1. WORK/STUDY (old)
Do you work or are you a student?
(dành cho các bạn học sinh/sinh viên)
Currently I am a third-year student at Hoa Sen University and my major is English linguistics and literature.
Currently I am in grade .... at ..... specialized high school/ high school. Also, I'm studying in a Math/English class
(dành cho các bạn đi làm)
Currently I am working as an administrative assistant for a U.S company providing consulting services.
(Dành cho các bạn học sinh) What is your favourite subject?
I have a great interest in English. Learning a foreign language is always appealing to me. Also, since English has become a global language, being able to communicate in this language can help me travel around the world and develop my job opportunities.
My favourite subject in school is Math. I love math because it is challenging, thereby making it intriguing. Also, we can sharpen our logic by the process of learning Math. Another reason is that I never have difficulty with it and always get good marks on Math tests.
I'm really into reading about the past so definitely History is my favourite subject. I believe by looking at what happened in the past, especially the mistakes and success of previous generations, we can gain precious experience and knowledge.
I'm always into studying chemistry. Most students think it's boring, but, as for me, experiments, colors and chemicals are really fun and exciting - unlike calculations.
I would answer without reluctance that it is art. Honestly, this subject gives me an opportunity to express myself in an artistic way by using colors. It also allows me to be imaginative and creative, which is impossible in any other subjects.
(Dành cho các bạn học sinh) Are there any subjects that you don't like?
It is English that I don't like at all. I always struggle with learning new words. Also, English pronunciation is very challenging.
There aren't any subjects that I particularly dislike, but if I have to pick one, it will be Math. I don't think I was born to study Math. It's difficult for me to understand Math concepts and I will be bored to death if I have to do Math exercise all day.
I cannot see the meaning of learning History. I mean, why we should learn about what happened in the past when the present and the future are more important. Also, I find learning subjects which can help to extend job prospects, like math or english, more necessary.
(Dành cho các bạn học sinh) What do you want to do in the future?
It is my dream to become a doctor, especially a doctor for children. I love working kids and I want to help people overcome diseases and live a healthy life. That's why I wish to become a doctor for kids.
(Dành cho các bạn sinh viên) Why did you choose that college course?
I chose this course because I love English. Also, English has become a global language recently, so I think learning this language can extend my job opportunities after graduation.
(Dành cho các bạn sinh viên) What your course is about?
Well, this course explores ways that theoretical tools from linguistics can be applied to understand how literary texts are interpreted, and, conversely, ways in which literary texts provide interesting data and problems for theories of language and its use.
(Dành cho các bạn sinh viên) What do you like about your course? / Do you like your course?
As I just said, I love English language so this course is really to my interest. Besides, I believe I would have more job opportunities after I graduated. I can work for foreign companies in Vietnam or work abroad.
(Dành cho các bạn sinh viên) What do you dislike about your course?
The only thing I really don’t like about my course is that it is really theoretical which is not suitable for practical work. The linguistic knowledge I have learned is for scholarly writing rather than business communication.
(Dành cho các bạn học sinh/ sinh viên) Do you prefer to study in the mornings or in the afternoons?
I prefer studying in the mornings. I’m a morning person. I feel more energetic and fully awake after a good night’s sleep.
(Dành cho các bạn học sinh/ sinh viên) Do you prefer to study alone or study in a group?
I prefer studying alone rather than studying with others. It would be less distractive and I can completely focus on my assignments. A group study can easily turn into a group chat which will lead my study to nowhere.
(Dành cho các bạn sinh viên) Are you looking forward to working? (Why?/ Why not?)
No, I’m not ready for the world of employment. I’m enjoying my student life. I don’t have to do to work every day and have lots of free time to hang out with my friends.
(Dành cho các bạn sinh viên) Where do you want to see yourself in 10 years?
Honestly, I don’t think much about who I will be in the future. But I would say that I may become a successful business woman 10 years later, working for my own company, having my own car and house. I may also save up enough money to travel around the world.
(Dành cho các bạn đi làm) Why did you choose that job?
Honestly, at the time I made the decision to work for that company, I was jobless and really needed money. Therefore, when the employer offered me this job, I accepted without reluctance.
(Dành cho các bạn đi làm) Do you think it is a good place to work? / Do you like your job? / What do you dislike about your job? (Nội dung trả lời các câu hỏi này sẽ tương tự nhau)
1) Sadly, the answer is no. It is not a great workplace. Even though this company has a pleasant working environment with comfortable furniture and quiet atmosphere, there is a lack of support and encouragement from managers, as well as poor interactions among internal staff.
2) Yes, I really like my job because it's interesting and I work with a great team and I can learn a lot from them. Honestly, I feel that I can improve myself every day.
(Dành cho các bạn đi làm) Do you think that job made you change?
Of course, yes. I realize that there's something inside me which has not been the same ever since I worked for this company. I have become more self-reliant, taken actions more proactively and solved problems more quickly.
(Dành cho các bạn đi làm) Would you like to change your job in the future?
Definitely yes. Right after I save enough money to start my own English center, I will send in a resignation letter and have a whole new beginning.
(Dành cho các bạn đi làm) Do you prefer working alone or with others? Why?
Well, for the most part, I prefer to work alone since I can completely control the task outcomes. It would be a great nightmare if the teammates performed poorly and ineffectively.
(Dành cho các bạn đi làm) How many hours do you work every day/ every week?
I spend around 10-12 hours every day working. In addition to a nine-to-five job, after work I teach English to secondary students. I also manage an English self-study website.
In general, I work around 40 to 48 hours per week. I have a typical nine-to-five job and this is the average amount of time of a white-collar worker like me.
(Dành cho các bạn đi làm) What do you do to increase productivity at work?
Well, there are several ways that I usually do to make the most of my time at work, but I would say the most effective way to boost productivity is standing to work. To specify, standing helps me to stay focus and complete tasks more efficiently than sitting around.
(Dành cho các bạn đi làm) Where do you want to see yourself in 10 years?
This is a question I’ve been thinking about a lot recently. In ten years, I can see myself as a director of my own company, working on exciting new projects and developing business strategies. Also, I will be writing part-time and may earn enough money from the sales of my supernatural fiction novels.
(Dành cho các bạn đi làm) Do you miss being a student?
I surely will miss my student life once I get involve in the workplace. For me I think when I’m a student, at least I have someone guide me, whereas at work mostly you must guide yourself.
(Dành cho các bạn đi làm) What do you do after work?
I normally cook dinner, relax and walk my dog. Depending on my schedule, I might have plans with friends to meet for a coffee or shopping. In summer I go to the beach for a couple of hours then return home to cook dinner.
2. HOMETOWN (old)
What’s your hometown?
I was born and grew up in HCMC, like my parents. This city is located in the southern area of Vietnam,
My hometown is Tien Giang province which is located in the North of Mekong Delta.
Is that a big city or a small place?
HCMC is the biggest city in Southern Vietnam with its population of over 8 million. This city is also the financial centre of Vietnam.
Tien Giang is just a small province. More precisely, it is a rural area with vast paddy fields and open spaces.
How long have you been living there?
I have been living here since I was born, for over 25 years.
Do you like your hometown? / Do you like living there?
Yes, I love my hometown. Saigon is a fascinating, vibrant and youthful city. Living here in a big city is very convenient with many modern facilities and various services.
Yes. I do love living in my hometown on account of a fact that there are many kinds of fruit grown there, such as watermelon, longan, mango and grape fruit. Thanks to that I have a various choices of fruit. Also, the air quality in rural areas is much better than big cities with fresh air and peaceful atmosphere.
Is there anything you dislike about it?
Yes. Of course. There are some drawbacks of living in a big city. The first thing is traffic congestion caused by terrible traffic system and civil infrastructure in HCMC. The second disadvantage is serious air pollution resulting from motor vehicle exhaust emissions.
Yes. Of course. There are many drawbacks of living in a rural area like my hometown, but the biggest downside that I can think of is the lack of modern facilities and various services, such as banking, F&B, entertainments. For that reason, I find living in my hometown sometimes inconvenient.
What do you like most about your hometown?
Major metro areas are popular among millennials and I’m no different. There is a variety of entertainment options which means I never have a shortage of things to see and do. Also, career opportunities in the city is always greater as compared to smaller regional areas.
