Phần 3 luận tiếng anh

Phần 3

Express your opinion on the importance of studying geography
Geography is a fascinating subject. It reveals all the wonderful changes and activities that have been going on in the world since the beginning of time.

By reading geography we learn not only about our own country but also about countries beyond the seas. We also learn about the mountains, oceans, islands, lakes, volcanoes, the winds and a number of other very interesting things about the world and the ụniverse.

Among the important things that we learn in Geography are the infinite varieties of creatures. plants, birds and land features that exist in the world. We know that there are millions of creatures: small and large, of various kinds in all parts of the earth. We also know that many of the early creatures have now become extinct, while many of them have changed from their original forms. Reading about all these is indeed very interesting.

We also learn about the various types of plants and birds that exist throughout the world. The plants and birds in the cold lands are not the same as those in warmer lands. In the same way, the land forms in the cold regions are different from those in other regions. In the equatorial regions, for example, plant and animal life is luxuriant while in the poles the land is covered with snow, and animal and plant life is less abundant. In equatorial regions abundant rain has produced large rivers and lakes, while in areas where little rain falls there are large deserts without many rivers and lakes.

As the climate and vegetation of one place are not the same as those of another, the habits and activities of the people of different regions are also different. Even their religious convictions and languages are different from those of other parts of the world.

Thus, Geography is a very important subject, and because of its width and variety it is one of the most interesting subjects to read.

NEW WORDS:
1. geography (n): địa lý học
2. volcano (n): núi lửa
3. universe (n): vũ trụ, vạn vật
4. luxuriant (adi): phong phú, phồn thịnh, um tùm
5. abundant (adj): nhiều, phong phú, dồi dào
6. vegetation (n) : thưc vật, cây cối, thảm thực vật .
7. conviction (n): sự nhận thức, thấy tội lỗi


The importance of rivers
Rivers have been very useful to men in all parts of the earth since very early times. They provide water to slake the thirst of men, to fertilize their lands and to provide a means of communication for the goods that they transport from place to place.

Early civilization began on the banks of the great rivers of the world, such as the Nile and the Indus. These rivers provided the water, the people on their banks needed for all their purposes. As people in those early days did not have the transport facilities that we have today . They had to live close to the rivers to transport their goods to places along the rivers and to draw the water that they needed.

Rivers not only provided water for their domestic needs and agricultural purposes but also enabled the people to move from place to place along their banks. Boats or rafts were used to travel from one end of a river to another. In the same way, goods were also transported. With the transport of good and the contacts of people between different parts of the same river there were also many cultural exchanges. Thus, rivers helped to spread civilization.

It is true, however, that rivers have also caused much misery and unhappiness to millions of people throughout history. They have caused floods and destroyed lives and property in all parts of the earth. For example, the Hwang Ho in China has been described as the “sorrow of China" because of the destruction that it had caused in the past.

But it should be realised that floods occur once in several years. Therefore, the damage that rivers cause is not so great as the benefits that they confer on humanity. Today,rivers continue to be used not only as a source of water for drinking and fertilizing the lands or as a means of transport but also as a source of electricity which has revolutionized society. The importance of rivers is therefore not difficult to appreciate.

NEW WORDS:
1. slake the thirst (v): làm giảm cơn khát, đỡ khát
2. civilization (n): nền văn minh
3. bank (n): bờ sông
4. facilities (n): điều kiện dễ dàng, thuận lợi, tiện nghi
5. domestic (adj): trong nhà, trong gia đình
6. raft ( n ): bè, mảng, bè gỗ
7. revolutionize (v): cách mạng hoá
8. appreciate (v): đánh giá đúng, đánh giá cao, thưởng thức

The value of books
Deep in the heart of every good book lies the distilled wisdom of centuries. To read it is to become wiser.

Books are written for the benefit and pleasure of all those who like to read them. But they are of various types. There are books for children, as well as for adults. Some books are written for the specialists, some are written for students in the schools and universities, and many are written just for the pleasures of the mind. Indeed, the variety of books is infinite.

One of the reasons for the existence of such a wide variety of books is that the field of knowledge is very extensive. Even to grasp a small part of it one has to read several books for many years. Another reason is that different people have different likes and dislikes. The book that one likes to read, the other may not like. To meet these broad and varying needs of people for information, knowledge, recreation and aesthetic enjoyment, more and more books are being written every year.

Those who aim to specialize in a certain branch of knowledge concentrate more on the books that provide information on their particular field of study. In the libraries and book shops they look mainly for such books. But those who have no particular interest in any subject read and buy all types of books. Sometimes they buy books intended for the specialist, sometimes they buy those written for children. and sometimes if they are preparing for some examination, they buy books which give some information on their examination subjects.

Almost every book extends the knowledge of the reader and develops his intellect as well. Even if the reader does not learn any new facts from the book, he may at least learn a few new words, expressions or ideas. In fact, certain books are written mainly to acquaint the reader with the beauty of language and ideas. They do not deal with facts or actual human experiences. Books of this type provide great pleasure to the mind, and almost everyone who loves reading buys a few of such books. Books have also helped to promote better understanding among the peoples of the world. By reading books. The people of one country have come to know about the achievements of those in other countries.

Thus, books could be regarded as one of the channels of communication among men. Indeed, without books man would not have made so much progress as he has made today. By applying the knowledge that he has gained from books to practical purposes, he has made the world a pleasant place to live in. Civilization therefore owes a great debt to these inanimate things called books.

NEW WORDS:
1. distil (v): đúc kết, chưng cất
2. specialist (n): chuyên gia, chuyên viên
3. varying (adj): hay thay đổi, hay biến đổi, không ổn định
4. aesthetic (adj): (thuộc) mỹ học, thẩm mỹ
5. field (n): lĩnh vực, phạm vi
6. intellect (n): trí tuệ
7. at least : ít nhất, tối thiểu
8. promote (v): thúc đẩy, khích 1ệ, xúc tiến
9. achievement (n): thành tích, thành tựu
10. channel (n): kênh, nguồn (thông tin, tin tức...)
11. inanimate (adj): vô tri, vô giác

Do you think that physical education is important?
The value of physical education has been realized since the earliest times of human existence. The Greeks and the Romans considered it indispensable to the development of a good personality and character.

Today in all the schools and universities in the world, a great deal emphasis is being placed on physical education as a means of producing citizens of good character and personality.

Physical education develops the muscles of the body scientifically and increases muscular activity and physical strength. All this makes the body active and efficient. It is now also realized that there is a close connection between the body and the mind. Therefore, if the body is active, the mind too is active. Proof of this can be easily found among children. Children who are inactive physically are usually also mentally lazy. An active and efficient body is a healthy body. When the body is healthy, the mind too is and therefore happy. Thus, physical education contributes greatly to the health and happiness of an individual such an individual could do a great deal for the good of society.

Physical education can also contribute to the strength of a nation. If the youths of a country receive proper physical education, they can build up a strong country to protect itself from foreign attacks or invasions.

Further, physical education provides opportunities for contacts with people of other lands. Athletes of all countries meet at various countries at various times to compete with one another and thus promote common understanding among countries for the benefit of one another.

It is therefore, not without reason that physical education has been a part and parcel of academic pursuit today. I do therefore agree that physical education is important to all people.

NEW WORDS:
1. physical (adj): (thuộc) thể chất
2. indispensable (adj): tuyệt đối cần thiết
3. emphasis (n): sự nhấn mạnh, tầm quan trọng
4. muscle (n): bắp thịt, cơ
5. proof (n): chứng cứ, bằng chứng
6. inactive (adj): không hoạt động, thiếu hoạt động
7. individual (adj): cá nhân
8. invasion (n): sự xâm lược
9. opportunity (adj): cơ hội, thời cơ
10. athlete (n): vận động viên; lực sĩ
11. part and parcel : thành phần không thể thiếu
12. pursuit (n): sự theo đuổi nghề nghiệp hoặc hoạt động

The importance of reading newspapers
As the name suggests newspapers are a source of news and information. In several respects they are also a medium of communication among the peoples of the world.

Today there are hundreds of newspapers all over the world. Everywhere there is a keen desire to learn more and more about the affairs of the world. This is partly the result of the spread of education which sharpens one's curiosity to learn about distant lands.

As a source of news: the newspaper is almost indispensable to those whose thirst for knowledge is insatiable. They contain news on events in distant corners of the earth. Information about such events arrives almost immediately. As a result. people everywhere are informed about the most important events in the world verỵ quickly and almost all the same time. For example, if a war breaks out in one part of the world today , the people in the other parts will certainly come to know about it tomorrow. As a result, all the countries of the world are able to do something quickly to help those who have suffered because of the war or to persuade the countries at war to cease fighting.

Newspapers also play an important part in keeping the peoples of the world informed about the troubles that might arise in the future, if nothing is done to prevent them from happening. For example, if a dispute arises between two countries for any reason: the newspapers can keep the peoples of the world informed about what might happen if nothing is done to persuade the two countries to resolve their differences peacefully. In this way many wars have been avoided because of the intervention of some countries in the disputes of many countries which were given prominences in newspapers.

When all this is considered, we feel that there is some silent communication among countries through the medium of newspapers for the common benefit of the countries of the world.

Further, constant reading of newspapers improves one’s outlook on life and makes one a more reasonable person. The importance of the newspaper is therefore obvious.

NEW WORDS:
1. respect (n): phương diện, khía cạnh
2. medium (n): phương tiện
3. keen (adj): mãnh liệt, thiết tha, nhiệt tình
4. insatiable (adj): không thể thoả mãn được
5. cease (v): dừng, ngừng, ngớt, tạnh
6. arise (v): xuất hiện, nảy sinh ra, xảy ra
7. intervention (n): sự can thiệp, sự xen vào
8. prominence(n): sự nổi bật, sự đáng chú ý

Discuss the part played by science in the promotion of public health during the last hundreds years
One of the most striking features of the present century is the progress of science and its effects on almost every aspect of social life. Building on the foundations laid by their precedessors the scientists of today are carrying their investigation into ever widening fields of knowledge.

The contribution of science to the promotion of public health in the last hundred years has indeed been tremendous. The unceasing work and experiments of scientists during this time have led to numerous discoveries and removed many misconceptions that many people had before, regarding health illness. The causes of many of the diseases have become generally known. Indeed, many of the facts relating to public health, which are now regarded as common knowledge, were unknown even to the doctors of those days. The fact that germs were the cause of most of the common diseases was not realised by doctors of high repute in the not very distant past. Today, however, even a pupil of a primary school has some knowledge of the destruction that germs can cause. The discovery of germs has indeed revolutionised all medical concepts of disease and illness: everywhere people have come to realise the importance of cleanliness in the prevention of disease.

The researchers or scientists of all countries have also revealed other secrets. It is now known that illness and diseases can be caused by other living creatures also, such as flies, insects and even birds, animals and human beings. Their discoveries have contributed to the progress of medical science. Today, people in all parts of the world are doing their utmost to destroy the creatures that carry diseases. At the same time, however, scientists have also discovered that certain animals and creatures could provide some cure for a variety of diseases that are dangerous to human beings. Even the curative value of certain plants has been discovered.

An important result of the discoveries of scientists has been that, they have also found the cure of almost every disease. It is a practice of the scientists to work for the discovery of a cure as soon as they have discovered the causes of a certain disease. This service of the scientists has promoted the welfare of the human race. In this field of research, scientists make no distinction between races. Whatever they discover is used for the advantage of men everywhere. The progress of humanity is their main aim.

The work of medical scientists also reduced pain to great extent. In the past operations were performed on individuals in a very crude manner. Amputation was a very painful affair. Today, however. the whole body of a man could be cut open without his feeling any pain by the use of chloroform. In this way science has relieved the misery of men tremendously.

Another very important discovery has been that, water, without which life cannot exist, sometimes contains the elements of destruction as well. impure water could spread disease and death at tremendous speed. This knowledge has led people in all parts of the world to use only pure water tor all domestic and other purposes. Water is considered so important a factor in public health that all the governments of the world control its use for drinking purposes. All these discoveries have indeed promoted public health during the last hundred years.

NEW WORDS:
1. foundation(n): sự thành lập, sự sáng lập
2. precedessor (n): người đi trước, người tiền nhiệm
3. unceasing (adj): liên tục, không ngừng, không mệt mỏi
4. misconception (n): quan niệm sai lầm
5. germ(n): vi trùng, mầm bệnh
6. crude (adj): thô thiển, thô bạo
7. amputation (n): thủ thuật cắt cụt
8. chloroform (n): cloroform – một loại hóa chất gây mê
9. factor (n): nhân tố

Water is important for all living things. Do you agree or disagree? Give your reasons.
Without water no living thing on the earth could survive. We need water To quench our thirst. water our lands to grow crops or to keep the animals and fowls in our homes alive. Even the plants and insects in all parts in the world need water to live.

