URBAN LIVING & GETTING AROUND
- city dweller (n) A person who lives in a city.
Do you think you are a happy city dweller? Why or why not?
Hints: I think I am/am not a… because… For me, the best part of living in a city is… - get around (phr. v) To travel or move from place to place.
What is your favorite way to get around your city?
Hints: My favorite way to… is by… I usually take the bus/drive my motorbike because it’s… - high-rise (n) A tall building with many floors.
Would you prefer to live in a house or a high-rise apartment?
Hints: I would prefer to live in a… because… I like the idea of having a great view / having a small garden. - infrastructure (n) The basic systems of a city, like roads, bridges, and power supplies.
What is one thing you want to improve about the infrastructure in your city?
Hints: If I could change one thing, I would improve the… For example, we need more… - neighbourhood (n) A specific area of a city that people live in.
What do you like most about your neighbourhood?
Hints: The thing I like most about my neighbourhood is… It has a lot of… and the people are… - pedestrian (n) A person who is walking, especially in a city.
Do you think your city is safe for a pedestrian to walk around?
Hints: In my opinion, my city is/is not very safe for… The sidewalks are too… / There are many…
7 . rush hour (n) The busy time of day when people travel to or from work.
What do you usually do to avoid rush hour?
Hints: To avoid…, I usually… I try to leave home earlier/later or I sometimes…
- skyscraper (n) A very, very tall building.
Have you ever been to the top of a skyscraper? How did it feel?
Hints: Yes, I have. When I was at the top, I felt… / No, I haven’t, but I would love to because… - suburb = outskirt of the city (n) An area where people live that is outside the center of a city.
Do you think living in a suburb is more boring than living in the city center?
Hints: I believe that living in a… can be… but it also has… For example, it’s quieter, but there are fewer… - traffic jam (n) A long line of vehicles that are stopped or moving very slowly.
How do you feel when you are stuck in a traffic jam?
Hints: When I’m stuck in a…, I feel… because… I usually listen to music/a podcast to feel better. - urban centre (n) The main, busiest part of a city; the city center.
How often do you go to the urban centre for fun?
Hints: I usually go to the… about… (once a week / twice a month). I often go there to… - vehicle (n) A machine used for transport, like a car, bus, or motorbike.
If you could invent a new type of vehicle, what would it be like?
Hints: If I could invent a new vehicle, it would be a… It could… (fly / go underwater) and it would be… (eco-friendly / very fast). - sense of community (n) A feeling that you belong to a group of people in your area.
Does your neighbourhood have a strong sense of community?
Hints: I think my neighbourhood has/doesn’t have a… because… People here often… - cycle path (n) A part of a road that is only for bicycles.
Should our city build more cycle paths? Why?
Hints: I definitely think we should/should not… It would be good for… / It’s difficult because… - underground (n) A railway system under the ground (also called subway or metro).
Have you ever travelled on the underground? What was it like?
Hints: Yes, I have. I think it’s… It was very fast/crowded. / No, I haven’t, but I want to try it. - public (adj) For everyone to use.
What is your favorite public space, like a park or a library, in your city?
Hints: My favorite public space is… because… I often go there to… - private (adj) Only for one person or a small group, not for everyone.
Do you prefer studying at a public library or in your own private room?
Hints: I prefer to study in… because… I can concentrate better when… / I like being around other people. - facility (n) A place or building used for a special purpose, like a sports facility.
What kind of facility does your neighbourhood need the most? (e.g., a park, a gym, a cinema)
Hints: In my opinion, my neighbourhood really needs a… A lot of people here would use it to…
CHỦ ĐỀ 2: THE ENVIRONMENT & GREEN LIVING (MÔI TRƯỜNG & LỐI SỐNG XANH)
- eco-friendly (adj) Good for the environment; not harmful.
What is one eco-friendly habit you have?
Hints: One eco-friendly habit I have is… For example, I always try to… - biodiversity (n) The variety of different plants and animals in a place.
Why is it important to protect the biodiversity in our national parks?
Hints: I think it’s important to protect… because… Every animal and plant plays a role in… - carbon dioxide (n) The gas that we breathe out and that is produced by burning carbon.
What kind of activities produce a lot of carbon dioxide?
Hints: I know that activities like… produce a lot of… For example, driving cars and… - carbon footprint (n) The amount of carbon dioxide someone or something produces.
What is one simple thing you can do to reduce your carbon footprint?
Hints: To reduce my…, I can… I think this is easy because… - emit (v) To send out gas, heat, light, etc. into the air.
Which do you think emit more pollution: motorbikes or cars?
Hints: In my view, … emit more pollution because… There are more of them on the road / Their engines are bigger. - emission (n) An amount of gas, heat, or light that is sent out.
Do you think the government should have stricter laws on vehicle emissions?
Hints: Yes, I strongly believe they should… This would help to… / No, I think it would be too difficult because… - greenhouse gas (n) A gas that causes the Earth to get warmer.