The thing I like most about my hometown is that everything is sold at very reasonable prices, especially food and grocery, because of a reduction in transportation and distribution costs. There are many kinds of food grown locally in my hometown so we don't have to buy imported food.
Can you describe your hometown.
Ho Chi Minh city has a former name called “Saigon” and our Vietnamese people in the South usually use this name in daily conversations. Saigon is one of the biggest cities in Vietnam and it is the most active economic and industrial zone across the country.
Do you think you will continue living there for a long time?
Yes, I have no intention to migrate to anywhere else because I love the urban life in this city. Also, my family, relatives and friends are all here and I’d love to live close to them.
3. YOUR LIVING AREA/ NEIGHBOURHOOD (old)
Have you lived in your current living area for a long time?
I have been living my alley area for 15 years ever since my family moved there.
Do you like the area that you are living in?
No, I don’t like the neighbourhood I’m living in. There is no quiet and peaceful atmosphere in that place. Children always play football noisily in front of my house and I really hate hearing banging footballs on my house’s walls. Adults are also terrible, some of them usually yell and argue with each other.
What do you like about your current living area?
There is nothing about my current neighbourhood that I particularly like. Maybe I only love the fact that there is a street full of amazingly delicious street food nearby my house.
What would you like to change about your area?
My neighbourhood would be very great if all the mischievous and noisy children disappeared all together leaving behind a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. Also, I wish some adult neighbours stopped their littering behaviour. They usually leave their trash under the electric utility pole beside my house, making the exterior of my house dirty and smelly.
What are some changes in your area recently?
There have been many multi-storey houses built in my neighbourhood recently. It seems like people are getting richer and have more investment on their property.
Do you know any famous people in your area?
No, I have little correspondence or communication with my neighbours. It is my father who does most of the talking with people in the neighbourhood, so he must know some famous people in my area.
Where do you like to go in that area?
My favourite place in the neighbourhood which I like to visit is a Family Mart convenient store. It is within the walking distance so I enjoy having a walk to the store and buy things I need.
HOME/ACCOMMODATION (old)
Who do you live with?
Currently I’m living with my family including my father, my mother and my younger sister.
What kind of accommodation you are living in? / Do you live in a house or a flat?
I’m living in a small one-storey house, which is located deep inside an alley area in District 6, HCMC. I have been living in this house for 15 years.
I'm living in a rented bed-sitting room/ a studio room alone/with a friend of mine. This bedsit is part of a boarding house located in District 10, HCMC.
+ Vocab: a bed-sitting room / a bedsit (UK) hoặc a studio room (US) là từ để chỉ phòng trọ mà sinh viên hay người độc thân hay thuê ở. Bạn thực hiện toàn bộ các hoạt động sinh hoạt như nấu ăn, học tập, ngủ nghỉ trong duy nhất 1 phòng. Có nhiều chỗ trọ chủ nhà không cho phép nấu trong phòng, và cũng có nhiều chỗ trọ bạn sẽ không có toilet riêng trong phòng mà dùng chung toilet.
+ Vocab: a boarding house: là nguyên căn nhà lớn mà chủ nhà ngăn ra thành nhiều phỏng bedsit/ studio room để cho thuê.
What’s the difference between where you are living now and where you lived in the past?
I used to live in my grandparents’ house when I was 8. The most remarkable difference between that house and the house I’m currently living in is the space. My current house is more spacious and has more rooms, whereas my grandparents’ is quite small and narrow.
Can you describe the accommodation you are living in
Currently, I'm living in a one-storey house/ a rented bedsit located in an alleyway in District __. The house/room is (not) very spacious with a lot of furniture/ just some basic furniture. There is a small/big balcony where I put a drying rack and grow some flowers and herbs for decoration.
+ Vocab: drying rack - sào phơi quần áo
What room does your family spend most of the time in?
Each member of my family has his or her own private room in the house. My father spends most of his time in his bedroom working on the computer or watching TV, my mother loves being in the living room with the comfortable sofa and another TV, as well as a kitchen. My younger sister and I like staying in our own bedroom. My family only gather in the living room to have dinner or lunch but that doesn’t happen often as we are all busy with our own schedule.
What do you usually do in your room?
I frequently spend time in my room working, or entertaining like reading, or listening to music and have a good sleep on my comfortable bed.
Do you plan to live there for a long time?
No, I don't think so. Even though the house is spacious enough for 4 people in my family, I still want to live independently from my parents and have my own space. Therefore, I will move to somewhere else right after I save up enough money to buy a new accommodation.
Are the transport facilities to your home very good?
Yes. The area where I live is quite accessible. I can easily catch a bus or a taxi or riding my own motorcycle.
Please describe your room.
My younger sister and I stay together in a bedroom. Our bedroom is quite big but there is a lot of furniture in the room, thereby making it not very spacious. Even though there are only two of us but we have three big closets to store clothes and another closet for cosmetics and skin care products. There is a big bed for two people at the corner and next to it is my working table together with a huge bookshelf. On the wall, there is a big window to get natural lighting and ventilation.
Do you prefer to live in a house or an apartment/ a flat?
My preferred accommodation option is a modern apartment rather than a house. I’m still single and I don’t have an intention to get married so a flat would be better because I want to downsize my property. Also, the great thing about an apartment complex is that they often come with convenient amenities, such as a swimming pool, gym, and even shopping mall. Security is another factor to be counted. I feel safer when living in a flat with the availability of several layers of security.
What part of your home do you like the most?
My bedroom is the part which I like the most. That is the place where I can let my hair down and at least have less worry about my stressful work. Also, there are a lot of books in my bedroom which I can lose myself in the world of imagination.
4. SOCIAL NETWORK (old)
How often do you use social networking applications?
I would say that I use social networking applications every day, especially facebook and instagram. Those apps are really fun and entertaining to kill the time.
Why do you use social networking apps?
I use Facebook and Instagram mostly to catch up with family and friends who also use these apps on a daily basis. Also, I check Facebook and Instagram to read latest news.
What are the disadvantages of social networking apps?
The most noticeable downside of this platform is related to its content. It is undeniable that there are a lot of fake or over-dramatic contents on these apps, trying to capture the public’s attention.
As for me, the biggest minus point of social networking apps is the excessive quantity of advertisements. I find the high-frequency advertising extremely irritating.
Do you think it is good to make friends online?
No. I don’t think starting a friendship through online platform is a good thing to do. This is because people who you perceive as friends can be deceptive and carry malicious intent. So, safety is better than sorry, you shouldn’t make friends online.
Are you going to change the amount of time spending on social networking apps in the future?
I have never thought about this, but I assume in the near future that's not gonna happen as social networking platforms are somehow part of my life.
Yes, in the future I'm gonna reduce the amount of time spending online and start to develop new good habits, such as doing physical exercise or reading books.
5. TRANSPORTATION (old)
What’s the most popular means of transportation in your hometown?
Motorcycles or scooters are the most widely-used means of transportation in Vietnam. Even a poor family will strive to own one motorcycle to commute.
Can you compare the advantage of planes and trains?
Travelling by planes is definitely faster compared to trains, for example it takes only 2 hours to fly from HCMC to Hanoi, but it takes 2 days to travel by trains. However, there are some convenient facilities on trains which cannot be found on planes, such as the comfortable dining car and sleeping car.
How often do you take buses?
I did take buses every day when I was in university. However, this is no longer the case at the present time as now I am an office worker and I commute by motorcycle, so I hardly take buses.
Is driving to work popular in your country?
I would say that driving car to work cannot gain as much popularity as riding motorbike. Scooters are more suitable to the road system in Vietnam with narrow streets and a lot of alleyways. Also, cars are not affordable to the majority of Vietnamese people.
Would you ride bikes to work in the future?
If in the future the municipal authorities develop the public transportation in HCMC, improve the traffic system, as well as adopt the bicycle-sharing scheme like in Singapore, I will be happy to commute by bike.
Do you prefer public transportation or private transportation?
Private vehicles are still a preferred transport option to me. Public transportation may not stop at the precise address that I want to travel to, and I have to look for additional means. Also, there is a lack of privacy while being on buses or trains. Travelers are crowded and personal space may not be available.
