Dear Jimmy,

I haven’t seen you for a long time. How are you doing these days?

Today, I am glad to receive your present. I truly like a T-shirt and thank you for sending it to me as a present. I want to know where you got it! It fits me, and I’m going to wear it when I go to a party that my company organizes at the weekend. I’m sure that it will give me an entirely different look and that everyone will be so jealous!

Why don’t we go together this weekend? I’ll pick you up from your home.

All the best,

Tom

 

Task 2: Write an essay about the following topic:

Nowadays, online learning is better than classroom learning. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion.

Online learning has become increasingly popular in recent times. While there are individuals who believe that online learning is better than classroom learning, a sizable group thinks that the traditional method is irreplaceable. Personally, I think the online environment is the best method for students in the 21st century because of a great many strengths.

Firstly, online education enables the teachers and the students to set their own learning pace and has the added flexibility of scheduling to fit everyone's program. As a result, using an online education platform allows for a better balance of work and studies, so there is no need to give anything up. You can find how to learn time management skills which can help your work-study balance easier.

Secondly, online learning is more cost-effective than traditional education. In fact, it will save money from the commute (đi lại) and class material, which are often available for free. Furthermore, many people may also be subject (đối tượng) to discounts or scholarships, so the price is rarely high. we can choose the courses preferred for our budget. Although the monetary investment is less, the results can be better than other options. 

Finally, Online education enables people to study or teach from anywhere in the world. This means there’s no need to commute from one place to another or follow an inflexible schedule. For example, a learner in the countryside can take an online course in the city or another country. They can learn every time, everywhere as long as there is an internet connection.

In conclusion, online education provides various positive aspects for learners. This is because of its unlimited resources as well as a reasonable time for students. Personally, I strongly believe that students should make an important decision about how to take advantage of the power of online courses.

 Writing 2

You have just had a wonderful holiday staying with an English-speaking friend called Timmy in the countryside. Write an email to your friend. In your email, you should:

- thank your friend for letting you stay with him,

- describe some things you enjoyed about the countryside,

- invite your friend to visit you.

Dear Jimmy,

I write this letter because I want to thank you for letting me stay there. I truly liked all the activities which were done in the countryside, but my favorite activities were fishing at the riverside (bờ sông) and walking along with the rice fields at harvest time. I would like to see you next time. I hope we have a fun time at the seaside next to my house. Remember to give me your answer soon.

All the best,

Tom

 Task 2: Write an essay about the following topic:

The use of social networks such as Facebook and Tiktok is replacing face-to-face contact with people. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using social networks?

Social media has deeply penetrated into (xâm nhập) / affected (ảnh hưởng) people's lives and is supposed to replace our face-to-face interactions. This situation, while beneficial in some respects, is generally detrimental in the long run to real human communication.

 On the one hand, there are several benefits to using social media to communicate. Firstly, they facilitate communication in modern times when people can connect globally with old friends and relatives or with other people with similar interests. For example, Facebook currently provides a service to 2.4 billion users who can choose to connect and interact with whoever they want, no matter where they are. Second, regular sessions take place on social networking sites through live streaming services. As a result, they take advantage of facebook or TikTok to sell something, in fact, they do not need face-to-face interaction, they only purchase through networks.

On the other hand, the disadvantages of social media replacing face-to-face interaction are much more concerning. As these websites become more and more dominant and attract a large number of new users every day, people can fall prey to abuses of online communication, such as bullying and harassment. In fact, social networking sites can become a malicious environment where users can be subjected to verbal attacks because there are only a few rules, most of which are verbal ones must be established guidelines that restrict  hostile or abusive contents. Furthermore, the overuse of social media for communication can lead people to underestimate the importance of face-to-face interactions in which real human relationships will develop. Nowadays, many young and reclusive users prefer to live in the virtual world on social sites rather than engage in real-life relationships. This can have serious mental health effects, such as increased stress, anxiety and loneliness.

 In short, the downsides of replacing face to face  interaction on social meadia far outweight the benefits that users can reap from those sites.

 Writing 3

Your friend bought tickets to the cinema for both of you. Write an email to the friend to tell him that you cannot go to the cinema. In your email, you should:

- apologize for not coming,

- explain the situation,

- tell him what he can do with the extra ticket.

Dear Jane,

 I am writing to apologize for not coming to the cinema with you.

I know that next weekend we have to go to the cinema to watch a movie that we both like best, but I won’t be able to come with you so I am so sorry about that.

I was very excited to come with you. Unfortunately, I have no time to go with you because I have to do my extra work. My boss wants me to finish the project as soon as possible. I am really sorry for not going with you as we planned.

