PART 1: PLACE OF WORK/STUDY

• Do you prefer to work alone or in a group?

I tend to prefer working alone because it allows me to concentrate deeply and manage my tasks at my own pace. However, I do recognize the benefits of group work, such as the exchange of ideas and collaborative problem-solving. So, I appreciate both settings depending on the project requirements.

• Do you prefer to work at home or in the workplace?

I generally prefer working in the workplace because it offers a professional environment with fewer distractions, which helps me stay focused. Additionally, being in the workplace facilitates easier interaction and collaboration with colleagues.

• What part of your school do you like the most?

The part of my school that I like the most is the student lounge. It’s a vibrant space where students can relax, socialize, and collaborate on group projects. The atmosphere is always lively and it’s a great place to take a break from intense study sessions.

• What is your favourite place to study?

My favorite place to study is a quiet corner in the library. It’s a serene environment that helps me focus without any distractions. The library also provides access to numerous academic resources, which are incredibly helpful for my research and assignments.

• Do you prefer to study at home or in a library?

I prefer studying in a library because it offers a calm and focused environment, free from the usual distractions found at home. The library’s quiet ambiance and access to a wide range of resources make it an ideal place for productive study sessions. At home, it’s easy to get sidetracked by household chores or family activities.

PART 2: 

Describe a toy that you often played with as a child.

You should say:

• What the toy was
• How old you were when you had it
• Who you played the toy with

And explain how you felt about this particular toy.

Answer:

One of the toys I often played with as a child was a LEGO set. I remember getting my first LEGO set when I was around six years old. It was a basic set with various colored bricks, wheels, and mini-figures, which allowed me to build different structures and vehicles.

I used to play with this LEGO set mostly with my younger brother. We would spend hours together, creating elaborate buildings, cars, and even entire towns. Sometimes, our friends from the neighborhood would join us, and we would have mini competitions to see who could build the most creative structure.

This particular toy was very special to me because it sparked my imagination and creativity. I felt a great sense of accomplishment whenever I completed a new project. Building with LEGO also taught me patience and problem-solving skills, as I had to figure out how to make my ideas come to life using the pieces available.

Moreover, playing with LEGO was a bonding experience with my brother. We would share ideas, collaborate on projects, and sometimes even have friendly arguments about the best way to build something. These moments are some of my fondest childhood memories.

Overall, the LEGO set was more than just a toy for me. It was a source of endless fun, creativity, and learning, and it played a significant role in my childhood development.

PART 3: 

• What kind of toys was famous in your childhood? How about these days?

When I was a child, toys like action figures, dolls, and building blocks were very popular. We also had board games and outdoor toys like bicycles and jump ropes that kept us entertained. Nowadays, it seems that electronic toys and gadgets are more popular among children. Tablets, video games, and interactive learning toys have become quite common, reflecting the advancements in technology.

• Do you think parents should buy more toys their children or they should spend more time with them instead?

While toys can be great for a child’s development and entertainment, I believe that spending quality time with children is far more valuable. Activities such as playing together, reading stories, or simply having conversations help build strong emotional connections and foster a child’s social and cognitive skills. Toys can certainly complement this, but they should not replace the essential parent-child interactions.

• Should advertising aimed at kids be prohibited?

Rather than an outright prohibition, I think advertising aimed at kids should be strictly regulated. Children are highly impressionable and may not fully understand the persuasive nature of ads. Regulations can ensure that advertisements are honest, age-appropriate, and do not exploit children’s vulnerabilities. This approach strikes a balance between protecting children and allowing them to be aware of products that might interest them.

• How do advertisements influence children?

Advertisements can significantly influence children by shaping their wants and preferences, and even their behavior. Kids may develop a strong desire for advertised products, believing these items will bring them happiness or social acceptance. Advertisements can also impact their dietary choices, particularly with ads for unhealthy snacks and fast food. Additionally, the idealized images portrayed in ads can affect children’s self-esteem and body image. It’s crucial for parents to help their children understand and critically evaluate the messages they see in advertisements.

 

WORD LIST

• At my own pace: Theo tốc độ của riêng mình.
• Collaborative problem-solving: Giải quyết vấn đề thông qua hợp tác.
• Fewer distractions: Ít sự phân tâm hơn.
• Intense study sessions: Những buổi học tập tập trung và hiệu quả.
• A serene environment: Một môi trường yên tĩnh.
• Quiet ambiance: Không gian yên tĩnh.
• Electronic toys and gadgets: Đồ chơi và thiết bị điện tử 
• Advancements in technology: Tiến bộ trong công nghệ
• Essential parent-child interactions: Tương tác thiết yếu giữa bố mẹ và con cái
• Outright prohibition: Cấm hoàn toàn
• Age-appropriate: Phù hợp với độ tuổi
• Exploit children’s vulnerabilities: Lợi dụng điểm yếu của trẻ em
• Social acceptance: Sự chấp nhận xã hội
• Idealized images: Hình ảnh lý tưởng hóa
• Self-esteem: Lòng tự trọng