Do you think people will drive more in the future? / What will become the most popular means of transportation in your country?
In the future, I believe scooters still remain as the most widely-used means of transportation because it suits the traffic system in HCMC better than car.
6. SLEEP (old)
How much sleep do you need every day?
Normally I need a 6-to-7-hour sleep to rest and recharge energy. I usually go to bed at around 12 a.m. and wake up at 6:30 a.m.
I think it takes a 7-8 hour sleep for me to regain my energy. However, I usually don’t sleep that much because I have a lot of works to do. Also I am suffering from insomnia caused by stress at work. I normally sleep only 4-6 hours every day.
Do you take naps at noon?
Yes, since I get up quite early in the morning, it is a must for me to take a nap at noon
I don’t take naps at noon often because my heavy work load requires me to resume my work right after I finish my lunch. Having time to take naps is such a luxury to me.
Do you like to read before bed?
I don't have a habit of reading books before going to sleep. After a long day at work, I am exhausted and sleepy. So, it's impossible to concentrate on the books at that time of the day.
I love to read before going to sleep but I stop myself from doing that. I’m an over-thinker and even the worst books make me think. I’m gonna stay wide awake a whole night if I read a book before bed.
How have your sleeping habits changed since you were young?
Yes. When I was a kid, I went to bed really early at around 9:00 p.m. However, ever since I entered university, I have become a late-night sleeper, going to bed no sooner than 12:00 a.m.
No, my sleeping habit hasn’t changed much since I was a kid. I’m always a night owl and a late-night sleeper. My biological clock is out of sync with society’s. I feel sleepy in the mornings and wide awake at nights. That’s why I have always had problems with sleeping ever since I was young.
7. Time Management/ Plan (old)
Do you make plans every day?
No. Indeed, I don’t have the habit of making plans every day. I did try to plan out my day in advance. But it just left me frustrated when the plan fell apart within the first few hours. And trying to stick to the plan made you feel super stressed.
Are you good at managing your time?
No. I don’t think I can manage my time properly. That’s my big weakness. I always feel there isn’t enough time in the day. I usually let difficult and challenging tasks sit until the last minute and then feel a lot of stress when playing the catch up.
What is the latest plan you made?
Oh…That is the revision plan for this IELTS Test. I planned out a one-month learning path and things went quite well in the first 4 days, but then urgent tasks from my full-time job came up and I had to spend the next 5 days to deal with them. When I was kinda done with those urgent tasks, I resumed the IELTS revision and felt very overloaded when trying to catch up with the plan.
What is the hardest part of making plans?
Well, it is time estimation that is the most challenging part. I usually underestimate the amount of time it will take to complete a task. Some tasks which I first expected to last only 2 hours to complete turn out to take 4 hours or more to get them done. That’s why my plan usually falls apart.
8. SKY (old)
How often do you look at the sky?
To be honest, the only time I really pay attention to the sky is if there is an amazing sunset or if I need to see what the weather’s like. The weather can be changeable where I live so I sometimes take a quick look at the sky to see if there are any dark clouds.
Do you like to watch the sky?
Yes, I would say I’m really into watching the sky, especially the night sky. I can lose myself gazing at the starry night for hours.
Do you prefer the sky in the morning or the sky at night?
I love the night sky rather than the morning sky. I can find peace and relaxation by gazing at the moon and stars. The fresh and cool air at night is also something so appealing and comfortable.
Can you see the moon and stars at night where you live?
Not really, I am living in one of the biggest cities in Vietnam with high levels of light pollution, so it obscures many stars from view. I still can observe the moon from my house but not in all of its glory.
What is the sky like at night in your hometown?
My hometown is located in a rural area of Vietnam with many vast open spaces, so I can observe the moon and stars in all of their glory. On a clear night, the night sky is so bright, even the Milky Way can be seen and the sky can almost be touched.
My hometown is HCMC which is one of the biggest cities in Vietnam so the night sky here is seriously affected by light pollution. The electric lighting and skyscrapers obscure the view of the stars and the moon.
Is there a good place to look at the sky where you live?
I think some suburban areas, like district 9 or Go Vap Sidtrict, which are far away from the city centre can offer the best star gazing and observance of the night sky.
What’s your favourite star?
I don't know anything particular about stars but I love the night sky. So, I am a moon lover. When I look at the moon, I find peace and relaxation.
Actually, I’m a moon lover even though the moon is a natural satellite of the Earth, not the star. The brightness of the moon is so gentle and not as super strong as the sun so watching it is very relaxing and peaceful. Also, the moon is always meaningful to me. It is lonely and full of imperfections, but can shine in times of darkness.
Do you learn about the sky and stars at school in Vietnam?
Yes, but very little. The curriculum of science education in Vietnam high schools does not focus on teaching about the universe. I remember studying the Solar System in the subject of geography in high school and there was only 1 lesson about it.
9. VISIT RELATIVES (old)
Do you often visit your relatives?
I don’t often visit my relatives because my work schedule is so tight and there are some relatives I don’t really like talking to. I just visit my relatives whenever I have to do that, particularly in some large family gatherings, like the death anniversary ceremonies or Tet holiday.
What do you do when visiting relatives?
Well, I do nothing special when paying a visit to my relatives. Mainly we have some small talks to catch up with each other and enjoy some home-made food.
When was the last time you visited a relative?
I don’t remember exactly but I would say it was around 5 months ago in Tet holiday. As a part of Vietnamese culture in the New Year, my family and I paid a visit to my uncle’s home to practice ancestor worship.
Why do people visit their relatives?
I think it is to maintain the ties of kinship. Unlike western cultures, in eastern cultures, individuals rely heavily on an extended network of mutual relationships with family members. That’s why the Vietnamese or Chinese pay a visit to their relatives regularly.
10. PERFUME (old)
Do you use perfume?
Yes. I wear perfume everyday. Putting on a little perfume on my neck and wrists is the final step of my routine make-up in the morning.
I can tell I rarely wear perfume. I find this kind of item unnecessary and unaffordable for a student like me. I do put on a little perfume if I have to join special events.
Do you spend a lot of money on perfume?
No. My spending on perfume is very reasonable as I only buy a new perfume bottle when I run out of perfume. Also, I just make a purchase of full-size bottles of the fragrance that I immensely like.
Absolutely no. Perfume is unimportant to me so it's not worth to invest money in buying this luxury item.
What kind of perfume do you like?
What I like the most is the floral fragrance, especially fresh floral scent type. I prefer the soft and fresh smell rather than romantic and sweet one.
What does perfume mean to you?
I have no intention to put on perfume to be attractive or sexy. I usually suffer from stress and aromatherapy is a good way to balance my mood. Perfume is part of aromatherapy so I wear it to lift up my spirits and control stress levels.
Perfume is an unnecessary item to me so it has little meaning. Having said that, I would say that wearing a little perfume can boost my self-confidence.
Do you give perfume as a gift?
No. It’s very hard to choose the perfume which suits the person you intend you give it as a gift. Perfumes and scents are very personal, so in terms of giving present, I would give something more universal, like flowers or shopping vouchers.
No. Perfume is a luxury item so it is unaffordable for me to give it as a present. In terms of gifts, I prefer giving my friends skincare products or shopping vouchers.
11. TEA & COFFEE (old)
Do Vietnamese people like to drink tea or coffee?
People in my country love to drink coffee. In Vietnam, coffee is more than a beverage and the habit of drinking coffee has become an integral part of our daily life.
Do you prepare tea or coffee for guests at home?
None of them. Guests visiting my home are usually welcomed with mineral water because serving mineral water is much easier and faster than tea or coffee.
When was the last time you drank tea or coffee?
I have never drank coffee, I drink tea sometimes. The last time I drank tea was a few weeks ago when I feel stressed or tired and need the scent and flavour of peppermint tea to keep me relax and calm down.
I would say that the last time I drank tea was last week when I hung out with my friends. To clarify, I drank milk tea or bubble tea, not green tea like what senior people normally drink.
12. MOVIES (old)
Do you watch movies?
Yes. I do watch movies for entertainment and relaxation. I love animated movies, especially ones made by Disney or Dream Work, or Ghibli Studio in Japan.