Can you name one action that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
Hints: One action that helps is… For example, when we…, we can reduce… - pollute (v) To make air, water, or soil dirty and dangerous.
What are some things that pollute the rivers in our country?
Hints: I think things like… pollute the rivers. For example, factories sometimes… - polluted (adj) Dirty and dangerous.
Do you think the air in your city is polluted? How can you tell?
Hints: Yes, I think the air is quite… I can tell because sometimes… / No, I think it’s quite clean. - pollutant (n) A substance that makes something dirty and dangerous.
What do you think is the most dangerous pollutant for people’s health?
Hints: For me, the most dangerous… is probably… This is because it can cause… - pollution (n) The process of making air, water, or soil dirty.
What kind of pollution annoys you the most: air, water, or noise pollution?
Hints: The kind of pollution that annoys me most is… because… It makes it hard for me to… - reduce (v) To make something smaller or less in amount.
What is one thing you try to reduce in your daily life? (e.g., plastic, electricity)
Hints: I always try to reduce the amount of… I use. For example, I… - renewable (adj) A form of energy that can be replaced naturally, like wind or sun.
Do you think Vietnam should use more renewable energy?
Hints: Yes, I think we should use more… like… It would be better for the environment because… - non-renewable (adj) A form of energy that cannot be easily replaced, like coal or oil.
Why are people worried about using too much non-renewable energy?
Hints: People are worried because… One day, we might run out of it, and it also… - roof garden (n) A garden on the flat roof of a building.
If you had a roof garden, what would you plant there?
Hints: If I had a…, I would definitely plant… I love… and it would be nice to… - sustainable (adj) Able to continue for a long time without damaging the environment.
Can you give an example of a sustainable habit?
Hints: I think… is a good example of a sustainable habit. For instance, using a reusable water bottle instead of…
CHỦ ĐỀ 3: TECHNOLOGY IN THE SMART CITY (CÔNG NGHỆ TRONG THÀNH PHỐ THÔNG MINH)
- smart city (n) A city that uses technology to improve services and life for its citizens.
What is one feature that you think a smart city must have?
Hints: I think a smart city must have… For example, it should use technology to… - artificial intelligence (AI) (n) The ability of a computer to think and learn like a human.
How do you think artificial intelligence can help make our city better?
Hints: AI could help our city by… For instance, it could be used to… - sensor (n) A device that detects something (like light, heat, or motion) and sends information.
If you could put sensors anywhere in the city, where would you put them and why?
Hints: I would install sensors on… to… This would help us collect data about… - driverless (adj) A vehicle that can operate without a driver.
Would you feel safe riding in a driverless car? Why or why not?
Hints: I think I would/would not feel safe in a… because… I worry about… / I trust the technology because… - card reader (n) A device that reads information from a card.
Besides at ATMs and shops, where else do you often see a card reader?
Hints: I often see card readers at… People use them to… - install (v) To put in a piece of equipment so it is ready to use.
What is one piece of smart technology you would like to install in your home?
Hints: If I could, I would install a… in my home to… It would be very convenient. - operate (v) To use or control a machine or system.
What is the most complicated machine you know how to operate?
Hints: I know how to operate a… It’s difficult at first because you have to… - efficiently (adv) Working well without wasting time, money, or energy.
What app on your phone helps you do something more efficiently?
Hints: The app… helps me… more efficiently. Before, it used to take a long time to… - predict (v) To say what you think will happen in the future.
How can technology help us predict traffic jams?
Hints: Technology can help us predict… by… It can analyze data from… - locate (v) To find the exact position of something.
What app do you use to locate places, like a new restaurant or a friend’s house?
Hints: I usually use… to locate places. It’s very helpful because… - interact (v) To communicate with or react to someone or something.
Do you prefer to interact with your friends online or face-to-face?
Hints: I prefer to interact with my friends… because… I feel that it’s more… - cybercrime (n) Crime that is committed using the internet.
What is one thing people should do to protect themselves from cybercrime?
Hints: To protect themselves from…, people should always… For example, it’s important not to… - victim (n) Someone who has been hurt or harmed by a crime or accident.
What should a person do if they become a victim of cybercrime?
Hints: If someone becomes a…, they should immediately… It’s important to… - privacy (n) The right to keep your personal information secret.
Are you worried about your privacy when using social media?
Hints: Yes, I am sometimes worried about my… because… / No, I’m not too worried because I…
CHỦ ĐỀ 4: GENERAL CONCEPTS & ACTIONS (CÁC KHÁI NIỆM VÀ HÀNH ĐỘNG CHUNG)
- liveable (adj) Good or suitable to live in.
In your opinion, what are the three most important things that make a city liveable?
Hints: For me, the three most important things are… A city needs to be… - solution (n) A way to solve a problem.
What is a possible solution to the problem of too much plastic waste?
Hints: I think a good solution is to… We could encourage people to… - solve (v) To find the answer to a problem.
If you had a superpower, what global problem would you like to solve?