I know that you had bought two tickets so I suggest you should take our school friend Jack along with you on my ticket, so you won’t feel alone.

All the best,

Tom

Information technology is changing many aspects of our lives and now dominates our home, leisure, and work activities. Discuss advantages and disadvantages of the development.

Nowadays, information technology is necessary in our life and work. We live in an age where technological advances are more and more popular. It is changing many aspects of our lives and now dominates our home, leisure, and work activities. However, using high technology has positive and negative effects on the world.

On the one hand, there are many advantages of computer technology. First, the popularity of the World Wide Web has contributed to the development of communication, business and employment opportunities. Thanks to information technology, people can work efficiently without going to the office. They work from home through a network that can connect with their owners or customers. Also, many people take advantage of technology to expand their business such as advertising products or selling online. Moreover, entertainment also seems to be much easier and more enjoyable. People just stay at home and enjoy a good movie with family without going to the cinema. Listening to music or reading books on the computer with the internet is extremely enjoyable.

On the other hand, despite the advantages above, there is no denying the fact that many disadvantages are associated with the influence of technology development. People seem to be dependent on information technology which leads to an unhealthy lifestyle. Many people are engaged on their computers and smartphones in their leisure time instead of doing physical activities such as playing sports or face to face with another one. Many children are addicted to smart devices like computers, and smartphones which seem to make them suffer from depression or autism. That is extremely dangerous. Furthermore, some people have taken advantage of social networks to cheat through online sales. They have posted the products with good qualities; however, their customers get bad ones.

In conclusion, it is not denied that the industrial revolution 4.0 makes every aspect of human life easier and faster.  Besides the advantages, there are the disadvantages that affect us, so we should know how to minimize them so that we can enjoy the positive aspects of technology.

 

Writing 4

 You have rented an apartment recently, but you are facing some problems. Write an email to the landlord to:

- describe the details of the problems,

- say how these are affecting your family,

- ask for possible solutions.

Dear Jack,

I have rented an apartment recently. Although it is very nice, I am facing some problems. I am writing to tell you the problems that I am having. My family and I moved to a new apartment 131, block 5.

Overall, we are pleased with the facilities provided. But, for the last few days, the water supply has become very irregular. Water comes only in the evening from 6 pm to 7 pm. Apart from this, the water heater is not functioning. It is making a lot of noise and only cold water comes from the faucet. Moreover, I also got into trouble with my neighbors because they are a bit noisy. You know I have to study every night, so I need a quiet place to concentrate/focus on it.

I had a word with the utility manager of the apartment. He assured us to resolve the issue. Unfortunately, it has been more than a week since then and no action has been taken to solve the problem. After waiting for many days, I decided to inform you. Please look into this matter as soon as possible.

I look forward to receiving a prompt response (phản ứng kịp thời).

Yours Sincerely

Tom

Some people regard video games as harmless fun, or even as a useful educational tool. Others, however, believe that video games are having an adverse effect on the people who play them. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of playing video games.

Many people, and children in particular, enjoy playing video games, which they use to relax or even as a useful educational tool. In my opinion, video games have negative or positive effects that depend on the users.

On the one hand, there are some benefits, for example, people can use video games for both entertainment and education. Users, or gamers, are transported into virtual worlds which are often more exciting and attractive than real-life pastimes. It is believed that video games could help people in releasing their stress. Players could feel the excitement of being a heroic character or a professional athlete, without having the risk of being injured or hurt. From an educational perspective, these games encourage imagination and creativity. With eye-catching images and easy operation, they can study continuously and interact fluently. The interaction makes learners not get bored, they may be more receptive and remember longer.

 On the other hand, I do not think that these benefits are outweighed by the drawbacks. Gaming can be highly addictive because users are constantly given scores, new targets, and frequent rewards to keep them playing. In fact, many children spend hours each day playing because they want to progress through the levels of a game or to get a higher score than their friends. If they are addicted to video games, they can have effects ranging from lack of sleep to problems at school such as doing homework and getting bad scores. Obesity in recent years has also been concerned due to the sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise that often accompany gaming addiction.

 In conclusion, people live in a technological advancement era, electronic devices like computers or smartphones are used more and more popular. It seems life is becoming easier and faster. Besides the advantages, there are the disadvantages that affect us, so we should know how to minimize them so that we can enjoy the positive aspects of technology.

 Writing 5

You have had an appointment to meet your friend but you were not able to make it and you couldn’t inform her. In this email, you should:

- apologize for not coming,

- explain the reason why you couldn’t be there,

- request another meeting.