How often do you watch movies?
I don’t often watch movies because I rarely have free time, my work schedule is so tight. I assume I watch a new movie every two or three months.
What kind of movies do you like?
Even though I’m an adult, I’m a huge fan of cartoon and animated movies. They always bring about happy and warm feelings by tapping our very basic need for innocent entertainment. There is no cursing, nudity or something depressing.
Do you prefer to go to a movie alone or with others?
I prefer going to the cinema alone rather than with others. Companionship is kinda annoying when it comes to movie enjoyment. Especially if that companion has different taste and mindset from yours, discussion after the movie can easily become an argument.
Do you prefer to watch movies at home or in a cinema?
I have my inclination towards enjoying the movie at a cinema. By having my seat in the theatre, I can completely focus on the movie. It is less distractive as compared to watching movies at home. The atmosphere at home does not favour movie enjoyment.
13. MARKET (old)
What do street markets sell ?
They sell all kinds of grocery and food, ranging from household supplies to fresh fruits, meats and vegetables. there are also some niche markets which particularly sell one kind of products, such as woodwork, chemicals, fabric, or clothing.
Are there many street markets in Vietnam?
There are a lot of marketplaces in Vietnam. Prior to the emergence of supermarkets, street markets are the common place where Vietnamese people shop for grocery. No matter how developed Vietnam has become, I believe street markets still exist in Vietnam.
What are the differences between street markets and supermarkets?
The most remarkable difference is related to bargain. Definitely you cannot make any bargains when shopping in a supermarket since everything comes with a fixed price on a tag. In contrast, bargaining has become a norm when buying things at a local market, otherwise you might be overcharged.
Do you often go to the supermarket?
I don’t often go to the supermarket. I mostly do the shopping at the convenient store where I can quickly grab things I want and leave.
14. TEACHER (old)
Do you have a favourite teacher?
Yes, I do. That is my yoga teacher. She is a vey inspiring example of living a healthy life. Also, she has said a lot of brilliant instructions during yoga classes, and they are so very relatable to my life.
What makes a good teacher?
Well, I think dedication, commitment and knowledge are indispensable/ essential characteristics/qualities of a good teacher. Besides, a great teacher is a person who can encourage and motivate their students to be a better version of themselves.
Do you think teachers should be strict?
Yes, they have to be strict. Often when a teacher is strict, they have the whole class engaged, and create a learning environment where students can stay focus on lessons, commit with deadlines and behave appropriately.
Yes, I think they should be strict, yet can be funny as well. It should be somewhere in between - not too strict, not so liberal. Enough authority to impose order but not too much since it may discourage and even crush the spirit.
In what ways do you think teachers and parents are different when teaching young people?
It is obvious that the roles of parents and teachers are not the same. While parents take on the responsibility of teaching children morals and appropriate social skills, teachers spend time preparing children to learn academic skills by creating lesson plans, classwork and homework assignments.
Would you like to be a teacher?
Yes, if I had a chance, I would love to become a teacher. I think it is a challenging, yet rewarding job. You have to acquire enough knowledge to give your students clear explanation and spend time preparing lesson plans. But, helping other young people to learn something new is a very meaningful work.
15. WEATHER (old)
Do you prefer dry or wet weather?
I prefer dry and warm weather as compared to wet and cold weather. Even though humidity makes the air cooler and more comfortable, I cannot bear the wetness. Also a sunny day can somewhat lift up my moods and I can work more efficiently and happily.
What kind of weather do you like the most?
I like dry or sunny weather because my plans and activities would not be ruined by the rains. I can drive motorcycle without worrying about bringing my rain coat. Also, I can wear any types of shoes I like with little concern about whether they can stand the rainwater.
What’s your favourite season?
Ho Chi Minh City has two distinctive seasons and my favourite one is dry season. The reason is that I will not be subject to daily downpours making me run for cover. In addition, dry season is better because my plans will not be ruined by the weather and I can stay dry all day.
What kind of weather is typical in your hometown? / Do you think that the weather pattern where you are living has changed recently?
In the last 3 years, HCMC has experienced a longer dry season, there hasn’t been much rain as it used to be a decade ago. The high temperatures also cause the increasingly high demands of citizens in setting up in-house air-conditioner or air cooler fans.
Can weather affect your moods?
Yes, obviously. A sunny day with the blue sky and sunshine can somewhat lift up my moods and create positive feelings. Also, I can work more efficiently and happily if the weather is pleasant. On the other hand, grey days can bring about annoyance and low moods as I hate rains and wetness.
Do you like living in a place which has different kinds of weather?
The answer is no. Living in places with the weather being varied or changing dramatically over a short period of time is not pleasant at all. The biggest disadvantage I can think of is the increase in spendings on clothes since we have to have different clothes for different weather.
16. HAIRCUT (old)
How long have you had this hair style?
I have worn my hair short/long like this for around 2 years. I am thinking of changing a new hairstyle but haven't figured out how it should be. / I am happy and comfortable with this hairstyle so I'm not going to change.
Do you like to visit the barber's/ hair salon?
Yes, it would be better if I have my hair cut by a professional hairdresser, rather than doing it myself.
Have you ever had a hair cut that you don't like?
Yes, it was three years ago when I left a hair salon dissatisfied with my new hairstyle. The hairdresser cut my fringe/bangs too short and I looked very dumb and silly.
17. JEANS (old)
Do you wear jeans? / How often do you wear jeans?
Yes, I am in jeans quite often, especially at the weekend. I usually wear dresses for work, and then my jeans and tops from Friday to Sunday.
No, I usually wear regular pants rather than jeans. I find jeans uncomfortable to wear all day.
Do you like wearing jeans, why?
Yes. Jeans is my favourite piece of clothing. They last longer than other regular pants. A good pair of jeans can be with you for years. Also, you can easily match jeans with a variety of shirts and tops and look truly stylish.
No. It's uncomfortable for me to wear jeans, especially skinny jeans which are normally really tight to emphasize the curve of human's hip. Also, high-quality jeans are normally heavier than regular pants because they are made from thick denim. This would make washing them more difficult.
Do you spend much money on jeans?
Yes. I currently own about 40 pairs of jeans and only about five pairs of regular pants. I think I have spent around over a thousand US dollars on jeans.
No. I currently have only a pair of jeans and I have no intention to buy more. Jeans are neither my daily wearer nor my favourite, so that's enough.
Why do you think jeans are popular?
I assume that jeans have gained enormous popularity because they make people look stylish and fashionable. Skinny jeans can truly improve the physical appearance since they are tight, thereby emphasizing the curve of people's hip. A lot of young girls wear tight jeans so that they will be more sexy and attractive.
Do you think jeans are still popular in the future?
Yes. I believe that jeans won't be out of fashion in the future. People like this kind of clothing because it is made from long-lasting fabric and they can look fashionable and attractive in jeans.
18. HOLIDAY (old)
Do you want to have a short journey or a long journey?
I have an inclination towards taking a short journey rather than a long journey. There are two reasons for this. First, a short journey means there is less time for transportation, as compared with a long journey. Second, a long journey would last more days than a short journey, which means it will be more expensive because of an increase in all travel expenses, including lodging and food.
Where do you want to go on holiday? Beach-side, mountains or city?
I can tell that I'd love to have a mountain holiday. The reason is that I can escape from the stressful city life and can be totally connected to nature by exciting outdoor activities in the mountains, such as enjoying the morning mist and plenty of fresh air, or walking barefoot on the grass and swimming in the river.
19. CONCENTRATION (old)
Do you prefer to study in a silent environment or in a place that has some noises?
Well, I can only study when everything around me is quiet, I literally cannot think when there is too much noise. I don’t understand why some of my friends enjoy listening to music when they study, I find it really annoying.
Does your job require concentrating and attention to detail?
Yes, when I’m working for my clients, I really have to think carefully about every detail of the system, because once it’s online operating, it will influence business fundamentally.
What do you do if there’s too much noise and you want to study?
If I could do anything to make those noises disappear, I would. For example, if I was studying and my parents were watching TV, I would just tell them to turn it off. Otherwise, I would just have to find another place to study.
When do you find it easiest to concentrate?
I’m not a morning person, and I can’t really concentrate in the afternoon, either. I would say evenings are the best times for me to work or study.