We also need water to produce electricity and to carry our goods or trade. Electricity is very important for our comforts today. Almost everything that we use in our homes today depends on the use of electricity. In the same way, water also helps to transport many or the goods that we need for our homes. Ships, rafts and boats carry many things from distant lands and help to exchange goods between one country and another. Transport by water is easier and cheaper than by air or land.

But water has also caused much sorrow and hardship in all parts of the world floods and heavy rains have destroyed crops, lives and property through the centuries and caused much sorrow everywhere.

Yet, water is so important that all living things, including the tiniest of creatures, will continue to struggle to get it whenever or wherever they can.

NEW WORDS:
1. quench (v): làm hết khát
2. fowl (n): chim, gà

The value of education
Briefly, education means the acquisition of knowledge and abilities, and the development of one's character and mental powers by systematic training and instruction. Education is therefore of great value to any person.

It has been realized that a person without education is deprived of many benefits. He not only lacks the knowledge of human affairs but also the ability to appreciate the value of many of the things that concern his own welfare. Thus, he is not able to contribute his full share to the progress of society and the world. Neither is he able to develop his personality to the fullest extent.

One of the greatest benefits of education is that it helps a person to understand the position that he occupies in society. It helps him to speak and conduct himself with confidence and dignity which earn him the respect and admiration of others. Thus, he occupies an important position in society, and people look up to him as their leader.

Another benefit of education today is that it helps one to secure lucrative employment. In the world of today, almost every kind of employment requires some understanding of a few basic principles of science, mathematics, economics, engineering, accountancy or some other subjects on the part of the worker. Thus, the better education a person has better prospects he has of securing attractive positions in the various professions.

Finally, education makes a person sympathetic and considerate towards others. He is helpful to those who need his advice and guidance, and is not critical of those who commit offences or mistakes out of ignorance or necessity. Further, he does not like to hurt the feelings of others. Even if he is extremely provoked, he tries to express his displeasure or anger in words which give the slightest offence to others and yet express his outraged feelings adequately.

As a result of all these qualities that a person acquires through education, he becomes a very pleasant person to associate with. He thus lives a fuller life in socially.

NEW WORDS:
1. briefly(adv): một cách vắn tắt, ngắn gọn
2. acquisition (n): sự giành được, sự thu được
3. deprive (v): lấy đi, tước đi
4 . dignity ( n ): phẩm giá, nhân cách, lòng tự trọng
5. lucrative (adi): có lợi, sinh lợi
5. accountancy (n): nghề kế toán
7. prospects (n. plu.): khả năng thành công, triển vọng
8. offence (n): sự phạm tội
9. ignorance(n): ngu dốt
10. provoke (v): khiêu khích, chọc tức
11. adequately (adv): tương xứng, thích đáng, thoả đáng
12. associate (v): kết giao, giao thiệp

An interesting story I have heard
An interesting story that I have heard is about a deserted house in a remote village somewhere in India.

The house had not been occupied for several years after the death of its owner. For some reason no one liked or cared for the owner. Therefore, when he died, he was not buried. His dead body remained in his bed until it was reduced to its skeleton.

One evening a traveller was passing by this house when it suddenly began to rain heavily. Looking for shelter , he ran into this house, where, to his surprise and terror, he saw a human skeleton. But the rain had not stopped and it was rapidly growing dark. He has therefore no choice but to sit there, in the hope that somebody like him might come in to keep him company. But no one came. It was now too dark to see anything outside. He therefore decided to spend the night in that dark and lonely house. The rain continued to fall unabated. The wind was strong and there was much lightning. The traveller lay on the floor but he could not sleep with the skeleton inside the house. After several hours, there was a sudden very cold crawling over his body. he was now too frightened to move. After a while, he heard another strange cry. Just at that moment, a lightning flashed across the sky when he saw a large animal jump out of the house through a window which had been open. He now began to pray for his safety.

While he was in this position, some robbers happened to take shelter in the verandah of the house. They began to talk and laugh loudly. Hearing the voices, the traveller began to ask some questions from inside to make sure that there were some people outside. But the robbers were now frightened. They thought that it was the voice of ghost. They ran away as fast as they could. when morning came. The traveller rushed out of the house and never returned to that part of the country.

NEW WORDS:
1. skeleton (n): bộ xương
2. shelter (n): chỗ nương tựa, chỗ ẩn náu
3. keep s.b company : có ai bên cạnh làm bầu bạn
4. unabated (adj): không giảm sút, không yếu đi
5. crawl (n): làm sởn gai ốc
6. robber (n): kẻ cướp; kẻ trộm
7. verandah (n): hiên, hè, hành lang

My most favorite subject
My most favourite subject is English which is today one of the most important languages in the world. It is spoken and understood in all parts of the earth.

English has become an international language for a variety of reasons. One of the most important of them is that the English people have been well-known for their knowledge of science medicine, engineering, government and all other matters that are useful for the progress of the human race. It is because of the scientists of England that the motor- engine has become the most important machine in the world today.

In the same way, English scholar have studied the past and discovered many things of great value to the peoples of the world. Some of the things which were useful to men in the early days were later forgotten by others. Such things are now again being used, owing to the work of English scholars.

The insatiable thirst for knowledge of the English scholars has contributed to the progress of man in almost all fields of his activity. Thousands of books have been written by such scholars on almost every subject that one can think of. Thus, people whose native tongue is not English have learnt English with great interest as a means of acquiring knowledge of all human affairs.

As a result or this interest English is used almost everywhere in the world. It is used in all the important meetings and conferences and debates such as in United Nation. It is also used in all the leading universities in the world and in international trade and commerce. As it is used so widely, English has indeed become a very rich language. People of all the countries of the world have contributed new ideas and thoughts to this language.

Thus, more and more new words are being coined to make this language more and more useful tor the communication of ideas and information among the peoples of the world. It is for all these reasons that I like to study the English language.

NEW WORDS:
1. scholar (n): học giả
2. insatiable thirst : sự khát khao không thể thỏa mãn
3. native tongue (n): tiếng mẹ đẻ
4. debate (n): cuộc tranh luận, cuộc thảo luận, cuộc tranh cãi
5. commerce (n): thương mại, thương nghiệp

Describe an unpleasant dream you have had
Everyone dreams. Some dreams are pleasant and some are not. One of the most unpleasant dreams that I have had concerns a wild creature which used to visit a village every night in search of blood and flesh.

It is difficult for me to give a proper description of the creature. It was tall, black and hairy. Its legs and hands resembled those of a man, but its face was like that of a leopard. It walked like a man but it could also run like an animal when it wished. Its home was not on land but in the sea. However, its thirst for blood was insatiable. Every night when all the people in the village that it used to visit went to bed, it would come out of the sea and quietly go into the village. It would look for a man who might be outside. Such was its luck that it found at least one man every night. Its method of attack was simple. As soon as it saw a man, it would put its powerful hands round his neck and strangle him. At the same time it would sink its teeth into the flesh and drink his blood. This unfortunate man would have no time to shout, for death came swiftly.

In this way, the creature had killed a lot of people, but no one could explain their disappearance. As the foot prints of the creature were similar to those of a tall and big man, no one could distinguish between the foot prints of the creature and those of a man. Then, one night, I happened to be in the village. The creature, however, did not see me when it came. I was at first frightened. but when I saw it had caught and killed a man, 1 felt brave. I knew that it would now not bother to kill me. I therefore decided to follow the creature.

Not suspecting that it was being followed, the creature stopped at a place and began to eat the man. When it was satisfied, it picked up the remains of the man and slowly walked back into the sea which was only a short distance from the village. All the while I moved very cautiously. Then, I ran back to the village and told the people what had happened. On the next day, the villagers waited near the sea with all the weapons that they had. The creature came out for its usual meals, but this was an unfortunate day for the creature. As soon as it was on the land, the villagers surrounded it and killed it. Its cries of pain and anger before it died were such that I suddenly woke up to find that I was only dreaming. I felt greatly relieved.

NEW WORDS:
1. concern (v): liên quan đến, dính líu tới
2. description (n): sự diễn tả, sự miêu tả
3. resemble (v): giống với, tương tự
4. leopard (n): con báo
5. strangle (v): bóp nghẹt
5. swiftly (adv): nhanh; nhanh chóng, ngay lập tức
7. distinguish (v): phân biệt
8. bother (v): áy náy, băn khoăn, lo ngại
9. cautiously (adv): cẩn thẩn, thận trọng
10. surround (v): vây quanh, bao quanh

Describe your last holiday
During my last school holidays. I spent a few days at my cousin's house at Morib, a well-known sea resort. I shall never forget that visit.

On the day I arrived at Morib, my cousin told me that he would do to make my stay there a very interesting one. He said that he would first make a raft to use it in the sea. Then he would buy fishing net to catch some fish in the shallow waters near the coast. When I heard all this, I was very delighted because it was for these reasons that I had decided to visit my cousin. We then walked up to the beach which is near his house.

While we were there, sometime in the evening, the sea looked extremely beautiful. I saw the islands and hills in the distance, the birds in the air, and a few boys and girls playing on the beach. I also saw some fishermen coming out of the water with their catch. All this was indeed very interesting to look at.

On the next day, my cousin and I collected some tree trunks from the forest nearby. As my cousin's house is close to the sea, we decided to make the raft on the beach itself. It took us almost the whole morning to make the raft. We then had our lunch and went to Banting, the nearest town, to buy fishing net. After that we returned to my cousin's house.

In the evening we put the ran on the sea. The water was still high, but the raft floated quite well. My cousin and I sat on it and began to row it by using the oars that we had made ourselves. We felt very happy indeed and continued to row it. We remained on it for a long time, but as it was already getting dark we did not go far. We returned to the shore and tied the raft to a tree.

On the next day, we went out to catch some crabs and fish. We used the net that we had bought and caught a lot of fish. Then, we had our lunch and went out again on the ran. we continued to row it as far as we could. It was really a pleasure to be away from the shore. The sea was calm and we could row with ease. My cousin told me many interesting things about Morib. We then returned to the shore.

In this way, I spent my holidays happily at Morib, a place I shall never forget.

NEW WORDS:
1. sea resort (n): nơi nghỉ mát ở bờ biển
2. raft (n): cái bè, cái mảng
3. delighted (adj): hào hứng, hài lòng
4. extremely (adv): tột cùng, cực độ, cực kì
5. trunk (n): thân cày
7. row (v): chèo thuyền
8. oar (n): mái chèo
9. remain (v): ở lại
10. to get dark : (trời) tối dần
11. tie (v): buộc, cột, tróí
12. crab (n): con cua
13. ease (n): sự dễ dàng

Journalism as a career
Almost everyone who can read and write sometimes feels the urge to write on some favourite topic. But some people love writing so much that they spend much of their time in writing something on various subjects for the sheer pleasure of writing. Such people usually become skillful writers; and if the ability to write with ease and facility was enough to achieve success in the field of journalism, many people would make journalism their career.

In countries like England and Japan, where there are hundreds of newspapers and journals, journalism is an attractive profession. It is a very good source or income to many. But in Malaysia there are so few newspapers and journals that journalism offers almost no prospect of success. Even in England and Japan, however, many people have failed to achieve any success in this field. To be successful in journalism, one must have many other qualities, besides the ability to write effectively. One of the most important qualities is the ability to judge what the average reader likes or dislikes. If one writes for a political journal, one should have a fair knowledge of what the readers of that journal expect from it. If one writes for a women's journal, one should know almost instinctively what its readers prefer. Accordingly, the journalist should gather information from all possible sources for his articles and stories for publication. He may even have to distort or omit certain facts and information, which in his judgement may appear unpleasant to his readers. Further, if certain unpleasant facts have to be revealed to his readers, he has to employ words with such skill that his readers will take almost no offence. All these require great intellectual qualities.

Besides, to collect information, the journalist has to travel extensively and meet many people, far and near. As too much travelling involve great physical activity, the journalist has to pay sufficient attention to his health to keep himself strong. He has also to cultivate pleasing habits to meet all sorts of people. He must also he prepared to work under very unpleasant circumstances. For example, if he is working for a popular newspaper, he may have to be at the scene or a battle and risk his life to send his report to his newspaper office. All this involves great personal sacrifice.

Finally, a good journalist should have a good grasp of the constitutional rights of the citizens of his country and the policies of his government. He should also know the laws of libel and slander. Ignorance of any or these may lead him to make unfair criticisms and disclosures which may cause serious troubles in the country. Thus, success in journalism is not easy to attain, and only a few people make it their career.

NEW WORDS:
1. facility (n): khả năng học hoăc làm việc một cách dễ dàng
2. achieve (v): đạt được, giành được
3. journalism (n): nghề làm báo, viết báo
4 . judge ( v ): xét đoán, phán đoán, đánh giá
5. instinctively (adv): theo bản năng, do bản năng
6. distort (n): bóp méo, xuyên tạc
7. sufficient (adj): đầy đủ
8. circumstance (n) : hoàn cảnh, trường hợp
9. constitutional (adj) : thuộc hiến pháp, theo hiến pháp
10. libel (n) : lời phỉ báng, tội phỉ báng
11. slander (n): sự vu khống. sự vu cáo
12. disclosure (n) : sự vạch trần, sự phơi bày

Beauty in nature
Beauty is hard to define but easy to recognise. In nature beauty may be discerned in all things and places, even in the most unexpected regions of the earth. There is beauty in the infinite variety of flowers, birds, animals and plants, many of which are vividly colourful.