Hints: If I had a superpower, I would solve the problem of… by… - ideal (adj) Perfect; the best possible.
Describe your ideal holiday. Where would you go and what would you do?
Hints: My ideal holiday would be in… I would spend my time… - available (adj) Able to be used or obtained.
Is public Wi-Fi widely available in your city?
Hints: Yes, public Wi-Fi is available in many places like… / No, it’s not very common. - inform (v) To give someone facts or information.
How do you usually inform your parents if you are coming home late?
Hints: I usually inform them by… I send a text message or call them. - recommend (v) To suggest that someone should do or have something.
Can you recommend a good movie that you have seen recently?
Hints: I would recommend the movie… because… It’s a… film and it’s about… - recommendation (n) A suggestion about what is good or suitable.
Who do you ask when you need a recommendation for a good book to read?
Hints: When I need a…, I usually ask… My friend/teacher has great taste in books. - extend (v) To make something longer or larger.
If you could extend your school holiday by one week, what would you do?
Hints: If I could extend my holiday, I would use the extra week to… - refund (n) An amount of money that is given back to you.
Have you ever asked for a refund for a product you bought? What was it?
Hints: Yes, I once asked for a refund for a… because… / No, I have never done that. - route (n) The path you follow to get from one place to another.
Do you always take the same route to school/work, or do you sometimes change it?
Hints: I almost always take the same… because it’s the fastest. / I sometimes change it to… - pedal (v) To push the parts of a bicycle with your feet to make it move.
How old were you when you learned how to pedal a bicycle?
Hints: I think I learned how to… when I was about… years old. My… taught me. - guided tour (n) A tour where a guide shows you around a place.
Do you prefer exploring a new city on your own or taking a guided tour?
Hints: I prefer… because… I like the freedom to explore / I like to learn the history from a guide. - unusual (adj) Different from what is normal or expected.
What is the most unusual building you have ever seen?
Hints: The most unusual building I’ve seen is… It was strange because… - personal (adj) Relating to one person, not a group.
Why is it important not to share your personal information, like your password, with others?
Hints: It’s important not to share… because… Someone could use it to… - prescription (n) A piece of paper from a doctor that allows you to get medicine.
Where do you go to buy medicine if you have a doctor’s prescription?
Hints: When I have a…, I go to a… to buy medicine. - article (n) A piece of writing in a newspaper, magazine, or on the internet.
What topics do you enjoy reading articles about?
Hints: I enjoy reading articles about… I find topics like… very interesting.
sample conversation:
An: I’m so tired of my daily commute. I was stuck in a terrible traffic jam for an hour this morning during rush hour.
Bình: I know what you mean. How do you usually get around? Still using your motorbike?
An: Yeah. It’s convenient, but I feel bad about the pollution. I think I’m not a very happy city dweller these days.
Bình: Have you tried cycling? They just opened a new cycle path along the river. It’s a really nice route.
An: I haven’t, actually. I’m not sure I’m fit enough to pedal all the way to work.
Bình: You could start on the weekends! It’s very eco-friendly, and it might give you a better sense of community when you see more of your neighbourhood. It’s one small thing we can do to make our city more liveable.
An: That’s a good point. Maybe I’ll give it a try this Sunday. Thanks for the recommendation!
Ms. Lan: Mr. Khoa, thank you for your time. For my article, could you explain the main goal of the new smart city project?
Mr. Khoa: Of course. Our goal is to use technology to solve urban problems. We want to create a more sustainable and efficient environment for everyone.
Ms. Lan: What is a specific solution you are implementing?
Mr. Khoa: We plan to install thousands of sensors across the city. These sensors will collect data on everything from air quality to traffic flow. This will help us manage the city’s infrastructure more efficiently.
Ms. Lan: How will that help with traffic?
Mr. Khoa: With real-time data, our artificial intelligence (AI) system can predict traffic jams before they happen and suggest alternative routes to drivers. This will reduce congestion and vehicle emissions.
Ms. Lan: That sounds very promising. What about public safety?
Mr. Khoa: The sensors can also help locate issues quickly, like a broken water pipe or a power outage, allowing for faster repairs. However, we are also very focused on data privacy to protect our citizens.
Chris: Hi, I have a free afternoon. Could you recommend something interesting to see in the urban centre?
Mai: Certainly! Are you interested in modern architecture? We have one of the tallest skyscrapers in Asia. The view from the top is amazing.
Chris: That sounds ideal! Is there a guided tour available?
Mai: Yes, they run every hour. The tour will inform you about the building’s history and its eco-friendly design, like the roof garden that collects rainwater.
Chris: Great. What’s the best way to get there from here?
Mai: The quickest way is to take the underground. It’s just three stops. I can show you the route on this map.
Chris: Perfect. And can I buy tickets here?
Mai: Yes, you can. We accept cash or card. The card reader is right here. After the tour, I suggest you explore the nearby neighbourhood. It has many wonderful cafes and art galleries.
______________