(*): morning person = người có thể làm việc hiệu quả vào buổi sáng
Do you think people can do two things at the same time?
Honestly speaking, I don’t believe we can pay attention to two things at the same time because one task may be distracted by the other one, and finally we will probably end up with nothing accomplished.
What affects your ability to concentrate?
I guess we will get absent-minded if we are distracted by several different things at the same time. For example, while we are working in front of computers, we sometimes chat with our online friends. So if I want to work peacefully and efficiently, I really need a clutter-free environment. I like my desk clear of any clutter except one computer on it, and turn off phones, email notification, etc to prevent me from jumping from one thing to another.
20. VOICE (old)
Is your voice different from when you were young?
Honestly speaking, I pay little attention to my voice but I assume that my voice hasn't experienced any significant changes since I was a kid. If it changes remarkably, I should have noticed.
The answer is yes. When I came to the stage of puberty, I experienced voice breaking. So my voice at the present time is deeper than it used to be when I was a young boy.
Is your voice similar to that of a family member?
No. My voice doesn't sound the same as that of other family members. I don't really know why because this is something related to genes and heredity.
Do you like listening to your recordings?
No. I kinda hate the sound of my own voice. The reason is that when I listen to my voice in a recording, it sounds so weird and so different than the voice I am familiar with, making me sometimes unable to identify my own voice immediately.
When does your voice change?
There will be a change in my voice when I'm sick. Every time I experience a cold, a flu or a sore throat, my voice gets deeper and lower. Sometimes I even lose my voice if an illness is serious.
21. LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (old)
How many languages can you speak?
In general, I can speak three languages. Vietnamese is my mother tongue. I can speak English fluently and can hold a decent daily conversation in Mandarin.
When did you learn English?
I have been learning English for nearly 20 years. I started my English study when I was 7.
Do you find it difficult to learn a new language?
I have to admit that acquiring a foreign language is a challenging process, yet I find it interesting and intriguing.
Are there any other languages that you would like to learn?
I want to learn French and Spanish, mostly because I want to travel to Europe and Latin America. French is also very appealing to me because it is a soft, melodious and romantic language.
I'm interested in Chinese, particularly Mandarin. Nowadays, there are a lot of big Chinese businesses and I think if I am able to communicate in Chinese, I can extend my job opportunities. Also, Chinese is a good grounding for learning other languages, especially Japanese since more than half of Chinese vocabulary is derived from Chinese.
Why do people want to learn new languages?
For the most part, I believe the main motivation of language learning is related to career development. Clearly, those who can communicate in more than one language have better competitive advantage in job hunting.
What are the benefits of being able to use more than one language?
There are a lot of advantages of being bilingual or multilingual. In terms of job prospects, those who can use many languages likely have more choices in career development. They can work for foreign companies or work abroad. Regarding mental abilities, acquiring a second language can boost our brain power and improve our memory.
22. FRIENDS (old)
What makes a good friend?
Well, there are many signs of a good friend, but I think, for the most part, a good friend is the person who stays by your side no matter what, doesn't judge you and especially doesn't hurt your feelings for any reasons.
Do you think you are a good friend?
Yes, I think I am. If one of my friends needs help, I will be there for him for her. Also, I always keep in mind to be respectful to my friends' feelings and thoughts. I don't want to hurt them with my words or actions.
Do you still contact your childhood friends?
No, I don't keep in touch my with childhood friends any longer. We have lived far from each other for a long time and, you know, out of sight, out of mind.
Do you have many close friends?
No, I have a small circle of friends so I only have a few close friends. I don't think I need more. It is true that the more the merrier, but also the more troublesome.
Do you think friendship is important?
Yes, having good friends who love and support you for who you are is really essential to your happiness and mental health. I would take myself as an example for this. Sometimes when I am so stressed, talking to a friend who cares is all the therapy I need.
Which do you prefer to spend time with: a friend or spend time alone?
It depends on the day. If I'm in a mood for talking and sharing, I'd love to meet up with my friends. But there are times I just want to have my alone time.
What kind of people do you like to have as friends?
I want to develop friendship with those who are kind, tactful and trustworthy because I believe those people would treat me well and be good for my mental health.
Do you like face-to-face conversations with people?
Yes, I do. I'm an extrovert so I always enjoy talking and having direct interactions with other people. I am driven by my characteristics to socialise and engage in face-to-face communications.
Are most of your friends from school or from outside school?
Well, I would say both. Some of my close friends are from university, but I also have good friendships with many colleagues whom I have worked with.
How often do you meet with your friends?
Since my work schedule is often hectic, I rarely have time to meet up with my friends. I think I only hang out with them once every three months.
What do you and your friends do together?
Well, normally there's just one pattern of our meetups. First, we have a meal together at a small restaurant. Then, we visit a coffee shop for chatter or a pub for good music.
23. GARBAGE (old)
Why do some people throw garbage on the street?
I think one reason explaining the littering behaviour is related to selfishness. With a piece of trash in hand while being on the street, people find it inconvenient and annoying so they don’t mind throwing in on the ground to make their hands free. All they care is their comfort and convenience.
What do you do with garbage when you are on the street?
I usually keep holding it until I can find a trash can, or if I am busy, I will wrap it in a sheet of tissue and put it in a small pocket in my handbag. I hate the action of littering so I will not turn myself into a litterer.
How do you feel when you see people throwing garbage on the street?
I feel disappointed about these litterers, especially when children and teenagers do that ugly behaviour. You can call me too serious but I believe their action somewhat shows their personality traits, and two of them are irresponsibility and recklessness.
Do you think your city is clean or not?
HCMC is so littered with trash and this is because our citizens are careless and uncaring about keeping the public places clean. Their environmental awareness is terrible, thereby making the whole city full of garbage.
Is there a lot of garbage on the streets in your living area?
Yes, there is. I would say the streets in my neighbourhood are littered with trash. Many neighbours of mine are not environmentally conscious at all. They usually purposely dump their trash on the streets and don't see anything wrong with their behaviour. As long as their houses are clean, what's the big deal.
Do you categorise garbage?
Yes, I do. Sorting household waste has become my new habit recently as I want to do something small, yet crucial to protect the environment and contribute to facilitate waste management in my city.
Do you participate in any environmental protection activities?
Well, instead of joining in particular activities or programmes, I do small things in daily life to protect the environment, such as turning off the lights or other electrical appliances before leaving the room, or using reusable bags when shopping.
Do you use recycled items?
Yes, but not very often. I try to use recycled paper whenever possible. Also, I sometimes make toys for my nieces and nephews from plastic bottles and newspaper.
24. MATHS (old)
Do you think mathematics is important?
Yes, of course. The knowledge of maths plays a crucial role in all aspects, from science and technology to social science areas. Learning maths also helps to improve the logic and reason in one’s thinking.
Do you think it’s difficult to learn mathematics well?
No. It isn’t hard to learn maths well. All it takes is just enough practice and train yourself to become familiar with its logical, yet intuitive style of thinking.
Yes. Maths is somewhat a challenging subject to many students, and I'm no difference. The reason is that it takes time and efforts to understand maths concepts. Also, I don't see the point in learning algebra or geometry since answers can easily be found by using a calculator or a computer.
Are girls generally good at mathematics?
Not really. There are girls who are not interested in Math so their math performance is also poor, but there are girls who perform really well in this subject since they have great passion in learning maths.
Do you often use a calculator?
Yes. I'm working as an admin assistant and I use the calculator often to convert currency or to make monthly expense reports.
25. PATIENCE (old)
Are you a patient person?
I think patience is a situational quality. There are certain circumstances under which I am patient and other circumstances under which I am impatient. But in general I find myself a person of patience. Somewhat I have the ability to keep calm when dealing with disappointment, distress or suffering.
Were you patient when you were young? / Do you think you are more patient than how you used to be?
I have never thought I could become a patient person like I’m now. When I was young, I usually jumped from thought to thought when having several tasks in my head. I lived an interrupted life as I tried to multitask. But that is no longer the case at the present time. I’m more mindful of my own thoughts. I slow down myself and focus on one task at a time.
How do you feel when others are not patient?