There is beauty in mountains, valleys and hills, and in the skies. Thus, beauty can be found in all the creations of God. Then hunter who scans the forests for his quarry is often fascinated by the beauty that he finds in objects, which conceal beautiful flowers from human sight, suddenly reveal their secrets to him when he stumbles over them. The fisherman who turns to the sea for his livelihood is fascinated by the beauty of the multitudinous creatures that swarm in the seas. Many of these creatures are found even on the shore. But the oceans often conceal the beauty that lies below their surface, and to catch a glimpse of the beauty of the world below the sea, hundreds of divers everywhere explore the bottoms of the oceans, even at the risk of losing their lives in the unknown regions of the world below.

Even the farmer and the traveller appreciate the beauty that is found in nature. The farmer finds beauty in the variety of the plants that he grows. The traveller is impressed with the beauty of distant hills and mountains, and the beauty of meadering rivers in large valleys. He is also appreciative of the beauty of the night. As he travel in the moon-light, he looks at the landscape and is lost in admiration of it.

The beauty in nature is also appreciated by others. Almost every one delights to see the rushing streams and the numerous birds and animals that may be found in every part of the earth, for these are part of the ornaments of nature. Even the tiniest of creatures has a beauty of its own. In search of this beauty in nature, men in all parts of the world are travelling great distances and spending a great deal of money, even in some cases, even their life savings. It is this appreciation of natural beauty that impels men to visit distant lands which have a beauty of their own. Men have also visited the islands that are spread throughout the world in search of the natural beauty. Many have seen visited the cold deserts in the Artics as well as the hot deserts where few plants grow, in search of the beauty that may be found in these regions, despite the lack of vegetation and animals life. The deserts are indeed the home of many beautiful plants and animals which find sufficient refuge in these pans, and many of the birds too, here are remarkable for their beauty.

But the person who is most appreciative of natural beauty is the poet who finds music and beauty even in the movement of the clouds and winds. His deep appreciation of the beauty that he finds around him impels him to give utterance to it in the most expressive language, which is itself often of imperishable beauty.

NEW WORDS:
1. discern (v): nhận thức, thấy rõ
2. God (n): chúa trời, thượng đế
3. scan (v): xem tỉ mỉ, kiểm tra cẩn thận
4. quarry (n): con mồi
5. conceal (v): giấu giếm, che đậy
6. reveal (v): bộc lộ, biểu lộ, tiết lộ
7. stumble (v): vấp, trượt chân
8. multitudinous (adj): rất nhiều, vô số kể
9. glimpse (n): cái nhìn thoáng qua
10. meander (v): ngoằn ngoèo, quanh co, khúc khuỷu
11. ornament (n): đồ trang hoàng, đồ trang trí
12. impel (v): thúc ép, bắt buộc
13. refuge (n): nơi trốn tránh, nơi ẩn náu, nơi trú ấn
14. remarkable (adj): đáng chú ý, đáng để ý
15. utterance (n): sự phát biểu, sự bày tỏ
16. imperishable (adj): bất hủ, bất tử, bất diệt


Do you agree that the study of Mathematics is essential to the progress of the human race?
Though the study of Mathematics had occupied the attention of Egyptian and Greek scholars centuries ago, yet it was only after the advent of the Industrial Revolution that the importance of the subject was fully realised by scholars and educationists everywhere. Today, Mathematics is one of the most important subjects in all the schools and universities of the world.

Before the Industrial Revolution, men lived very simple lives. Agriculture, hunting and fishing were then their main sources of livelihood. It did not occur to them that their lives could be made more comfortable if they only exercised their mental faculties a little more and organised a system of knowledge, which we now call the Science, and applied it to practical purposes. Thus, they turned to nature for sustenance, and were satisfied with what they could acquire from nature with their skills. This simple mode of existence was, however, disturbed by the inventions of a few men, sometime in the eighteenth century, which caused people everywhere to think of new ways of improving their conditions of living. The inventions revealed new sources of comfort, and power for the production of goods. Thus, the Industrial Revolution began. More and more machines were invented for the rapid production of goods, and the study of Mathematics began to receive great encouragement, for it was realised that machines function on mathematical principles.

The intensive study of Mathematics revealed its potentialities. It was soon applied not only to invent new machinery but also to explain abstruse subjects such as Physics, Logic and many others. In fact, Mathematics is now used to teach and explain almost every important subject in schools and universities. Even the construction of buildings and bridges requires a deep knowledge of Mathematics.

The study of Mathematics has also helped to increase the mental powers of men. They are not only able to think more clearly than they could before but are also able to understand and explain many of the things which they could not understand earlier.

Sometimes, however, Mathematical principles have been applied for tragic consequences. In battles and wars, bombs and cannon-balls have been released with remarkable accuracy to destroy the enemy. This fact reveals how knowledge of Mathematics could be used to hinder human progress. But such a situation develops only when men have lost their patience and their capacity for compromise and fortunately the leaders of the world today are trying their utmost to remove the causes for war.

In general, however, men have a natural impulse to live in peace and harmony with others, and almost every invention is aimed at promoting the welfare of the peoples of the world. Thus, the human race has benefited from the efforts of those who have made the fullest use of Mathematical principles for all their inventions. I therefore agree that the study of Mathematics is essential to the progress of the human race.

NEW WORDS:
1. the mental faculties: năng lực, trí tuệ
2. sustenance (n): chất bố, sự bổ dưỡng
3. encouragement (n): niềm khích lệ, niềm cổ vũ, niềm động viên
4. intensive (adj): chuyên sâu, cao độ, mạnh mẽ, sâu sắc, tập trung
5. potentiality (n): tiềm năng, tiềm lực
6. abstruse (adj): khó hiểu, thâm thuý, sâu sắc
7. consequence (n): hậu quả, kết quả
8. cannon-ball (n): đạn trái phá
9. impulse (n): sự thúc đẩy, sự thôi thúc
10. welfare (n): hạnh phúc, sự thịnh vượng


What contributions can writers make to the promtion of goodwill among the people of a country?
Since remote antiquity writers in every country have exerted a profound influence on the minds of the people. The writings or political philosophers, like Rousseau and Voltaire, have even caused revolutions and diverted the course of history. Such is the power of writers who express their ideas and views with lucidity and cogency.

Most writers who dwell upon the affairs of their countries are deeply conscious of their responsibility towards their countries and compatriots. This consciousness not only impels them to avoid issues which tend to divide the people but also to express their views on delicate issues in the most temperate language. Their main aim is to promote goodwill among the people of the country, and this they try to achieve in various ways.

In a country dominated by people of the same race and language, writers can promote goodwill among its people by clarifying political and economic issues which the people understand only vaguely. If the people are divided by ideological differences or by differences of economic status, writers can exercise their influence to remove the resentment and prejudices among the people. Even those who write on social problems can emphasise the issues that tend to unite the people. They can also suggest ways and means of removing the causes of resentment and frustration that exist among the people. As the written word is more effective than the spoken word, people tend to accept the views of writers more readily than those expressed verbally by various people.

But it is in countries in which people of various races reside that writers can make the greatest contribution to the promotion of goodwill among the people. In a country like Malaya, for example, writers can concentrate on the issues that tend to unite the people. They should not be too critical of the attitudes of one race to gratify the emotions of another race. If they do so, they will incite racial discord and even violence which may affect the whole country adversely. If short speeches to a small group of people can cause riots and racial conflicts in all parts of the country, writers can do greater harm, for the written word circulates more extensively for a longer period.

This power of the written word, however, could be used by writers for the benefit of the whole nation. By giving prominence to the social aspects of life that affect the people as human beings and as individuals of a particular race, writers can help in the development of a common outlook among the people. They could also help in making the people realise the benefits in peace and harmony. A study of the history of many countries reveals how the ways and habits of its people are influenced by the pen of distinguished writers. Even the leaders of the country are often guided by the opinions of noted writers.

Indeed, in times of great discontent in a country, writers advise the people to exercise patience and moderation in expressing their grievance. There are many examples of how writers in various countries have been able to remove feelings of hatred among the people. The newspaper, for example, which is the product of the combined effort of many writers, is able to exert a restraining influence on people who are easily provoked. This is the best example of what writers could do to promote goodwill among the people of a country.

NEW WORDS:
1. antiquity (n): thời xưa
2. divert (v) : làm đổi hướng
3. lucidity (n): sự rõ ràng, minh bạch
4. cogency (v): sự vững chắc, sức thuyết phục
5. dwell upon (v): chuyên chú vào
6. conscious (adj): có ý thức, biết rõ
7. compatriot (n): đồng bào
8. delicate (adj): tinh vi, tinh tế, tế nhị
9. dominate (v): chiếm ưu thế, chi phối, thống trị
10. clarify (v): làm cho dễ hiểu
11. vaguely (adv): mơ hồ, ngờ ngợ
12. ideological (adj): thuộc hệ tư tưởng
13. prejudice (n): sự thành kiến, định kiến, thiên kiến
14. frustration (n): tâm trạng thất vọng, vỡ mộng
15. verbally (adv): bằng lời nói
16. adversely (adv): bất lợi
17. circulate (v): lưu truyền, truyền bá
18. discontent (n): sự bất mãn, sự bất bình
19. grievance (n): lời phàn nàn, lời kêu ca, lời than phiền, nỗi bất bình

Which language do you think has made the greatest contribution to the promotion of better understanding among the peoples of the world?
The human race is divided by a multiplicity of languages, many of which have come to play an important part in the affairs of the world.

A little reflection reveals that the importance of a language is associated mainly with the ideas and knowledge it contains. The more ideas a language can convey to the peoples of the world, the more it will be used by people everywhere. Thus, the language that is used most extensively is the language that makes the greatest contribution to human progress and mutual understanding between peoples.

It cannot be denied that today the most widely used language is the English language. There are few countries in which this language is not understood or used. Even the countries which preached hatred for everything English, including the English language, during their struggle for independence from British rule such as India, found it difficult to dispense with this language after they became independent. Therefore, they not only continued to use English in all spheres of public activity but also began to encourage the use and study of the English language as means of achieving national progress and unity. These efforts on the part of the various countries of the world convey an idea of the importance of the English language.

It would be instructive, however to consider the reason for the extensive use of the English language. One of the reasons is that several countries in the world have been occupied mainly by immigrants from England such as the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand. It is therefore not surprising that the people of such countries have continued to use the English language, though they have severed their political connexions with their mother country and acquired independent status, for one cannot discard one’s language easily. Another reason is that, in the course or history, a large number of countries throughout the world came directly under British rule, where English was made the main language for administrative, commercial and all other purposes.

As the leading colonial power in the world, England has indeed exerted a profound influence on the affairs of the world, though her colonial possessions are rapidly becoming independent one after the other. Concomitantly, the English language too has come to play a leading role in international communication. Thus, many people whose native language is not English have studied English and become more conversation with English than with their own languages. This is especially true with the leaders of the people to whom English is a foreign language. As a result, the English language is used by them not only in the administration of their countries but also in all their institutions of higher learning.

The most important reason for the pre-eminence of the English language, however, is that it is the source of all knowledge. The Industrial Revolution that began in England and spread to other countries revealed the English genius for invention. Even the political and social institutions of England, which were affected tremendously by the Industrial Revolution, have evoked the admiration of all countries. The knowledge, ideas, experiences and profound thoughts of the English people have made a deep impression on the minds of the people of other countries. Innumerable books have been written in the English language on all branches of study, and such is the thirst of English scholars for knowledge and their desire to communicate it, that they have even translated books of great value from other language to English for the benefit of all. Writers of other nationalities too have written a great number of books in English and made a substantial contribution to the enrichment of the English language. As a result of all these efforts, the English language has become the main avenue to the greatest storehouse or information. Therefore, people everywhere have developed a special respect for the language and they continue to learn it with avidity.

As the English language is used so extensively it is mainly in this language that the peoples of the world communicate with and understand one another. No other language has such a wide appeal or popularity. I am therefore of the opinion that it is the English language that has made the greatest contribution to the promotion of the better understanding among the peoples of the world.

NEW WORDS:
1. multiplicity (n): vô số
2. mutual (adj): qua lại, lẫn nhau
3. preach (v): chủ trương, thuyết giáo
4. immigrant (n) : người nhập cư
5. connexion (n) : mối quan hệ
6. discard (v) : vứt bỏ, thải hồi
7. administrative (adj) : (thuộc) hành chính
8. commercial (adj) : (thuộc) thương mại
9. concomitantly (adv) : đi đôi với, đồng thời
10. pre-eminence (n) : sưu việt hơn hẳn
11. evoke (v): gợi lên
12. innumerable (adj) : vô số
13. substantial (adj) : lớn lao, đáng kể, quan trọng
14. avidity (n) : sự khát khao
15. appeal (n) : sự hấp dẫn

Liberty
Since his appearance on the earth, man has instinctively longed for liberty, an ideal which has inspired revolts and revolutions throughout the long history of the human race.

