and can be totally connected to nature by exciting outdoor activities in the mountains, such as enjoying the morning mist and plenty of fresh air, or walking barefoot on the grass and swimming in the river.
23. Shopping (new)
Do you like going shopping?
Sample answer
Yes I do. I like going shopping with my friends whenever I have free time. As for me, shopping is an amazing way to relax because it can temporarily distract myself from stress and anxiety by focusing on something else, like clothes or shoes or cosmetics.
Do you shop online?
Sample answer
The answer is yes. I have bought a lot of items through e-commerce, such as technological products, books or groceries. From my viewpoint, online shopping is extremely convenient and time-saving since shoppers don't have to worry about travelling and carrying the items home.
Sample answer
No, I rarely buy things through online platforms and also have no intention to do that. The main problem is related to the uncertainty. What I mean is that I don't completely have faith that the products I buy will be exactly like what I see on the website. I'm a skeptical person so I prefer buying things at a store.
Does shopping take you a lot of time?
Sample answer
Yes, shopping does take time since I consider it as a way of relaxation. It normally takes me around one or two hours to do the shopping, or go window shopping. Nevertheless, I never think that such amount of time I spend on shopping is wasteful.
What's the best part about shopping?
Sample answer
Well, from what I have experienced, the most enjoyable part of shopping is the feeling of satisfaction or excitement caused by the act of purchasing and the ownership of a desirable item. That's why I love shopping since it can lift up my moods and make me feel better.
24. Island (new)
Have you ever been to an island?
Sample answer
No, I haven't had any chances to visit an island. I would say it is a pity because there are many beautiful islands good for holiday in Vietnam. I'll try to arrange time to visit one someday.
Are there any islands in your country?
Sample answer
Yes, Vietnam is a country that has a very long coastline, so there are many beautiful and captivating islands here in Vietnam, such as Phu Quoc, Binh Ba, Cat Ba. They are all popular tourist destinations.
Do you want to live on an island if you had a chance?
Sample answer
No, living permanently on an island is not appealing to me at all. I have been long accustomed with the modern and convenient life of cities, so the life on an island is not suitable for me. Also, I hate mosquitoes, ants and bugs, and you have higher risk of encountering these creatures when living on an island.
What do you like to do when you are on an island?
Sample answer
I would enjoy the sea atmosphere, the beach and the seafood of that island. I could imagine myself waking up in the morning with a cool sea breeze and surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.
25. Borrowing/lending (old)
Have you ever borrowed books from others?
Sample answer
Yes. I borrowed a book from a friend of mine when I was in high school. I knew about that book by reading a review on the internet but was not sure of myself whether I should buy it or not because the book was quite expensive to a highschool student. Luckily one of my classmate had it and I asked to borrow the book from him.
Have you ever borrowed money from others?
Sample answer
Yes. I have borrowed money from my best friend. There was a time when I was so penniless and really in debt. Therefore I asked to borrow money from my friend to pay off the debt.
Do you like lending things to others?
Sample answer
Not really. I prefer giving things to people rather than lending them something. You know, I have terrible memory so I will forget that I have lent people things.
How do you feel when people don’t return things they borrowed from you?
Sample answer
I feel disrespected and even betrayed. I also don’t want to have any connection with people like that. They are so poor-mannered and impolite.
26. CONCENTRATION (new)
Do you prefer to study in a silent environment or in a place that has some noises?
Sample answer
Well, I can only study when everything around me is quiet, I literally cannot think when there is too much noise. I don’t understand why some of my friends enjoy listening to music when they study, I find it really annoying.
Does your job require concentrating and attention to detail?
Sample answer
Yes, when I’m working for my clients, I really have to think carefully about every detail of the system, because once it’s online operating, it will influence business fundamentally.
What do you do if there’s too much noise and you want to study?
Sample answer
If I could do anything to make those noises disappear, I would. For example, if I was studying and my parents were watching TV, I would just tell them to turn it off. Otherwise, I would just have to find another place to study.
When do you find it easiest to concentrate?
Sample answer
I’m not a morning person, and I can’t really concentrate in the afternoon, either. I would say evenings are the best times for me to work or study.
(*): morning person = người có thể làm việc hiệu quả vào buổi sáng
Do you think people can do two things at the same time?
Sample answer
Honestly speaking, I don’t believe we can pay attention to two things at the same time because one task may be distracted by the other one, and finally we will probably end up with nothing accomplished.
What affects your ability to concentrate?
Sample answer
I guess we will get absent-minded if we are distracted by several different things at the same time. For example, while we are working in front of computers, we sometimes chat with our online friends. So if I want to work peacefully and efficiently, I really need a clutter-free environment. I like my desk clear of any clutter except one computer on it, and turn off phones, email notification, etc to prevent me from jumping from one thing to another.