Being around an impatient person makes me feel like I’m walking in a field of landmines. People with little patience are more likely to inspire others to lose themselves, but luckily I know how to cope with impatient people so I am not affected by them easily.
The first way to deal with impatient people is avoiding saying “take it easy” or “calm down”. Those sayings will trigger a bigger reaction. Second, ignore their behaviours and continue as you were. It is better not to take their impatience personally, just accept it. Lastly, strive for empathy, which means trying to step into the other person’s shoes to see how they might view the situation.
Were you less or more patient when you were angry?
That is a newly-discovered personality trait about myself that I have just realized recently. The angrier I get, the more patient and silent I become. Two years ago I experienced something terrible that made me angrily burst into tears. At the present time, I am also subject to something stressful and terrible but I find myself more relaxed and content, which is really a big change.
Is patience important at work?
It is very essential to practice to be patient at work. Regularly becoming impatient with your colleagues or yourself at work is not only counterproductive, it can also be bad for your health. Stress and anxiety in the workplace can lead to heart disease or high blood pressure, so it's important to keep a lid on things.
26. Pets & Wild Animals (old)
Have you ever seen a wild animal in real life?
No. I haven't. I don't have any chances to encounter wild animals since I am living a big city where wild animals can hardly be seen. I can only see them on TV.
Do you prefer to see them in zoos or in real life?
I lean towards seeing wild animals living in their in zoos rather than in real life. I will feel safer if wild animals are kept in cages and can't do me any harm.
I lean towards seeing them in zoos rather than in real life. I will feel safer if wild animals are kept in cages and can't do me any harm.
What wild animal do you like the most? Why?
I would say that I love wolves. I have watched a documentary about the wolf and these living animals amaze me by their sharp eyes, graceful movements, and long sorrowful howls on a full moon.
Why do you think we should protect wild animals?
Well, when we protect wildlife species, it is a must to save and conserve their natural habitat as well. So, conservation of natural habitats would be beneficial for humans, enriching our planet and other natural resources.
Do you like to have a pet?
Yes, I'd love to have a pet. In fact, now I have a dog & a cat at home. I don't know but being surrounded by animals has long been my soft spot.
No. I don't dislike animals but it's just that I don't like to have pets at home. The most annoying part of having a pet is cleaning up its poop and that task isn't exciting at all.
Have you ever had a pet when you were young?
Yes I had, I had a brown bulldog. He’s a very faithful and playful dog, I remember, every time I came back home from school, he always jumped on me and licked my face. Oh I miss those days but I know he’s in a dog heaven now.
No, I have never had a pet. The reason is that my house is not spacious for a pet and my parents also don't like being disturbed by the noise of the pets.
What animals you would like to have as pets?
Well, like most people love having, I want dogs! I love dogs as they are loyal and playful. Not to mention they can serve as guards in our houses.
I want to keep cats because they’re independent and they clean themselves, unlike dogs. I also love petting a cat and touching its soft fur. That's very enjoyable.
What animals you wouldn’t want to have as pets?
I can’t imagine myself having reptiles, like snakes or chameleons, as pets. They’re just frightening. I can’t really understand why on Earth there are those people who want to keep these animals as pets.
Is having pets at home popular in your country?
Yes, a large number of Vietnamese households keep at least a pet at home. It can be a dog or a cat. I think this is because to have a pet is easy and not really costly in Vietnam, unlike in developed countries. So, that's why most Vietnamese people decide to keep a pet at home.
27. Travel (old)
Do you like travelling?
Yes. I do love travelling. It is truly the best therapy to relax and refresh yourself.
Which cities have you travelled to?
I have been to Singapore, Bangkok, Phnom Penh and Melbourne. They are all popular tourist destinations but I love Singapore and Melbourne the most.
What kind of cities do you like to travel to?
I’d love to visit modern cities like Singapore and Melbourne. But I’m also interested in cities with captivating natural scenery and distinct cultural features, such as Kyoto City in Japan or Istanbul in Turkey.
What is the place that left you the deepest impression when travelling?
It is Melbourne that left the most unforgettable memories in my mind. There are a lot of great day trips, drives, dives and spots to take in the city, such as the State Library of Victoria or the royal botanic gardens of Victoria or the Phillip Island.
What are the disadvantages of travelling?
Obviously, there are manifold drawbacks of travelling but the biggest one that I can think of is the expenses. Travelling may be costly because of spendings on airfares, transportation, lodging, food, entertainment and other additional costs.
Do you like jobs that require a lot travelling?
No. Occupations which involve heavy travel, like flight attendants, pilots, tour guides or travel bloggers, are not appealing to me at all. High frequency of travelling will definitely lead to the feelings of tiredness and exhaustion.
Should we travel to unusual places?
I reckon that travelling to unusual destinations is not the good idea on account of safety and inconvenience. Obviously, the local tourism services in those places are not developed enough to create pleasant experiences. Although paying a visit to unusual places may be exciting and intriguing, it will inevitably be uncomfortable, inconvenient and even dangerous.
28. Borrowing/lending (old)
Have you ever borrowed books from others?
Yes. I borrowed a book from a friend of mine when I was in high school. I knew about that book by reading a review on the internet but was not sure of myself whether I should buy it or not because the book was quite expensive to a highschool student. Luckily one of my classmate had it and I asked to borrow the book from him.
Have you ever borrowed money from others?
Yes. I have borrowed money from my best friend. There was a time when I was so penniless and really in debt. Therefore I asked to borrow money from my friend to pay off the debt.
Do you like lending things to others?
Not really. I prefer giving things to people rather than lending them something. You know, I have terrible memory so I will forget that I have lent people things.
How do you feel when people don’t return things they borrowed from you?
I feel disrespected and even betrayed. I also don’t want to have any connection with people like that. They are so poor-mannered and impolite.
29. SMILE (old)
Do you like to smile?
I don’t really like to smile. I just smile for some particular reasons, such as greeting someone, saying thank you or someone taking photos of me. I used to be a smiley person but not anymore now.
I do like smiling because smiling can bring about positive feelings to not only me but also other people. Also, when I smile, I feel that my moods have been improved.
When do people smile at others?
I think people give others a smile when they feel the person they are interacting with is friendly, funny or hilarious. In short, if there is a transfer of positive chemistry among people, they will smile.
Do you smile when people take pictures of you?
Yes, of course. I smile instinctively when there are any cameras pointing towards me. They are capturing a moment of my life, so at least I should look happy or smiley in that photo.
Can you recognise a fake smile?
Yes. I’m an empath so to some extent I can tell when people are faking their smile. It is the the eyes and mouth that are most participated in the expression of smiling. So if people are giving a genuine smile, there will be a lot of wrinkles and lines around their eyes and mouth.
Is smiling important?
Yes. Smiling is crucial. It can bring several certain benefits to our mental health, such as lifting up our spirits, improving our moods, creating positive feelings. Besides, just a simple act of smiling can somehow help us to deal with stress and anxiety by changing the way our brains view the situations.
What was the last time you saw other people smiled the most?
The last time I saw people smiled the most is when I attended a conference introducing new products of American ginseng. In the conference, people exchanged business cards and tried to extended their social contacts to find new clients for their companies. Diplomatic smiles were what I saw the most in that event.
30. Music (old)
When do you listen to music?
I listen to music when I’m in need or relaxation or a quick escape from the stressful world of work, or when I need to stay focus.
How much time do you spend listening to music everyday?
It’s hard to say the exact time length of listening to music, but I would say I spend at least 2 hours per day to enjoy music.
What kinds of music do you like to listen to? / What are your favourite kinds of music?
I have my inclination towards pop music, especially US-UK pop music, when I am getting excited. But when my mood is down or I need to stay focus, I love to enjoy peaceful relaxing instrumental music.
Have you ever been to a music concert before?
No, I have never been to a music concert. I don’t like crowded places and prefer watching the concert broadcasted on TV or Youtube.
Does you taste of music change from the past?
Yes, of course. When I was in high school, my teen music taste was dominated by pop music with catchy tunes and fast tempos. However, now I prefer listening to instrumental music with gentle melodies to find peace and relaxation.
31. Cities & Countryside (old)
What are advantages and disadvantages of living in an urban area?