The yearning for liberty or freedom is not restricted to man alone. Even animals, birds and all living creatures love the freedom that God has given to them. Like men, these creatures will never submit to captivity without resistance. Neither will they cease to make tenacious efforts to escape, once they are captured.

In the early days of their existence, men were free to pursue their own affairs, within the limits of their own ability. They moved from place to place in small isolated groups and families, in search of food, which consisted of edible plants. fruits and the flesh of animals. The pursuit of the means of survival was their only occupation, and the things that restricted their freedom of movement, to some extent, were their own fears of the unknown and natural barriers such as mountains, dense forests, and rivers. These were no restraints imposed upon them by human institution and they enjoyed their liberty.

Gradually, men learned to live in communities and various institutions were established, which soon curtailed their liberty to a great extent. Rules were made for the cohesions of each community and obedience to those rules was secured by the threat of punishment. This element of compulsion imposed upon the conduct of the individuals in the community restricted the liberty of the people; but the greater security that men enjoyed in community life provided the incentive to partial sacrifices.

Soon, however, conflicts developed among the various communities. The stronger one conquered the weaker one and in the contest for power and domination, hundreds of people lost their liberty completely. The enslavement and suppression of one group of people by another provided the stimulus for numerous revolts and revolutions for liberty which have not ceased till this day. Even in the same community. Sometimes, there were divisions. The rulers, who came to be known as kings, with the development of the communities into countries, were at variance with their subjects. To maintain their status and to assert their authority, kings developed their own theories of kingship, and many of them ruled in the most despotic manner. Defiance of the king's authority was punished by death and imprisonment. What constituted defiance was decided arbitrarily by the king or his ministers, and thousands or people were deprived of their liberty.

Eventually, however, despotism aroused the fury of political thinkers and writers in many countries. A crusade then began against oppression and despotism, and the cry for liberty was heard everywhere. Revolutions erupted; despotic rulers were overthrown, and new rulers were compelled to rule with the consent of the people. The French Revolution of the eighteenth century is the best example of the extremity to which people were prepared to go to retain or regain their liberty, which is claimed to be the birth-right of every man.

But liberty does not mean licence. In other words, men's liberty of action should not be excessive. The French Revolution is, unfortunately, also the best example of how men may lose their sense of proportion and justice, in their attempts to assert their liberty. In that revolution hundreds of innocent men, women, and children lost their lives at the hands of those who took full advantage of the anarchy that then prevailed in France, to assert their liberty of action. Such actions are indeed licentious .

Thus, it may be argued that liberty will remain the battle-cry of all the people, but those who have it should not use it to hurt or offend others or to deprive others of their liberty.

NEW WORDS:
1. liberty (n): sự tự do, quyền tự do
2. revolt (n): cuộc nổi dậy, cuộc khởi nghĩa, cuộc nổi loạn
3. submit (v): chịu phục tùng, quy phục, ngừng phản kháng
4. tenacious (adj): kiên trì, ngoan cường, ngoan cố
5. isolated (adj): biệt lập, cô đơn
6. restraint (n): sự kiềm chế, sự gò bó, sự ràng buộc
7. curtail (v): tước đi, lấy đi
8. cohesion (n): sự dính liền, sự cố kết
9. compulsion (n): sự ép buộc, sự cưỡng bức
10. conquer (v): chinh phục, chế ngự
11. enslavement (n): sự nô dịch hoá, tình trạng bị nô dịch
12. suppression (n): sự đàn áp hoặc bị đàn áp
13. stimulus (n): sự kích thích, tác nhân kích thích
14. status (n): đia vị, thân phận, thân thế
15. despotic (adj): chuyên chế, chuyên quyền, bạo ngược
16. defiance (n): sự công khai kháng cự hoặc không tuân theo
17. constitute (v): cấu thành, tạo thành
18. arbitrarily (adv): chuyên quyền, độc đoán
19. arouse (v): đánh thức, khuâý động, gợi
20. crusade (n): chiến dịch; cuộc vận động lớn
21. claim (v): khẳng định, quá quyết
22. excessive (adj): quá thể, quá đáng
23. anarchy (n): tình trạng vô chính phú, tình trạng hỗn loạn
24. prevail (v): thắng thế, chiếm ưu thế, phổ biến khắp nơi
25. licentious (adj): bừa bãi, phóng túng
26. oppress (v): áp bức, đàn áp


Discuss the role of the police force in society
The police force plays a vital role in the maintenance of law and order in society. It is a source of moral strength, confidence and happiness to all individuals who seek to live a good life in society.

The ideal of a police force has been conceived centuries ago, when lawyers acts were committed everywhere; but it was only in the nineteenth century that effectual steps were taken to build up a strong police force in almost every country. Life, before the introduction of the police force, was indeed insecure. Violent acts such as murder were committed with impunity by cruel and reckless men. Even those who were weak and feared revenge by stronger men nevertheless found it safe sometimes to commit lesser crimes such as theft and robbery. Without the restraining influence of a powerful organization such as the police force, the passions of men were aroused easily, and lawlessness prevailed everywhere. Individuals grouped themselves together and terrorized whole villages and towns, and there were wars between rival groups. This state of affairs caused great sorrow and acute anxiety to whole communities and everyone lived in constant fear, uncertain even about his immediate future.

The establishment of the police force, however, has changed the state of affairs in society. The police force has enabled the law courts, which have existed since ancient times, in certain countries even before the introduction of the police force, to function more efficiently. Criminals are apprehended and punished, with the help of the police force, to deter others from committing acts injurious to innocent citizens. Most people therefore have learned to control their criminal tendencies. The alertness of the police force in the detection of crimes has not only discouraged most people from breaking the laws of society but also compelled them to exercise restrain and self-discipline. Consequently, society as a whole is more peaceful than what it was before the establishment of the police force.

As the aim of the police force is to promote the welfare of society, it is constantly engaged in creating the conditions in which people can live and pursue their own affairs without interference from thoughtless individuals. The rights of every member in society are protected by the courts through the agency of the police force, which is therefore a source of inspiration and hope to all law-abiding citizens. Any interference with the rights of one citizen by another is frowned upon by the police force.

In their efforts to promote the welfare of society the police force extends its activities even to the remotest regions of the country. If a man is lost in a dense forest or at sea by his own fault or otherwise, members of the force do their utmost to find and bring him back to his family, however unpleasant the effort may prove. Seldom do they give up their search if they are certain that the man still survives. Dedicated to the service of society, they are prepared to work under any conditions to protect a person, sometimes even at the risk of losing their own lives.

The knowledge of the activities in which the police force is engaged has increased the confidence and moral strength of people in society. Even the cripple and invalid are given every protection. Thus, people today can live in greater security and happiness than they could before. Society therefore owes a great debt of gratitude to the police force.

NEW WORDS:
1. vital (adj): sống còn, quan trọng
2. seek (v): mưu cầu, theo đuổi
3. conceive (v): hình thành 1 ý nghĩ, trong đầu có ý tưởng
4. commit (v): phạm lỗi
5. impunity (n): sự không bị trừng phạt
5 . rival (adj ): đối địch, cạnh tranh
7. ancient (adj) : xưa, cổ
8. apprehend (v) : bắt, tóm, nắm, lấy
9. deter (v) : ngăn cản, ngăn chặn, làm nản lòng
10. alertness (n): sự tỉnh táo, sự cảnh giác
11. discourage (v) : làm nản lòng, làm chán nản
12. compel (v) : bắt buộc, thúc ép
13. consequently (adv) : do đó, vì vậy, bởi vậy, cho nên
14. interference (n) : sự can thiệp, sự xen vào
15. law-abiding : trung thành với pháp luật, tuân theo luật pháp
16. frown (v) : không bằng lòng, phản đối
17. prove (v): tỏ ra, chứng tỏ, chứng minh
18. dedicated (adj): tận tụy, tận tâm
19. gratitude (n): lòng biết ơn, sự nhớ ơn

Discuss the view that tolerance is essential for peace and harmony in any community or country
The progress of any community or country depends largely on the conduct of the people who reside in it. Discontent, jealousies, prejudices, and intolerance among a few of the people can cause great damage to the whole community or country.

Gregarious by nature, men hate to live in isolation. The urge for association, therefore, enables men to tolerate the views and habits of others, to great extent. Most men have come to realise that the cohesion of society cannot be secured without the exercise of tolerance on the part of its members.

A community or country is composed of various types of people, whose psychological social an temperamental attitudes and needs are not the same. In a great number of cases, there are fundamental differences even in race, language and religion among the people. This is the result of the economic and social necessities of the modern age, which have compelled people to leave their original homes and live among people of foreign descent. These diversities in a community or country necessitate the maintenance of a tolerant attitude on the part of the people towards one another. They have to respect the cultural and social habits and beliefs of one another and refrain themselves from doing, or saying things which might offend the susceptibilities of some people. The racial and religious clashes that have occurred in various parts of the world indicate the damage that the expression of hatred and prejudice can cause in a country. Even differences in the colour of the skin can cause trouble and violence in a community, and when passions are aroused, men lose their reason and sense of proportion and indulge in the most barbaric acts. Innocent lives become the victims of insensate cruelty.

That tolerance is essential for peace and harmony in a country could be illustrated by reference to the people in Malaysia, a country in which people of various races reside. Despite cultural, racial and religious differences among themselves, the people here have lived for generations in peace and harmony. They have also helped one another in various ways at various times. It must be admitted, however, there have been a few incidents from time to time caused by communal differences in certain localities, yet they can hardly be attributed to the general uprising of the races against one another. In fact, the goodwill that prevails among the different races of people here has contributed to the development of a new nation, which has become the envy of many countries. The racial unity among the people is the main factor that has contributed to the progress of the country in all spheres of activity.

Another country that deserves mention is the United States of America. The people of this country too are made up of a diversity of races and cultures. Yet, by tolerance, co-operation and goodwill among the people as a whole, it has become the richest country in the world. All this proves what could be achieved by the people of a community or country who exercise tolerance among themselves.

NEW WORDS:
1. tolerance (n): sự khoan dung, lòng khoan dung, sự tha thứ
2. conduct (n): hạnh kiểm, tư cách đạo đức
3. reside (v): có nhà của mình ở một nơi nhất định, cư trú
4. prejudice (n): định kiến, thành kiến
5. gregarious (adj): sống thành tập thể
6. psychological (adj): thuộc tâm lý
7. temperamental (adj): thất thường, hay thay đổi không bình tĩnh
8. diversity (n): tính đa dạng
9. necessitate (v): đỏi hỏi cần phải có
10. refrain (v): kiềm chế làm việc gì, cố nhịn, cố nín
11. susceptibility (n): tính nhạy cảm, dễ xúc cảm, tự ái
12. clash (n): sự xung đột, sự va chạm
13. hatred (n): lòng căm thù, căm hờn, căm ghét
14. proportion (n): sự cân xứng, sự cân đối
15. indulge (v): ham mê, theo đuổi
15. barbaric (adj): dã man, man rợ
17. insensate (adi): không cảm xúc, nhẫn tâm, điên rồ
18. despite (prep): bất chấp, mặc dù
19. communal (adj) (thuộc) các nhóm chủng tộc và tôn giáo đối lập ở 1 vùng
20. attribute (v) : cho là do, quy cho
21. uprising (n) cuộc nổi dậy, cuộc khởi nghĩa
22. contribute (n) : đóng góp, góp phần
23. envy (n) : sự thèm muốn, sự ghen tị, sự đố kỵ
24. sphere (n) : lĩnh vực, phạm vi ảnh hưởng


Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having too many university graduates in your country
University education confers many benefits on the individual. It develops his intellect and broadens his outlook on life, and enables him to discriminate between the good and the bad. Thus, in the past, only those who sought to acquire these benefits proceeded to the various universities in the world. Today, however, men are usually driven to the universities by economic necessity. Few of them seek the true benefits of education, for the growing competition for positions in the various professions has made it difficult to secure proper employment without some university degrees. As a consequence, there are a large number of university graduates today in almost every country.

The advantages of having too many university graduates in a country, however, are many. In my country, for example, the presence of a large number of graduates would enable the government of my country lo find sufficient men to assume responsible positions in the various administrative departments. It would also raise the status of the country in the eyes of the world, as one with a high literacy rate. The efficiency of the administrative organs of the state would also be increased, and in time of national crises, the government could draw on the intellectual resources of the people. Even the younger generation of men would benefit from the contacts with university graduates. They would draw inspiration from the work of the graduates and themselves develop, consciously or unconsciously, some of the mental abilities of the graduates. In other words, the presence of a large number of university graduates would create an atmosphere conducive to the mental development of the younger people in the country.