Dear Kenny,

I am writing to apologize for the appointment to hang out with our class.

I am sincerely sorry for not being able to attend this appointment. I think you had looked forward to me but, unfortunately, my absence was unavoidable. I guess you were worried so much because I didn’t inform you at that time.

The reason for not attending this appointment was that my roommate had a car accident on the way to work that day. Although the accident was not serious, I had to put him in the hospital for a check-up until he had been given the all-clear from a doctor.

I hope you will forgive my absence and make another appointment so that we can eat out and go to the cinema.

All the best,

Tom

 In some countries, many more people are choosing to travel alone nowadays than in the past. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of traveling alone.

With the current development age along with the convenience of transport, many more people are choosing to travel alone nowadays than in the past. In my opinion, there are both advantages and disadvantages of taking a trip on your own.

On the one hand, there are many advantages to traveling alone. Firstly, people get to choose their own routes that are not dependent on others. They get the opportunity to plan their own route and the places where they want to visit. It is more comfortable than compromising with their partners about destinations, food, and vehicles. Secondly, being a solo traveler makes it much more relaxing than traveling with a friend. In fact, they want to get some time alone for being quiet and taking a rest. It’s easy to take time out for oneself while traveling solo. That may be a reason why they choose to travel alone.  

          On the other hand, there are a few notable disadvantages of traveling alone to consider. The first is the fact that solo travel may be more expensive than group one. travelers can get group rates on accommodations that the price goes down for each person sharing a room if they rent double occupancy or triple occupancy. The second is safety. It may be dangerous and troublesome if travelers only go alone to strange and unknown places. For example, every city or town in every country has its problems such as pickpockets, crazy drivers, and drug dealers. When you journey with a companion or within a group, you have someone to watch your back. Moreover, people can not share everything with fellow travelers if they go alone. There is always someone around to share good moments, take pictures with or make memories with.

In conclusion, traveling is one of the good methods to reduce stress after hard days. There are many wonderful destinations over the world that everyone can discover by solo travel or group travel. Many people are choosing to travel alone because they think that there are more positives than negatives. Everyone can choose the ways suitable for oneself to get good journeys.

 

Writing 6

Write an email to your landlord complaining about noise in the block of flats which he owns. In the email, you should say:

- where you live,

- what the problem is,

- what he should do.

 Dear Mr. Jack,

I am Kenny who has rented an apartment recently. I am writing to tell you the problems that I am facing. A tenant of yours from 130, block 5 who lives next to my flat

Every night, we are disturbed by a constant barrage of loud noise coming from that flat. I have to work every night and wake up early every morning, so I need a quiet place to concentrate/focus on it. However, these sounds don’t allow me to sleep on time

 I request you to kindly talk to them in regard to this situation. If you can ask them to limit the timings of the music till 10 pm, it will permit me to rest well and on time. Please look into this matter as soon as possible.

I look forward to receiving a quick response.

Yours Sincerely

Tom

 

Some today argue that schools are no longer necessary because children can learn so much from the internet and be educated at home. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In this modern era, technological advancements are more and more popular and essential in our lives, among which the educational contents are no exception. They argue that homeschooling is better than traditional schools. In my view, I agree that students can study well at home with the help of the Internet. I feel that schools play a vital role in our society and cannot be replaced no matter what.

 First of all, educating kids at home is not an easy feat. Many children have become addicted to electronic devices such as computers or smartphones connected to the internet. They may attract much more video games instead of studying unless their parents know how to manage them. In addition, studying at school is the main play to educate kids because their teachers will control and teach them how to attend all activities. Maybe, it is more essential than studying at home.

Secondly, school plays a crucial role in a child's physical growth. Many class activities which are designed to teach them study lessons involve physical exercises. That is hard to learn at home because their parents may be doing leadership training. Obviously, they can not learn everything through the internet.

Finally, my conviction is that formal education is irreplaceable in any society. It is true that students can acquire knowledge at home very easily with the help of the Internet; however, the lack of teachers’ guidance and support is a clear disadvantage to this form of learning. These factors are extremely important to a child’s intellectual development, which emphasizes the necessity of school environments. Furthermore, knowledge and skills are not the only things to expect from formal education but social relationships and mental development. Children who go to school and establish friendships can both have fun and improve their learning outcomes.

 In conclusion, while people supporting homeschooling cite convenience and safety as their main concerns, there are counterpoints to this, like kids growing up without social skills, parents who are not qualified to teach, and distractions in the household. In my opinion, education from the house cannot be considered a replacement for school.