Clearly, urban life introduces both pros and cons. In terms of benefits, living in big cities is very convenient thanks to manifold services and modern facilities and amenities. Also, big cities with developed economy can provide various career opportunities for job seekers. Having said that, urban citizens have to encounter numerous drawbacks in their daily life, including terrible traffic congestion, serious air pollution and high cost of living.
Do you like the city where you are living now?
Yes, I do and what I like most about Ho Chi Minh city is the hustling atmosphere and the excellent amenities. Also, this city is the major economic hub of Vietnam so living here means I can easily approach a wide range of services.
Do you prefer the city or the countryside?
My have my preference for living in a city over a rural area. I am a true-blood urban citizen so I love the hustle and bustle and the creative energy offered by cities.
What kind of cities do you like?
I have my inclination towards living in big cities which are a capital or a major economic hub of a country. Those places are where I can seek job more easily and enjoy various amenities and conveniences.
Do you spend much time in countryside?
No. I rarely spend time in the countryside. I only visit rural areas when I pay a visit to my grandmother's hometown for death anniversaries, but this only happens once in a blue moon.
Do you consider living in the countryside in the future?
Obviously, I don't have any intentions to do that. I cannot stand the boredom of living in the countryside with a lack of many services and amenities. Also, I am familiar with the fast-paced life of cities so I find the slow life in rural areas so unbearable.
32. SHARING (old)
Do you share anything with other people recently?
Yes. A few months ago I gathered my old clothing and donated them to people with disadvantages living in rural areas. I made that donation through a charity group.
Did your parents teach you to share when you were a child?
Yes, ever since I was a kid, my parents have taught me about sharing. They want me to remember that sharing is caring and I should show my kindness and sympathy to others, especially people with disadvantages.
What kinds of things do you like to share with others?
I want to share everything I have learned with others, as well as the way I practice to master language learning skills. Learning a foreign language is not an easy task. People mostly do not know the proper methods so they find learning languages discouraging and difficult.
What kinds of things that are not suitable for sharing?
I think we shouldn’t share when it comes to personal hygiene. There are some products that should remain private, such as undergarments, toothbrushes, nail clippers or water bottles. Sharing personal items can transfer germs and bacteria.
What do you think about bike sharing / car sharing?
I would say that an invention of bike/car sharing system is truly the best way to protect the environment by reducing private vehicle ownership and carbon dioxide emissions. I wish the municipal authorities in my city could think about adopting the system.
33. HANDWRITING (old)
Do you often write with a pen?
I don’t write frequently nowadays, the world is getting “digital” you know, so I’m more into “typing” as compared to writing. Still i do write some times, for example when I attend a seminar or conference.
Is your handwriting easy to read to other people?
Yes. Even though my handwriting letters are not really beautiful, they are neat, clear and readable.
Do you like to receive cards with hand-written words?
Yes, I do love handwritten cards or letters. Somewhat they show the honesty and sincere feelings of the writers. But this doesn’t mean I underestimate the value of digital cards or letters. They are just in different means of expression.
Can we tell someone’s personality from his or her handwriting?
Yes, obviously. I believe there is a link between someone’s personality traits to how that person writes. This has been shown in a research by the National Pen company. People with small handwriting tend to be shy, studious and meticulous, whereas extrovert people will have larger handwriting.
What’s the difference of writing with a pen and typing on a computer?
Well, basically the most remarkable difference between handwriting and typewriting is related to speed. Definitely typing is much faster than writing if a person already gets familiar with using keyboards.
34. READING (old)
Do you like reading?
Yes, I do love reading. It is my all-time favourite leisure activity. Reading never fails to offer me new insights into things.
What kinds of book do you read?
I'm a huge fan of detective fiction, especially Agatha Christie's novels. Besides, I really admire Lee Kwang Yew - the founding father of Singapore - so I like reading books about him. Fictional novels about children or animals are also to my taste.
Do you read electronic books?
I don't often read digital books, since I still prefer physical books. I just read an electronic version of a book when that book hasn't been published in Vietnam. I usually bought e-books through Kindle.
Do you read books related to your profession?
No. I'm an administrative assistant so I don't think there are books related to my occupation. Indeed, there are books about organizational management and administrative, but mostly they are for big companies and international cooperates rather than a small company like mine.
35. PHOTOS (old)
Do you like taking photos?
Oh. The answer is no. I have no interest in taking photos, simply because I am a terrible photographer and I find taking pictures unnecessary to me. I prefer capturing the moments of life through my senses and memories, rather than immortalizing them on film or data.
Do you prefer to take photos yourself or to have other people take photos of you?
I like neither option, but if I have to pick one, then getting a selfie myself would be better. At least I know how I look at the moment the photo is captured and somehow I can modify the angle or my facial expression.
How often do you take photos?
I take photos once in a while or on some certain occasions, for example when I witness an amazingly stunning nature scene, but that doesn’t happen regularly.
In what situations when you take photos?
Only when going on a travel I take photos. I love capturing the beauty the places I visit, especially nature scenes with trees or flowers. But I rarely do that.
How do you keep your photos?
I save them in my Google Drive. But the free storage within Google Drive is limited to only 15Gb to I save only some photos which I really like.
36. CROWDED PLACES (old)
What kinds of places are crowded in your city?
Ho Chi Minh city is the major economic hub of Vietnam so everywhere in this city is full of people. But I can tell that the places that are crowded most are tourist attractions, such as the War remnants Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral or the Independence Palace, especially during tourist season.
Do you like crowded place?
Totally not. I can't stand the chaos and craziness of being in a crowd. Also, I often get sick of the smell of over-applied perfume or body odour.
When was the last time you were in crowded place?
It has been a pretty long time since I last went to a crowded place. If my memory serves me right. It was 4 years ago when I took a cousin of mine who is a Vietnamese overseas to Nguyen Hue flower street during Tet holiday. That is a public place decorated with flower arrangements to entertain people in the public holiday. Therefore, a great number of people gathered there and I felt very uncomfortable when I was there.
Do you prefer to go to crowded places or places that have few people?
I don't like crowds so obviously the latter option is my preference. When I am in a quiet place with few people, I will not be annoyed by noises or body odour, and my private space will not be inevitably intruded by strangers like in a crowded place.
Why do people like to go to crowded places?
This is a tough question for me because I can't understand the mindset of those who like being in a crowd. But I guess they like the lively feeling that crowded places carry and these people will find bored if they are in a quiet place with few people.
37. OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES (old)
Do you like outdoor activities?
I like being outdoor; having said that, I normally cannot arrange time for outdoor activities since my work schedule is very tight.
What outdoor activities you like to do most? and how often do you do that?
I like taking a walk around a small public park near my house. I do that twice every month. I can find relaxation and tranquility while being close to nature, breathing the fresh air and enjoying the blowing wind. Also, gentle physical exercise like walking is very suitable for an inactive person like me.
How much time do you spend outdoors every week?
I only go out for a walk once every two months. I know the amazing health benefits of being outdoor but I cannot spend the luxury of time on this activity when I have lots of work to do.
What outdoor activities are popular in your country?
It's hard to speak for others, but I think jogging and running are the two most common outdoor activities that people in Vietnam do. These are the self-paced physical exercise suitable for everyone.
38. WALKING (new)
Do you like to walk?
Not a lot because I always ride my scooter whenever I go out for work or leisure. I don’t have a lot of chances to walk except when I go to a convenience store which is just a stone's throw my my house.
Where do you usually take a walk?
There's a lovely park within a walking distance from my house. Sometimes I go to that park to breathe the fresh air, especially when I'm exhausted or stressed out from work.
Do you walk more often now than in the past?
Unfortunately not. I always travel by scooter or taxi when I go out. I'm a very busy person so I'm always for convenience.
Do people in your country walk a lot?
The answer is no. Life in HCMC where I live is pretty convenient – we have pretty good transportation system and most residents rely on their private vehicles or taxis rather than walking.
Do you think people will walk more in the future?
I don't think so. Considering the advancement of technology in travelling and transportation, people will be more reliant on cars or any advanced means of transport. This means that walking will be the last thing they want to do.
Do you think walking is important?
Yes, walking is very beneficial for our health since it is a form of physical exercise. Taking a walk regularly can help people to prevent illness and stay in shape.