The various private firms and industries too would benefit from the presence of large number of university graduates in my country. It would facilitate the selection of suitable men for positions of responsibility in the firms and industries. This would contribute substantially to the progress and productivity of the business concerns.

There would, however, also be certain disadvantages in having too many university graduates in my country. The worst of them would be that people without university qualifications would find themselves in a precarious position. Good positions in the various professions would be closed to them. Thus, they would have to be content with humble positions and meagre incomes, Without any prospects of promotion in their respective places of work. Besides, the general drop in salary scales owing to the competition among graduates for position, would further add to the misery of those without university training, for employers would always look for university graduates, even for low positions.

Another disadvantage would be that those without university degrees would be regarded as ignorant and of no consequence. They would receive little respect, unless they were wealthy. Though the university graduates may not deliberately adopt such an attitude towards them, yet they would always remain sensitive to any remarks upon their abilities. Such a situation would produce a group of disgruntle men, and there would be much unemployment among those without university education, thus giving rise to many problems in the country.

NEW WORDS:
1. confer (v): trao hoặc tặng
2. intellect (n): khả năng hiểu biết, trí tuệ, trí năng
3. discriminate (v): phân biệt
4. consequence (n): hậu quả, kết quả
5. sufficient (adj) : đủ
6. assume (v) : nắm lấy, chiếm lấy
7. literacy (n) : sự biết viết, biết đọc
8. efficiency (adj): hiệu quả, năng lực, khả năng
9. conducive (adj): có ích, có lợi
10. facilitate (v) : làm cho dễ dàng, làm cho thuận tiện
11. substantially (adv): về thực chất, căn bản
12. precarious (adj) : tạm thời, nhất thời, không ổn định
13. humble (adj) : thấp kém, hèn mọn
14. meagre (adj) : nghèo nàn, xoàng, đạm bạc
15. scale (n) : quy mô, phạm vi
16. owing to (prep): do vì, bởi vì
17. deliberately (adv): một cách tính toán, có chủ tâm
18. adopt (v): chấp nhận, thông qua
19. disgruntled (adj): bực tức

War and peace
Since the time men learned to live in communities, in the remote past, wars have been fought at regular intervals in various parts of the world. In fact, the history of the human race is mainly a record of the battles and wars fought in the past between communities and nations.

Wars are caused mainly by human greed and ambition. In the early days of men's existence, many communities lived a very hard life, owing perhaps to the lack of geographical advantages or intellectual ability. As a result, the prosperity of other communities aroused their greed and envy, and wars between communities became inevitable. One side fought to conquer the prosperous communities in order to gain control of the means of prosperity, and the other side fought to defend its independence and way of life. With the passage of time, the communities developed into nations, and wars were fought on a bigger scale; but the basic causes of war remained the same. It was only occasionally that battles were fought with other aims such as the capture of a woman to satisfy the sexual of a conqueror or ruler.

However, success in wars stirred the ambition of many nations. Wars were then fought for domination and extension of power. Several small nations soon came under the dominion of a powerful country, which then developed into an Empire. The Roman Empire, for example, was created mainly by conquest. Even the personal ambitions of some individuals have been the cause of wars at times. The ambitions of Napoleon and Hitler for world conquest caused many battles, in which millions of people, young and old, gave their lives.

The devastation caused by wars, however, has always aroused the conscience of several nations, and attempts have been made by such nations to prevent wars in the future. Their leaders have met at various times, in the course of history, to discuss peace and to find a way of removing the causes of war. It is this urge that led to the creation of the United Nations, after the failure of the League of Nations, which today is doing its utmost to maintain peace between nations.

But the desire peace has instead led to further wars, for peace often demands the destruction of the ambitions of those who begin wars. The wars begun by Napoleon and Hitler could be ended only by fighting further wars to destroy these men, who have been responsible for the greatest sufferings in the history of the world. Human ambition, however, is indifferent to the lessons of history. In times of wars, men seek peace; but when there is peace, there are attempts to begin wars. Once a war is begun, however, those responsible for it are crushed in the end. Yet ambitious countries and individuals are still trying to extend their power. but they are being opposed by those who love peace. Thus, wars will continue to exist, while at the same time attempts will be made to attain peace in the world.

NEW WORDS:
1. at regular intervals (n): đều đặn
2. greed (n): tính tham lam
3. prosperity (n): sự thịnh vượng
4 . conquer (v): chinh phục, xâm chiếm
5. defend (v): bảo vệ
6. lust (n): sự thèm khát, lòng tham
7. stir (v): kích thích, khích động, xúi giục
8. domination (n): sự thống trị
9. dominion (n): quyền thống trị, quyền chi phối
10. devastation (n): sự tàn phá, sự phá hủy
11. conscience (n): lương tâm
12 . failure (n): sự thất bại, cố gắng không thành công
13. League of Nations (n): Hội Quốc Liên
14. destruction (n): sự phá hủy, sự tiêu diệt
1S. crush (v): tiêu diệt địch, dẹp tan, làm tiêu tan
16. oppose (v): chống đối, phản đối
17. attain (v): đạt được, giành được


Courage
Courage, like all human qualities, is an abstract thing; but it is this quality in man that has enabled him to advance against all natural obstacles through the centuries.

Endowed with intelligence and manual skills man's courage, even in the early days of his existence, enabled him to accept the challenges of nature. He not only lived in the midst of wild animals but also began to domesticate many of them for his own advantage. Soon, even the most ferocious and largest of animals learnt to respect his courage. They began to avoid him as far as they could.

Indeed, without courage man would never be able to advance from the primitive stage. He would never try to reach the skies or explore the depths of the oceans; but impelled by courage, he left his immediate confines to defy nature, and soon made the world more hospitable and secure for himself. It is this irrespressible energy of man, aided by his courage, that has contributed to the comfort and happiness that people everywhere enjoy today.

Courage is therefore indispensable to almost all human activities. Men need courage to face their enemies and the uncertainties of life. They need courage to operate machinery, to fly aeroplanes, to construct tall buildings. In fact, they need courage to meet all the dangers that constantly threaten them in all their pursuits. Even to accept the responsibilities of a family requires extreme courage.

Human courage and valour have been displayed most strikingly in all the battles that have been fought in the history of mankind. Men have fought against men with deadly weapons to protect themselves their countries, families and home. For the protection and comfort of their families, men have also faced other dangers. They have defied dangerous currents in rivers to bring food for their families by boats and rafts. They have also defied storm and battled the waves of the oceans to extract food from them.

Courage, however, does not assert itself always. The instinct of self- preservation usually impels men to seek safety in fight or concealment whenever there is a threat to personal security. It is in moments of desperation that courage asserts itself and enables one to meet all threats; and it is in such moments that men also discover their own physical strength, and other advantages of resistance. For instance, a man who is attacked by an animal will fiercely in an effort to avert tragedy to himself, and in the process discover his own strength and the advantages of using certain weapons to overpower his adversary.

Feelings of loyalty and devotion too have often aroused the courage of amen. A person who is devoted to his family fights tooth and nail to protect his family from destruction or extinction, whatever the consequences to himself. Similarly, a loyal servant may give his life for the protection of his master.

Thus, courage is the most important quality in man. He needs it for his own advancement and to meet all the challenges of his existence.

NEW WORDS:
1. obstacle (n): sự cản trở, trở ngại, chướng ngại vật
2. endow (v): phú cho, ban cho
3. manual (adj): thủ công
4. challenge (n): sự thách thức
5. ferocious(adj): dữ tợn, hung ác, dã man, tàn bạo
6. hospitable (adj): mến khách, hiếu khách
7. irrepressible (adj): không thể kìm nén được
8. indispensable (adj): tuyệt đối không thể thiếu được
9. strikingly (adv): nổi bật, đáng chú ý
10. assert oneself (v): khẳng định, quả quyết
11. self-preservation (n): sự thúc bách tự nhiên để sinh tồn
12. desperation (n): sự tuyệt vọng
13. fiercely (adv): dữ dội, mãnh liệt
14. overpower (v): áp đảo, chế ngự, khuất phục
15. adversary (n): kẻ địch, kẻ thù, đối phương
16. devotion (n): sự tận tụy, sự thành tâm, sự hiến dâng

Do you think that literary education is preferable to scientific education today?
A literary education has always been regarded as indispensable to the development of character and a broad outlook on life. Whether such an education is preferable to a scientific education is, however, a moot question.

Before the advent of the Scientific Age most scholars pursued a literary education which conferred many benefits on them. It not only gave them an insight into the affairs of the world but also equipped them with a vocabulary that enabled them to express their views and feelings with cogency and facility. Besides, it developed their mental ability and intellectual powers, and many of the achieved distinction in public life as forcible speakers and writers or even as lawyers and political thinkers. Having discovered the benefits of such an education, ambitious men in all countries proceeded to the universities or other institutions of learning to acquire the advantages of a literary education, and this tendency is discernible even today, though a scientific education is being considered more advantageous to the needs of the present day.

The inventions of the modern age have indeed revolutionised society. Numerous goods are being produced, with rapidity unknown before in various parts of the earth with the aid of science and scientists of all countries are continuing to exert their brains to extend the realms of science. Every invention has helped to increase the leisure and convenience of men everywhere, and the demand for goods is increasing everyday. As a consequence, more and more machines are being invented to increase the production of goods within the shortest time possible.

Every mechanical invention, however, has to be operated by skilled men. The larger the machine the more complicated its operation, and any mechanical faults in it can be detected only by men with a scientific education, who are but few in number compared with those with a literary education. It is this scarcity of men with a scientific education that has led to the assumption that a scientific education today is preferable to a literary education. The large factories require men to operate machinery, dealers in motor-vehicles require men for all types of work in the industry, and there are a diversity of other industries which are looking for men with a scientific education. The demand for men with a scientific education is, therefore, great, and this serves as an incentive to young men to acquire industrial and technical skills, for the possession of such skills will not only enable them to secure remunerative occupations but also enable them to manage their own factories or workshops in the future to increase their earnings.

All this, however, does not imply that the man with a literary education is losing his importance rapidly. In truth, he is an indispensable person even today in various departments of human activity. He provides the managerial skill in an industry, contributes his literary abilities to the promotion of literacy in the country, provides ministerial and judicial services in the state, and performs a host of other functions.

Thus, it is not possible to say with finality that a certain type of education is preferable to another. It is for the individual to make the best of the type of education that he has received.

NEW WORDS:
1. indispensable (adj): rất cần, không thể thiếu
2. moot (adj): có thể bàn 1uận
3. equip (v): trang bị
4. cogency (n): sự vững chắc, sức thuyết phục
5. distinction (n) sự ưu tú, sự xuất chúng, sự lỗi lạc
6. forcible (adj): sinh động, có sức thuyết phục
7. discernible (adj): có thể nhận thức được, có thể thấy rõ
8. exert (v): đưa vào sử dụng, áp dụng
9. realm (n): lĩnh vực
10. complicated (adj): phức tạp, rắc rối
11. scarcity (n): sự khan hiếm, sự khó tìm
12. diversity (n): sự đa dạng
13. incentive (n): sự khuyến khích; sự khích lệ, động viên
14. remunerative (adj): được trả hậu, có lợi
15. imply (v): hàm ý, ngụ ý
16. ministerial (adj): thuộc bộ trưởng
17. judicial (adj): thuộc hoặc bởi một toà án

Homework should be abolished?
Do you think that homework should be abolished? Discuss its value.

Homework is a bitter pill for many students. Teachers always give homework. They are given to help students to revise what has been done in the class and also the finish task set in school which the pupil could not finish on time.

Education and mastery of knowledge, is a matter of skill so the more practice one has the better skill. There are skill subjects and knowledge subjects. Both these categories require drill and repetition. The teacher, to some extend, drill the student in the class but each individual student cannot be expected to do the same amount as skills of students vary from each other.

Homework need not necessarily be repeating what has been done in the class, it may be more study. The student goes through references and acquires more and better knowledge. The world of knowledge is so wide that the class alone cannot bring everything into the grasp of the student. So the student must take up some initiative of his own. This is one of the purposes of homework.

The school also must see that the students are overburdened homework. The teachers must see to it that the homework is distributed evenly throughout the week. Still there are subjects like mathematics or transcription in the lower classes which require daily attention. There are other aspects of school work which can be attended to during the weekend, for example, map making and drawing diagrams.

Simply because some boys find homework too much to cope up with, it cannot be abolished. The school should provide some facilities, so that the boys can conveniently attend to their home work and the teachers can come willingly forward to help such boys.

Should teachers give pupils too much homework? Discuss.

Many people now think that teachers give pupils too much homework. They say that it is unnecessary for children to work at home in their free time. Moreover, they argue that most teachers do not properly plan the homework tasks they give to pupils. The result is that pupils have to repeat tasks which they have already done at school.

Recently many parents complained about the difficult homework which teachers gave to their children. The parents said that most of the homework was a waste of time, and they wanted to stop it. Spain and Turkey are two countries which stopped homework recently. In Denmark, West Germany and several other countries in Europe, teachers cannot set homework at weekends. In Holland, teachers allow pupils to stay at school to do their homework. The children are free to help one another. Similar arrangements also exist in some British schools.