 

Writing 7

Your friend is coming to your country from abroad, but you can’t go to pick her up at the airport. Write an email to her to:

- say why you can’t pick her,

- suggest alternative ideas,

- talk about what she can do in your country

 Dear Kenny,

I have not seen you for a long time. How have you been?

 I am writing to apologize as I cannot come to pick you up at the airport.

Unfortunately, I am having an important meeting at the office planned at the last moment. My meeting will last for about 2-3 hours, so I can not catch up at the airport for pick up.

However, there are many ways by which you can reach my home from the airport. If you are carrying too much luggage you can hire a taxi from the airport and if you are traveling lighter, then you can travel by local bus which is also economical.

Furthermore, I have planned the trip to the countryside where my parents are living at the beach. We can visit many beautiful landscapes and enjoy delicious seafood.

I am waiting for you.

See you soon,

Tom.

 Some people believe that studying at a university or college is the best route to a successful career. Do you agree or disagree?

Many people suppose that the best route to get a good job is being a university or college graduate. In my opinion, I totally agree that it is better to go to college or university instead of getting a job straight after high school.

Firstly, education is the key to progress and therefore one should always prioritize learning over anything else. If we look closely, it can be assumed that the most successful people are the more educated with academic qualifications. In fact, many people with higher education are always holding important positions in a company because they are well trained from theory to practice for every risk in their business and work.

Secondly, if people get a higher-level qualification, it has a lot of benefits. Unless you are studying at a university or college, you couldn’t work in some fields. For example, a doctor is a specialist job, the unique choice is to graduate from a medical university. it is impossible to become a doctor, teacher, or lawyer without having the relevant degree.

 Finally, youngsters are capable of learning academic knowledge, which cannot be achieved if they choose to work right after high school. This knowledge is useful for quick progress in the future career. Knowledge in college or university is the synthesis of experiences from scientists and experts who are responsible for the contents of teaching and instructing. They spend a long time researching for about ten years or even over many years, however students may study for about three or four years to get the best lesson. 

 In conclusion, I think that being a successful career requires a relevant background either in education or work experience depending on an academic level. Studying at college or university with a quality degree gives them countless opportunities to get a better job.

 Writing 8

 You are unable to attend a farewell party for a colleague at work. Write an email to him/her. In your email, you should:

- say why you can’t come,

- give him/her your best wishes,

- suggest another time and place for you to meet.

Dear Sir,

 Thank you for the invitation to your farewell party that is being organized at Park Plaza Hotel next weekend, but I regret that I will not be able to attend.

 Unfortunately, my cousin’s marriage is on the same day. So I have to go to Hanoi to attend the wedding ceremony, and flight tickets have been booked. More importantly, it is not feasible (khả thi) / good to be absent from a family event.

 It has been a wonderful experience while working with you and got to learn many things from you as well. I wish you all the very best for your retirement life which I am sure you are going to enjoy with your family and friends.

 As soon as I am back, we both will get together in our favorite restaurant near the ferry.

 See you soon,

Tom.

 Many people say that eating out for individuals and the family is better than eating home-cooked meals. Do you agree or disagree?

In the midst of a fast-paced lifestyle, eating food from outside has significantly increased over the past few decades. Many people say that eating out for individuals and the family is better than eating home-cooked meals. I totally disagree with this idea and in this essay, I will discuss the reasons why cooking at home is better for a healthy lifestyle and for family bonding.

 Firstly, the primary advantage is the consumption of healthier food because fresh ingredients such as organic vegetables, free-range poultry, and other items can be used to prepare a dish. In contrast, food in restaurants can be used with frozen items, preservatives, a high proportion of oil, and much salt that can harm our health. Moreover, it seems hygiene at these places is not covered because they have to serve many customers at the same time that food cannot be cooked properly.  

 Secondly, eating out is not cheaper than eating home-cooked food. Many food outlets add service tax and other added expenses such as traveling, which overall increases the price.  In other words, people tend to spend more money by ordering fancy dishes and desserts.

Finally, dining at home is also beneficial for family bonding reasons. In today's busy lifestyle and long working hours, family members hardly spend time together. Therefore, it is a good idea to make dinner time to fill this gap in our lives. Moreover, by cooking at home family members can learn to appreciate one another as they all contribute to preparing each meal. Furthermore, children are taught a sense of responsibility towards the family by having to do related chores such as cleaning after dining. Hence, eating at home enriches family lives.

In conclusion, although eating out for individuals and the family is convenient and fast, I believe the main benefits of having cooked-home meals at home are healthy food, saving money, and family bonding.