Most people agree that homework is unfair. A pupil who can do his homework in a quiet and comfortable room is in a much better position than a pupil who does his homework in a small, noisy room with the television on. Some parents help their children with their homework. Other parents take no interest at all in their children’s homework.

Homework should be abolished?
Do you think that homework should be abolished? Discuss its value.

Homework is a bitter pill for many students. Teachers always give homework. They are given to help students to revise what has been done in the class and also the finish task set in school which the pupil could not finish on time.

Education and mastery of knowledge, is a matter of skill so the more practice one has the better skill. There are skill subjects and knowledge subjects. Both these categories require drill and repetition. The teacher, to some extend, drill the student in the class but each individual student cannot be expected to do the same amount as skills of students vary from each other.

Homework need not necessarily be repeating what has been done in the class, it may be more study. The student goes through references and acquires more and better knowledge. The world of knowledge is so wide that the class alone cannot bring everything into the grasp of the student. So the student must take up some initiative of his own. This is one of the purposes of homework.

The school also must see that the students are overburdened homework. The teachers must see to it that the homework is distributed evenly throughout the week. Still there are subjects like mathematics or transcription in the lower classes which require daily attention. There are other aspects of school work which can be attended to during the weekend, for example, map making and drawing diagrams.

Simply because some boys find homework too much to cope up with, it cannot be abolished. The school should provide some facilities, so that the boys can conveniently attend to their home work and the teachers can come willingly forward to help such boys.

All forms of gambling should be abolished. Discuss.

Gambling is playing for some stake. Gambling may be for fun or for gain but very often it is the later. Gambling started from very ancient times and it has been a pastime of the rich as well as the poor. In modern time gambling has extended to many fields. For instance, speculation on a football game is nothing but gambling. Gambling at horse races is very common and millions of money change hands in a day’s race and for every one gain there may be thousands of losers. Gambling maniac has spoiled many a family and even kingdoms have been lost. Since gambling has been despised, no sensible man would indulge in it.

However, people do it because a quick profit is expected. So when a man plays cards by way of gambling, he thinks he can make some quick and easy money. In certain instances thousands of dollars change hands. Funfairs are gambling places. People come to make some quick money. Horse racing is a licensed gambling. Thousands of people go to the races and bet their money on this horse or the other. There are race addicts, who come and bet. From ancient time the dice has been a form of gambling. There is also gambling at established markets. A cotton market is an example.

The attendant evils of gambling are many. A man loses all his money to others. He becomes a debtor and is ruined. The gambling maniac can lead to other evils like thefts, fraud and even, in some cases, murder. The family of a habitual gambler cannot be happy because they cannot say what would happen if the maniac loses all his money. A gambler is not at all dependable and hence society always shuns him.

Should teachers give pupils too much homework? Discuss.

Many people now think that teachers give pupils too much homework. They say that it is unnecessary for children to work at home in their free time. Moreover, they argue that most teachers do not properly plan the homework tasks they give to pupils. The result is that pupils have to repeat tasks which they have already done at school.

Recently many parents complained about the difficult homework which teachers gave to their children. The parents said that most of the homework was a waste of time, and they wanted to stop it. Spain and Turkey are two countries which stopped homework recently. In Denmark, West Germany and several other countries in Europe, teachers cannot set homework at weekends. In Holland, teachers allow pupils to stay at school to do their homework. The children are free to help one another. Similar arrangements also exist in some British schools.

Most people agree that homework is unfair. A pupil who can do his homework in a quiet and comfortable room is in a much better position than a pupil who does his homework in a small, noisy room with the television on. Some parents help their children with their homework. Other parents take no interest at all in their children’s homework.

It is important, however, that teachers talk to parents about homework. A teacher suggests suitable tasks for parents to do with their children. Parents are often better at teaching their own children.

The advantages and disadvantages of money

Everybody knows the value of money. Nothing is more powerful than money.

In fact, if we have no money, we cannot buy goods, clothes and other necessaries we need. Without money, we cannot go to the movies, theaters or other amusements places.

How can we spend our free time pleasantly on rainy evenings without a color television in front of us? Music from a new hi-fi can relax us quickly after a hard day of work. But how can we satisfy our needs, our desires and our pleasures when we cannot afford to buy them?

Thanks to money we can improve our spiritual activities easily. We can go to any schools, any universities we like to further our knowledge. If our parents are wealthy and powerful we may be sent abroad to study. Moreover, we can enjoy pure happiness by contributing our money to Charity funds to help the poor, the wretched and the victims of other disasters.

But money not only brings us the good but the bad as well. This accounts for much of the wickedness in the world. The rich often depend on it to oppress the poor and millionaires sometimes treat their servants with great cruelty. Many young people, being purse proud of their parent’s wealth and richness, neglect their school activities, always play truant and indulge themselves in alcohol, gambling and debaucheries. They often commit suicide after playing ducks and drakes with all their parents’ fortune. Money, in this way, is the root of all evils.

To sum up, happiness does not depend on the quantity of money but on the way how we use it. We should use our money properly. The right use of money may bring us a comfortable life and a cheerful heart.

"Money is the root of all evil". Give your opinion.

Photo: Money is the root of all evil
Photo source: divinedem.blogspot.com

Money is the instrument of exchange, helping in buying and selling and also in fixing a value on things and commodities. It may be in metal or in paper. With the market getting more and more complicated, there are other negotiable instruments which are as good as the minted coins or the printed notes. Money gives purchasing power but this power is not absolute as it is on various factors. In such a case it is termed currency and according to their purchasing power they are termed hard, soft and weak. Though coins and notes are issued by the Government of the country, there is a limit to their minting.

Let us see why money is needed. It is simply because it helps the processor to buy things. The days of battering are gone though it is indirectly resorted to at international level. Money is helpful as a standard of price. Money helps the owner to have power not only in buying things but also in influencing many human activities. Money is used for good things such as using it to build a temple, a church or a museum. Great educational institutions can be built. Students can be helped by providing them with scholarships in furthering their studies. The Nobel Prize would not have been there but for the huge sum of money earned by Alfred Nobel.

Money can buy men as it does things. Thus money plays an important role in fighting and winning elections. Money mars men’s and women’s morals. It is the evil influence in corrupting people. “Sell out” is the new term used for bribery.

There are people who could do anything for the sake of money. Moneyed people can buy many things which the poor cannot do.

With the power of money, individuals as well as states can dictate terms. The Middle East countries have found new wealth because of their oil deposits and they have become a very powerful group.

This kind of power should not go to one’s head. One should remember that the money coming into him was by chance. He must not use it for evil purposes. But wherever there is evil there is usually money involved. Other motivating forces for evil action are jealousy, vengeance, hatred and so on.

Money is normally the fruit of labour. The question is how one spends that money. Great thinkers have suggested that one who has money enough and enough to spare must look upon himself as the trustee of the money and see to it that it is spent in a wise and useful way. There is nothing good or evil about money. It depends on how one puts it to. The same money which could help bring relief to the suffering million, can be used to build up armaments. The hope of getting money spurs one into action. The power decides how to spend the money. Money can be used morally or immorally. A morally strong man may not use money in evil ways and vice versa.

With a big sum of money, will you purchase a house or decide to run your own business?
With a big sum of money, will you purchase a house or decide to run your own business?

There is no doubt that a good house and a fine business are both necessary to everyone’s life. However, when being put in a situation where a person must answer the question whether he or she distributes a large sum of money to either a comfortable house or a business, one must not be easy to make a good decision. With some people, the latter one will be a choice without a hesitation for two main reasons.

The very first reason is that an enterprise can lead a person to a more complicated life. Managing a business is a challenging work to do. In other words, life becomes not slow and easy. Consequently, working hard is a must to make the business develop. Good decisions bring confidence, happiness and wealth. On the contrary, some bad ones may force you into a poor state that one must overcome; otherwise, there is a big failure afterwards. Happy, sad, successful, worried feelings themselves mix together inside an entrepreneur.

A more important reason is that investing in business can be considered as a big contribution to the community. If business is a big one, an owner must hire many employees to help him or her to run it. This also mean he or she has created a number of jobs for people in the society. Further more, to survive in the ever-changing competitive business environment, a business person must improve himself or herself and even improve his or her employees. This good competition in business make the people in a community keep up with the pace of those in other community and therefore guide their own society to a better one where people live in good conditions.

Admittedly, it is no doubt that a good house can offer a shelter, senses of leisure and comfort to which people who are afraid of risk always try to aim their lives. In fact, having a good home to live in can be considered a good life for an ordinary person. On the other hand, a person interested in shelf-employment and self-expression can only be pleased when he or she touches success after some great efforts and courage have been made.

To sum up, investing in business is a good choice. This choice encourages people to learn, work and finally get success for themselves and partly for the whole development of a society. It is realized that big purposes for life gains the true happiness and leads to more comfortable and good life in the future.

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You have enough money to purchase either a house or a business. Which would you choose to buy? Give specific reasons to explain your choice.

Why we are taxed.

Nobody likes paying taxes. Even those who know that taxation is necessary and just, do not welcome the tax-collector as a bosom friend. It is not pleasant to see part of your monthly income taken away from you in income tax; and the farmer feels aggrieved that so much of his rents, or the profits of his labor, is carried off by government officials. Ignorant people think this is an injustice and make a grievance of it; so it is just as well that we should know why we are taxed, so that we can see the fairness of the system.

Every country must have a government of some sort, or life would be impossible. The primary duties of a government are to protect the life and property of the citizens, to maintain law and order and settle disputes between citizens in a just and orderly way through the law-courts, to defend the country from foreign foes, and to maintain and roads and highway. Besides this, many governments maintain and direct education, provide hospitals for the sick, and attend to sanitation. All these great public duties need money: an army and navy have to be kept up, the police force and the judges have to be paid, schools have to be provided and teachers supported, expert health-officers and sanitary engineers have to be employed. Now where is all the money needed for these public services to come from? That question is answered by another; for whose benefit are all these services maintained? The answer is, for the public. It is the people as a whole, rich and poor that benefit by security of life and property, by the sound administration of justice, by the maintenance of roads, by the public hospitals, public schools, and good sanitation. Therefore it is only right that the public, the individual citizens of the country, should contribute the money needed; for the money they give comes back to them in the shape of these public benefits which all enjoy.

So long, there fore, as we have a good and efficient government, so long as our money is being used in the right way, and so long as the burden of taxation is distributed fairly, as different classes can bear it, we have no right to grumble at having to pay our share of the taxes.

School life is the most difficult time but it also keeps many joys for us. Do you agree?

School life is the most interesting period in one’s entire life. Bit the students generally hold quite a different view. They are tired of the cares and worries of their school work. They long to be grown-ups. They think that they have to follow some hard fast rules in schools. At home they have to obey their parents. They greatly dislike this. They have to work hard to pass examination if not they get scolding.

But I look at things from quite a different angle. I am a student and as such I have some duties and responsibilities. I have to do as my parents bid me to do. I have to learn my lessons reading and writing a lot. I have to please my teachers by my study and good behaviour. I have to work hard. If I do my duty diligently, I have nothing to be afraid of. I know that my parents at home and the teachers at school are all my well wishers.

I feel very proud of myself when I see that my parents take care of me. The love of teachers is a rare thing and I know that I have to live up to their expectation.

Your favorite hobby

Everybody has his or her own hobby. For me, my favorite hobby is reading books.

My father was not only a writer but a researcher as well. He had a great collection of books on many fields: literature, science, art, fiction and non-fiction. After his death, I inherited the most valuable treasure which has been preserved carefully up to now.

As I have a large collection of books of my own now, I usually spend hours reading and thinking about facts described in each kind of books. Sitting comfortably in an arm-chair in the library with a book open on my knee, I recall my father who was absorbed in his reading, perusing the poems of John Keats, William Words Worth, Chateaubriand and Lamartine. I still hear his sonorous voice reciting rhythmical lines of poems in Kim Van Kieu’s story while his face was radiant with ecstasy and raptures.

Through books I see many countries rise and fall. Kings and Presidents pass before my eyes and I can follow the history of nations. Each book has a story to tell me of remote countries and strange people.

I am greatly indebted to books indeed. For me a good book is not only a true companion but also a well-experienced teacher guiding me through my life. It has the miracle to relieve my suffering and my hardship and reveal to me strange and new horizons.

Reading books broadens my mind and improves my knowledge. Instead of indulging myself in futile entertainments, I am often keen on reading books which are always a source of comfort and relief to me and I am determined to preserve my father’s valuable treasure for my posterity.

In a few words, the reading of books contributes to the moral and intellectual formation of a man’s personality.

Hobby in free time
Tell about your hobby in free time.



My hobby is stamp colleting. When I was still only a baby, my mother began to collect for me. Of course, she did not let me touch the stamps until I was old enough not to spoil them. I remember that it was on my fifteenth birthday that she first put them into my hands. They were in four fat books, but since that time I have added three more, so that now I have a bigger collection than any of my friends.

How do I get my stamps? I have never bought a single one from a shop -- so my collection has really cost me nothing. My father, who works in a big office, sometimes brings me home stamps from many countries of the world. And I have friends both here and in other lands who send me stamps in return for ones which I send to them.

Now that I am working for my living, I do not have as much time as before to spend on my stamps. But in the evenings, what can be better than to sit down at a table with my precious books, arranging new stamps in them, writing in the names of countries, or, if I am too tired, only looking through the stamps already in the books? Each stamp has a story to tell me of far countries and strange peoples. I see pictures of men and women, birds and animals that I have never seen. Kings and presidents pass before my eyes, and I can follow the history of nations -- I can see Hitler's Germany spreading over Europe and then suddenly breaking into pieces; Pakistan is born before my eyes; countries rise and countries fall - and the whole time I remain comfortably in my armchair at home.

But my stamp collection does not make me think only of the past. Just as my mother collected for me, so I, too, am collecting for my future child. What better way will there be of interesting him in history, geography and languages, and of making these subjects live for him instead of being only things in school books? If I pass my hobby on to him, he will bless me for it as I have blessed my mother for her wise action.

My favorite TV programs

As a senior high school student, I am very busy with my studies. Although I am very fond of watching television, I can only spend an hour after dinner on my hobby. Of all the TV programs, I like the news and documentaries best.

The news programs shown on all TV channels at 7:00 p.m. help me to know almost everything about different places in our country and important events happening all over the world. Through these programs, I can also know about the main national and international sporting events.

The documentary programs at weekends are my favorites. By watching them, I can learn a great deal about human civilizations, the wonders of nature and the amazing inventions and discoveries of great people in the world.

Watching television is my hobby. I cannot imagine a day in my life without watching it.

Talk about good manners

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Good manners play an important part in maintaining peace and good-wiling in a community. A man who has good manners does not hurt the feelings of others, and therefore he is on good terms with his friends and neighbors and also with others. In this way he helps to keep peace in society.

But a man whose manners are bad has no respect for others. He uses words carelessly and behaves rudely towards other and causes a lot of ill-will and unpleasantness. In the end, it is he himself who suffers the most. Everyone avoids him and he is forced to live almost in isolation.

To live well in a society, money alone is not enough. We should also have good manners, for it is human nature to seek friendship; and friendship cannot be bought with money. Friendship with others makes life pleasant and it has to be earned through our own attitude towards others. If we are kind to others, they will be kind to us, and kindness is the essence of good manners. Bad manners not only drive away friends but also others, including our own family members.

Even the richest man cannot afford to have had manners. For a man may have enough money to buy all things than he wants; but if his manners are bad he will have no friends, and no one can live happily without friends. Even the members of his own family may not respect him and finally he will become a lonely man.

On the other hand, a man whose manners are good has many friends. He commands the respect of all those who come into contact with him. He does not talk ill about others. Even when he is provoked, he tries his best to use words in a way which will not offend others. He is also sympathetic towards the weak and ignorant and does not poke fun at the deformities and weaknesses of others.

There are, however, many people who behave so well outside their homes that they are respected and admired by everyone outside. But in their own homes they are worse than the devil. Such people could not be said to have good manners. Their whole behavior is a pretence and it does not take long for others to discover this.

If one’s manners are good, one behaves well everywhere, even when one is away from the critical eyes of others. Only such a person can live well in society. It is therefore essential for everyone to cultivate good manners.

Why should we have good manners?

Good manners are important to live happily among people. Without good manners we are only slightly better than animals.

The modern society consists of more people than it did in the past. These people are of various cultural, racial, religious and professional backgrounds. It therefore requires great powers of endurance and abilities of mixing with people. Good manners enable one to tolerate the disagreeable attitudes of others to a great extent. They also help to promote friendship among the people around.

If one has good manners, that person is respected by those who associate with him or her. Having good manners, however, does not mean that being polite, understanding, and sympathetic when not only outside but also inside his or her home. There are many people who are very kind and polite to people outside their homes, but within their own homes they are worse than the devil himself. Such people do not really have good manners.

Having good manners means being good to others. Our speech and habits as well as our behavior should not hurt the feelings of others or cause them any inconvenience. We should not also talk ill about others or boast about our achievements or personal possessions. We must not laugh at the weaknesses and failures of others. Further, if we are angry we must try to use words in such a way that others are not offended.

If we have all these qualities, we will have more friends and well-wishers. We will also have less trouble from others, and those who associate with us will also learn how to behave well. In this way, our good manners will help to spread better understanding and good-will among others. Thus, we can live a happier life. It is for all these reasons that we should h

Talk about yourself
Talk about yourself

I am an eleven year old Indian girl. I come from a family of three. I have two elder brothers. Both my parents are teachers. I am a primary six student at Fairfield Primary School. My complexion is light brown and I have dark, short hair.

I am very hard-working and always try to get the best grades in class. I must get a good education to fulfill my ambition. My ambition is to be a nurse. I like to take care of the sick and old.

I dislike outdoor activities and rarely participate in games. I enjoy doing things with my hands, like painting, gardening and sometimes I try simple cooking. I spend my free time in our small garden. I grow all kinds of plants in my garden. There are rose plants, hibiscus and morning glory. Sometimes I help my mother with the windows. I dust the furniture, iron the clothes and clean the windows.

My best friend is John. He lives in our neighborhood. We go to the same school. On Sundays John comes to my house to play with me.

My parents love me very much and give me the best of everything. I am a very happy little girl.

Introduce yourself
About yourself

The outline:
1. My name – age – address
2. My family – how many people – what they do
3. What I do – what I like, etc.
4. What I wish to be when I grow up – Why?
5. The end

I am an Indian boy. My name is Sanjay. I am fourteen years old. I live in the town of Klang.

I have three sisters and two brothers. My sisters are older than I am. My brothers are younger than I. they all go to school. My father is a teacher. He is not very old. My mother works at home. She is a very nice lady. I love her very much.

I go to a school in the town. It is a large school. I learn many lessons in school, such as English, Bahasa Malaysia and many others. Of all these lessons I find English is the most difficult to learn. But I enjoy learning English. It is a beautiful and important language.

I play all kinds of games. The game I like most is football. I play football with my friends every day. Football is a very interesting game.

When I grow up I wish to be a teacher. If I become a teacher, I can teach hundreds of boys and girls. I can help them to read and write and become cleverer. At the same time, I too can learn many more things. I hope that I will get my wish.

My friends are of many races. Some are Chinese, some are Malaysian and some are Indian. I like my friends very much. I am indeed a very happy boy. I hope that I shall always be happy.


Imagine that you are a dog. Tell something about your self

The outline:
1. The beginning
2. Where I live
3. What I do
4. Whom I work for
5. The end

I am a very useful animal to man. I am called a dog by human beings. I do not know whether this is a good name or not; however, a man is called a dog, he gets very angry.

Whether I like human beings or not, I have learnt to live with them. My master is a young and rich man. He needs me to protect his large family and his huge property.

I do not, however, have much work to do. Yet, I am given a lot of very good food. My master buys meat for me every day and I really enjoy my meals.

Sometimes, I feel shamed to eat such expensive food, for I do no work for my master in return. I just bark once in a while to remind my master that I am doing my duty. If I hear some noise or see a strange person, I bark loudly. This makes my master think that I am a very obedient dog. I know that in this way I am actually deceiving my master. But there is no other way of showing my loyalty to my master. I do not even get a chance to catch a thief.

In short, I am a very lucky dog, and I am proud of my master. Perhaps I shall soon get a very good chance to show my master how much I care for him.
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What have you gained from University Education?
What I have gained from University Education

No country can afford to neglect the education of its citizens. Primary, secondary, and tertiary education provides anyone with knowledge and skill, both being of equal values in today’s human life. Attending a university, I have learned to study by myself, to think clearly, to express what I want to say in a precise and condense manner, and to work well thanks to the knowledge and experience accumulated through my training at university.

My first benefit from tertiary education is the ability to learn something by myself. As you may know, self-study is a must at university. In addition to attending various classes, I have to prepare for any of them; do a lot of reading, finish all the required exercises and/or assignments, make reports, do research, take part in seminars, etc. These activities gradually build up my habit of self-study. This habit allows me to work independently and creatively in whatever field I choose to get involved in because I am able to gain further knowledge and skill through my own study.

Attending a university, I have also learned how to think clearly and express myself briefly and precisely. Time is a crucial factor influencing all aspects of modern life. More and more people lead their lives in the fast lane. To save my time, I have to think as clearly and critically as I can. To save the precious time of the receiver of my message whom I have an opportunity to communicate with, either orally or in the form of any written document, I always try my best to guarantee that what I say is brief, relevant, and clear enough to be understood immediately. In other words, I force myself to provide my listener or reader with as much information as needed in such a way that both my energy and his/her time and effort can be saved.

Last but not least, I highly appreciate the knowledge and skills I have acquired through a variety of courses at my university. Such knowledge and skill make me really competent at my work in particular and get me ready for my long and hard struggle against all the other difficulties and challenges in my own life in general. Graduating from a university, I have been well equipped with a good education which a great number of Vietnamese youths have ever dreamed of and aimed at. Such an education is the required invaluable foundation for me to climb up to higher and higher strata in society.

People may hold different views on education: it is only a waste of time to some while to others it is one of the inevitable/necessary factors strongly influencing their success or failure in life. I belong to the second group/type, highly valuing what tertiary education brings to me. Therefore, it deserves my great efforts to meet all its requirements, the initial requirements of any well-educated person.

Talk about a mysterious thing

Mysteries of nature have always been fascinating, and many of them remain unsolved for a long time. The story that I am about to relate concerns a mysterious relationship between a baby boy and a snake.

I was indeed intrigued when I read a report in a newspaper several years ago that a snake had suddenly appeared in a room with a child who had just been given birth, and that it had attempted to show some relationship with the child. I could hardly believe it. The report added that the mother or the child was finally convinced that there was indeed some relationship between her child and the snake and she allowed the snake complete freedom to play and live with the child. To make sure that the report was true, I made up my mind to visit the house where this unnatural relationship between a reptile and a human being was established.

Then, one morning, my brothers, sisters and I arrived at the house, not very far from ours. As we enter the house we were greatly surprised to find a baby boy and a large snake playing with each other mirthfully. Soon, the mother of the child appeared and narrated the event that led to the snake and the child to live together.

It seems that the snake was found lying near the baby just a few hours after the baby was born. A man was called in to kill the snake; but every time the man struck at it with the stick that he brought, the child cried with pain. The man then tried to take the snake out of the room, but again the child began to cry bitterly. The child’s mother then realized that there was some mysterious relationship between the snake and her child. She ordered the man to stop molesting the reptile, and to the surprise of all those who had arrived on the scene, the child stopped crying. The snake then returned to the child without attempting to harm anyone. Since then the snake has been fed by the mother of the child, and the snake and the child have been living together as brothers.

To see this strange occurrence, people from all parts of the country come everyday. It is said that the snake, by its touch, has cured many sick people. It is such a mysterious thing.

“Great literature belongs not to one age but to all ages; not to one country but all countries”. Discuss.

Literature, a narrative of human events, reflects all the hopes, emotions, feelings, sorrows and frustrations that men have had in the course of their long struggle for survival in this beautiful world. Its appeal is therefore universal.

Since the time men learned how to read and write, some people have always felt the urge to exercise their literary skills for the sheer pleasure of writing. Fascinated by the beauty of language and ideas, many scholars, since the dawn of history, have engaged themselves in exploring new avenues of thought, and in the process contributed to the production of great literary works. The sufferings of humanity have also contributed their share in impelling writers in all lands to write in the most vivid and expressive language.

As man is the theme of all literature, any great literature is appreciated in all countries, at all times. The works of great writers, such as Homer and Shakespeare, have indeed become immortal for their universal appeal. They have been read for centuries in all countries. Such writers have revealed human nature to all generation of men. It is now realized that the fundamental emotions and desires of men are the same everywhere, though they may be divided by race, language and culture. Even their problems are the same. An Asian has the same problems of obtaining food or for providing for his family as a European has. Both laugh at and cry for the same things. The recognition of these facts has increased the feelings of oneness among the people of the world.

The ideas that have been expressed by great writers have influenced the people of all countries. When a good idea is expressed by a writer of one country, it is absorbed by people in many other lands. The ideas that the Greeks had centuries ago on a government and society have continued to influence the minds of men till this day. In the same way, the literature of many other countries has influenced the thinking of the people of the world.

Great literature reveals the common ties that exist among men. By emphasizing the bonds of sympathy between men, it helps the people of one country to look with affection upon the people of another country, and makes men conscious of their common destiny. For this reason, many great works in one language have been translated into several other languages. This had the effect of promoting better understanding among the people of the world and widening the mental horizons of men. There is therefore a great urge today to read the literature and history of all countries. Thus, there is much truth in the statement that “Great literature belongs not to one age but to all ages; not to one country but to all countries”.
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What changes would you like to see take place in your country within the next 10 years?

Prosperity, stability and harmony have always been goals of countries and these take a lifetime of planning to achieve. By virtue of her smallness and dynamism, Singapore has taken a relatively short time, since her independence, to change and develop into what I hope will be a better place to live in.

Family planning measures were introduced in Singapore in the early seventies. The results show that the public has accepted the scheme well. The prospect of achieving a zero population growth within a decade is very promising.

This will solve the pressing of public housing in our limited land area. The planning authorities will then be able to convert the surplus land into schools, swimming pools and pockets of green parks. With more land to spare, residents in public housing estates will feel encouraged to start their own little patches of gardens in front of their flats. This will certainly prevent Singapore from rapidly turning into a concrete jungle.

Singapore could be in danger of facing shortage of two important resources in future: energy and water. I hope that within the next few years the public would have leaned how to conserve and make the most economic use of these resources. I also hope to find more buildings constructed with specialized roofs designed to utilize solar energy. We will also be able to find a cheaper method or recycling sea water for domestic use. Perhaps this way people will realize how important it is not to pollute our seas.

It would be a welcome change to have our schools function as full day schools instead of the present two session schools. This way lessons, homework assignments and extra curriculum activities can be carried out within a planned time-table. The importance of physical of physical education needs to be further stressed to cope with the increasing problem of obesity. School children also need to be taught about dental health and major diseases such as high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes. More education too should be made to cut across the entire curriculum instead of being confined to one or two period per week. This would hopefully bring forth in well balanced, responsible and caring individuals.

Too often nowadays, people engrossed in the search for luxury and status forget simple courtesies and the beauty of filial piety. I hope, in future, to find that care, concern and consideration for the weak, poor, elderly and handicapped would not be reduced to lipservice and donations by public members. Institution such as the old folks homes and homes for the mentally retarded need not be built in future if people learn how to deal with these problems.

I hope to find Singaporeans who have learned from the current recession, not to take our 25 years of economic prosperity for granted. It would be nice to see Singaporeans shed their selfish work attitudes and stop job hopping and contribute through hardwork, discipline and teamwork. A large pool of housewives will be free from their domestic chores and be able to contribute to the nation’s economy if attitudes towards menial jobs changed.

In view of the present state of the world’s unrest, Singapore should be prepared to defend itself. Within the next couple of years, I hope every able Singaporean will be equipped with skills to deal with the ordeals of war, be it with a gun or with bandages.

Lastly, as a member of a multiracial society, I hope to find prejudice and barriers among different cultures and religions disappear in the next 10 years. A better understanding that results will pave the way for the cultures to interplay. Perhaps with time we might be able to emerge with a truly unique Singaporean culture that is so often talked about.

Describe the sounds of nature heard in your area

The best time to hear the sounds of nature is late in the night when most human activities have stopped and nature is intimately present.

I have, on many occasions, stepped outside my house late at night. The very first thing that strikes me is the immense stillness of nature. Stillness is not silence. Rather it is a beauty that makes the environment seem so peaceful and perfect. Within the stillness many sounds can be heard, but the stillness is not disturbed.

The shrill cries of the cicadas are very evident. These sharp high-pitched sounds pierce through the night, but as I said earlier, they do not disturb the peace. In fact they are part of the peace.

On a distant tree, a night-jar makes its “tok, tok” sound. Somewhere else the bark of a dog can be heard. Over by the stream, frogs sing out a croaking symphony. A breeze springs up and whistles through the stately coconut palms. The leaves of the huge angsana trees rustle in unison. All is peaceful, in perfect balance with one another. I take in the wonder of nature. Even the buzzing of mosquitoes around my head seems part of it all.

Suddenly a youth on a motorcycle whizzes by, shattering the stillness. My senses are jolted for a moment. This unnatural sound is certainly out of balance with nature. But as the sound of the motorcycle recedes into the distance, stillness reigns again. Everything regains the balance.

I return my house. Something inside me has been touched by the beauty of nature. I feel good. I go to sleep with the beautiful feeling.

In the daytime it is not so easy to hear the sounds of nature, but they can be heard if I am observant. Early in the morning just after the sun rises, the birds start to sing. Magpie-robins, mynahs, spotted doves, sparrows and bulbubs all sing out their songs. It is a bit strange but the other members of my family do not seem to hear them. Perhaps their ears have been conditioned to hear only man-made sounds; the unobtrusive sounds of nature cannot be heard any more. But I do hear them. The sounds of nature are sweet and gentle, quite the opposite of man-made sounds.

To hear the sounds of nature in the midst of man-made sounds, all I have to do is to listen without trying. Man-made sounds force their presence onto our ears. The sounds of nature do not force, so we have to be attentive. They can be heard. The clicking of a gecko lizard, the patter of rain on the roof, the roar of thunder, the howl of the wind, the rustling of leaves – all are as alive as the ears that can hear them. I have ears that can hear the sweet sounds of nature and I am glad for it.

Describe your best friend and tell why you like him or her
Describe your best friend and tell why you like him or her


In our daily activities we often get in touch with the others and from these relations we meet some people whose interests, characteristics and behaviors are similar to ours and we choose them as our friends.

To me, one of my best friends is Nam. Nam is only over eighteen but he is well developed; so he is thought to be twenty or more. He has black hair, a broad forehead, a straight nose and bright eyes. He is very good-looking. He has a kind heart and is easy to get on with everybody. We have been friends for a very long time. The deeper our mutual understanding becomes the more we feel closely attached to each other. “Birds of a feather flock together”, Nam and I are keen on learning. We are the best pupils in our class. Nam is always at the top. He is good at every subject, but he never shows pride in his abilities and always tries to learn harder.

Nam’s family is not rich enough. His parents are retired workers. Realizing the hardships of his parents, although he is absorbed in his study, he often spends most of his spare time doing useful things to help his parents in their old age. He gets up early in the morning to have enough time to deliver newspapers to subscribers before going to school. After school in the afternoon, he repairs bicycles and motorbikes. Therefore the money he gets from his manual job is sufficient for his school fees and for his parents’ presents. I like Nam very much because of his honesty and straight forwardness. He is always ready to help his weak friends in their study; as a result, lots of friends, thanks to his whole-hearted help, have become good ones.

In my relation with Nam, I have got precious experience: thirst for learning, patience to overcome difficulties, helpfulness and filial piety.

Describe your schoolmates and whom do you like best
Describe your schoolmates and whom do you like best.

I have many schoolmates, but Tom is the one I like best of all. He is the biggest boy in class. He is about fourteen years old, his shoulders are broad. He is good as one can see when he smiles. I already know several of my classmates. Another one I like too is named George. He wears chocolate-colored trousers and a catkin cap. He is always jolly. There is little John, a poor hunchback, a weak boy with a thin face. Near him is Edwin who is very well-dressed. On the bench in front of me, there is a boy who is called Jake. His face is as round with a small nose. He possesses a special talent; he knows how to make a hare’s face and they all get him to do it and then they laugh.

And there is another curious fellow – my neighbor on the left Jack – small and thick set, with no neck, a gruff fellow, who speaks to no one, and doesn’t seem to understand much but stands watching the master without winking, his brow lined with wrinkles, and his teeth set and if he is questioned when the master is speaking, he make no reply the first and the third time he gives a kick.

And beside him there is a bold, cunning face belonging to a boy named Peter, who has already been expelled from another school. There are, in addition, two brothers who are dressed exactly alike who resemble each other to a hair.

But the most handsome of all, the one who has the most talent, who will surely be the head this year also, is Edward.

Truly I like Edward, the son of the blacksmith, the one with the long jacket who seems sickly and pitiful. It is said that his father often beats him so he is very timid and every time that he addresses or touches someone, he says “Excuse me” and gazes them with his kind, sad eyes. But Tom the biggest is the best of all, I think.

Talk about your friend’s family

My best friend is Fadley Noor. He is a short Malay boy with big eyes and chubby cheeks. We spend every day together, studying and playing at each other’s home. I have been to his home so many times that I know his family rather well now.

Fadley comes from a large family of mine. He has three brothers and one sister. Since Fadley is the youngest in the family, his grandparents and parents dote on him.

Fadley’s parents are hawkers. They sell “roti prata”, “soup kambing” and other Malay food in a hawker centre at Hill Street. Fadley’s parents are very hardworking. They wake up early each morning to go to the market and to prepare the food.

Fadley’s brothers study in the neighboring secondary school. They often join Fadley and me in our games. His sister is pretty and has a winsome smile. She is seldom at home as she works every day as a salesgirl in Metro Grand.

Fadley’s grandparents are very kind and generous old people. Whenever I visit them, they will make some dessert for me.

I think Fadley is very lucky to have such a loving family.

What in your opinion are the qualities of a good judge?

The judiciary, especially in a democratic state, is well known for its impartiality. In numerous cases it has taken decisions even against the state for the achievement of the ends of justice. This impartiality of the judicial system in a democratic state can be attributed to the good qualities of judges who have always asserted their independence from executive control.

The qualities of a good judge include patience, wisdom, courage, firmness, alertness, incorruptibility and the gifts of sympathy and insight. In a democracy, a judge is accorded great respect by the state as well as its citizens. He is not only permitted to assert his freedom and impartiality but also expected to use all his forensic skill to protect the rights of the individual against arbitrariness. Though such a state of affairs makes it easy for the judge to exercise his functions, he still requires many qualities to perform his duties effectively.

In the execution of his functions, a judge has to exercise patience and alertness so that he can hear all the arguments of the contending parties to a dispute and arrive at a wise decision. An impatient judge can hardly act with reason, however wise he may be. Patience and alertness are therefore essential qualities of a good judge.

The decisions of a judge sometimes provoke the anger of certain individuals and he becomes the victim of revenge. In condemning a person to death, for example, a judge might cause the relatives of the condemned man to nurse feelings of revenge against him. The life of the judge is thus exposed to danger, sometimes even after his retirement from judicial service. Therefore, a good judge is also a man of courage, who is incorruptible and prepared to accept the consequences of his decisions. A pusillanimous and corruptible judge is no bulwark of justice.

A good judge is, however, not destitute of sympathy. He considers the feelings of all parties with sympathy and understanding. His knowledge of the law and human affairs is so extensive that he experiences little difficulty in grasping the main issues of the dispute quickly. His insight into human nature enables him to detect the criminal almost immediately; yet he is prepared, at times to set the accused free if the charge against him is not framed properly by the police. This proves his impartiality, an attribute that inspires the confidence of the citizens in his ability and sense of justice.

These arguments point to the conclusion that a good judge is a person of many qualities.

Fashions

Nowadays the general standard of living in Vietnam is improved considerably; therefore, Vietnamese people especially young ladies, begin to take care of their looks. That is why fashions play a much/far more significant role in our life today. Living in the center of the south of Vietnam, the ladies from Ho Chi Minh City have a wide range of clothes to select from: aodais, jeans and T-shirts, blouses and skirts, dresses, trouser-suits, etc.

Generally speaking, pieces of aodai are highly appreciated on special and/or formal occasions such as celebrations of national holidays, academic conferences, professionally artistic contests, the traditional Vietnamese Tet, wedding receptions, etc.

On less formal but more common occasions, today’s women may choose western stylish clothes such as suits, trouser-suits or dresses. In a trouser-suit, a lady may look business-like at work. And she seems really charming to entertain her guests at home, being decorated by a fashionable dress or by a lovely blouse and a well-formed skirt. Her feminine features are really strengthened by the western style of selecting clothes.

On informal occasions, young ladies often appear in jeans and a comfortable T-shirt. It is much/far more convenient for them to move around in a (super)market or any kind of shops. Light and neat clothes are also suitable for picnics, barbecues or other friendly social outdoor gatherings. These clothes really make all the members of the sex of “beauty” lively and attractive.

There is no doubt that fashions do contribute to making our today’s life more beautiful and meaningful. All women, especially young ladies, have a wide range of clothes to choose from. They may choose whatever is the most suitable on a particular occasion or for a particular purpose. In addition to their general knowledge, professional training, unique personality, working experience, etc., their clothes play a significant role in leading today’s women to success both at work and at home.

A day at the market

Last Sunday, I woke up early to go to the market with my mother. After taking breakfast, I carried my mother’s shopping basket and we left for the market.

The market is only a few blocks away from my flat. When we reached the place, it was already very crowded. I was surprised to see men in the market besides the housewives. There were also a few children following their mothers obediently. The whole place was very noisy. I could hear the stall keepers and their customers bargaining loudly over the prices of the goods.

There were many stalls in the market. First, we went to the vegetable stall to buy some cabbages, carrots and tomatoes. Then we bought some pork from the butcher’s and a salmon and some prawn form the fishmonger’s. We proceeded to the poultry stall to get a fat chicken.

Very soon, we found that we could hardly carry any more things. However, my mother insisted that we buy some fruits before going home. Despite of being very tired, I was glad that I had been of help to my mother.