39. RUNNING (new)
Do you like running?
I have to admit that I’m not into running, that’s not the kind of exercise that I do as I find it exhausting. I did try running in the past but I ended up having fatigue.
How often do you go for a run?
As I’m usually busy with my work, I can only once in a while – not much! Yes, I know the amazing benefits of running but I just don’t have the luxury of time to do that kind of exercise.
Do you think running is a good way to stay healthy?
Yes, it is. The health benefits of running are undeniable. Running can surely help us build strong bones, strengthen muscles, maintain a healthy weight, and many more.
Where do usually go for running?
There's a lovely park within a walking distance from my house. I love going for a run in that place because it is surrounded with massive trees and the paths there favour running a lot. In fact, the park is packed with many runners in the morning.
Do you have long-distance running?
I rarely do physical exercise so having marathon running only happens in the dream. It takes strength, endurance and aerobic health to run long distances and this form of exercise is really not for me.
Do you like watching running race on TV? Why?
No. I'm not interested in sports or physical exercise so I am normally not in a mood for watching running race.
40. Pen and Pencil (new)
Which do you prefer to use, pens or pencils? / Do you usually use pens or pencils for writing?
I prefer using pens over pencils. Pencils need sharpening while pens are always ready to use. Also, marks made with pens last longer.
If someone gave you some pens or pencils, how would you feel?
I don't mind if they are pens or pencils. As long as someone gives me a present, I will appreciate it.
When was the last time you bought some pens or pencils?
It was just last week that I bought a pen for myself. At that time, my blue pen was out of ink so I went to convenience store to buy a new one.
41. Break (new)
Do you like taking a break during work or study? Why?
I love having a small break at work. Every time I find that I cannot think clearly or recall information, I know I am mentally tired and will take a break immediately.
How often do you take a break when you are studying or working?
I usually take a short break between 5 to 10 minutes every 2-3 hours of working. It's impossible for me to stay focused over a long period of time.
What do you usually do during breaks?
Enjoying a nice song with gentle melody is what I usually do during break time. In addition, I will get myself a cup of hot tea. And that's all I need for a break.
Do you prefer to have one long break or many short breaks during work?
I have my preference for having a 5-to-10-minute break at work. It's harder for me to resume my work if I take a long break.
Do you think having a break is necessary for you?
Yes. As for me, it is very crucial to take breaks at work. Taking breaks means that I'm giving my brain the time to rest that it needs. Otherwise, my productivity will go downhill fast.
42. Scenery (new)
Is there any beautiful scenery in your hometown?
Yes, there is but I don’t consider it as captivating scenery. It’s just a typical view of the countryside with mountains and forests.
Sad to say, the answer is no. I was born and raised here in this city and all I can see is a concrete buildings and too many private vehicles. Although there are some public parks, they are not as amazing as the natural views that can be seen in the countryside.
Do you like taking pictures of beautiful scenery?
Yes, I do, but not very much like most travelers do. A few photos are enough for me. I make sure to enjoy the beauty of the place through my own eyes rather than through the lens of the camera.
Do you think people enjoy taking pictures of beautiful scenery? Why?
Yes, people enjoy capturing the natural scenic landscapes, forests, mountains, and so on because later the photos will remind them of the wonderful places they have been to.
When you travel, do you like to live in hotels with scenic views?
Absolutely, hotels with amazing natural views are an ideal place to relax but their pricing is the matter. Having said that, they are always my consideration when I choose hotels for my vacation.
Do you enjoy visiting places with beautiful views?
Yes, I do. Who doesn't? Whenever I travel, I make sure to be close to the natural world. Looking at the serenity of rivers, the sunset and the mountains is truly a therapy, making me feel rejuvenated.
43. Being alone (new)
Do you like to spend time by yourself? Why?
Yes, spending my alone time is very crucial to me because it links directly with self-development. Time spent consciously alone allows me to slow down, have self-reflection and rediscover myself.
What do you usually do when you spend time by yourself?
I'd like to take myself out to dinner and enjoy a nice meal in peace. Or, having a hot tea and reading some good books are also what I'd love to do to. That's when solitude is very beneficial.
Do you prefer spending time alone or with friends?
It depends on a day. Each situation has its own merits. At times, I like being in solitude since it is very peaceful, but at times being with friends is fun and exciting.
Is it bad to spend a lot of time alone?
Too much of anything is bad, so is spending time alone. Too much alone time can negatively impact our mental health, leading to loneliness and isolation.
44. Water Sports (new)
What kind of water sports do you practice?
If swimming can be counted as a water sport, I will say it. That's the only form of exercise which relates to water that I do.
What water sports would you like to do in the future?
If I have more free time, I would like to take up snorkeling. I've already known how to swim, so I think it would not take too much time and practice to kick off a snorkeling journey.
Are water sports popular in Vietnam?
No, I don't think that water sports are widely-played in Vietnam even though my country has a very long coastal line. Maybe only those living in coastal cities, like Vung Tau or Nha Trang, play water sports.
Do you think water sports are dangerous to play?
No, as long as you know how to swim and you are trained adequately to ensure safety, water sports are not dangerous.
45. Science class (new)
Do you like science class?
Yes definitely! I’m really into learning science because it helps me acquire deeper understanding of the world that I’m living in. For example, physics can explain why water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius and boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
No, not at all. Science is one of the subjects that I could not absorb, especially Physics and Chemistry. I often of a C in most of my science exams so I don't like it.
Did you have a science class in primary school or high school? What kinds of science classes did you study at school?
I didn’t study science in primary school, my science study started when I was in secondary school because it’s part of our curriculum. It's just the same as most students study. I studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Of all those branches of Science that I spent time studying, Physics is for me the most challenging.
Do you think science classes are important?
Yes, I believe that science classes are crucial in helping people to understand more about the world they're living in. This is because everything around us is in relation with science: the air that we're breathing, gravity, the sunrise and sunset, the flora and fauna, the human anatomy, and jazz like that.
46. Numbers (new)
Do you usually use numbers? / Does your job involve working with numbers?
I'm working as an admin assistant and one of my responsibilities is making a monthly expense report for my manager. So, my job involves dealing with figures, calculations and jazz like that.
Are you good at remembering phone numbers?
No, I don't trust myself in memorizing information related to numbers, like phone numbers, dates of birth, or addresses. I don't know why; maybe it's because my brain doesn't like retaining numeric information.
Do you have a favourite or lucky number?
I do not particularly like any number, but I am into the number 28 because it is my date of birth.
47. Art (new)
Do you like art?
Yes, I love art. Any kind of arts can give me so much joy and happiness.
Have you ever visited an art gallery?
Yes, I have been to the Hochiminh Fine Arts Museum once. I was very amazed at a great number of wonderful artworks, sculptures and handicrafts there.
Is there any artwork on the wall in your room?
No, there isn't. My bedroom is stacked with a lot of furniture so there is no space on the wall left for any pictures.
What kind of pictures do you like having in your home?
I love having paintings or pictures depicting natural scenic views, such as the scenery of mountains, rivers, or forests. Such pictures bring tranquility and peace to me.
Have you ever had art classes?
I once attended a one-day oil painting class for adults a few years ago. The art teacher showed me step by step how to a painting of a girl standing in a flower garden.
Did you enjoy doing art lessons when you were a child?
Yes, when I was a little girl, I stayed up very late just to finish my painting. Then, when I was in high school, I had great passion with drawing so much that I performed excellently in art lessons.
48. Sweeties & Cake (new)
Do you like to eat sweeties?
Yes, I do, but not as much as those having a sweet tooth. I love eating Vietnamese traditional sweet food, like different kinds of sweet soup or sweet rice balls.
Do you like sweeties more compared with you were child?
No, my appetite for sweet food remains unchanged in comparison with when I was a kid.
Have you ever tried to make sweeties?
No, I haven't. I have watched many videos showing how to make sweeties on the internet, but I don't dare to try. I'm not confident at my cooking skill and the sweeties are by no means easy to make.
Why people like sweeties?
It's hard to give a definite answer to this question since an interest in one particular kind of food is varied between people. I can just assume that some people are fond of sweeties because their bodies require a large amount of sugar. You will like to eat the kind of food that has the nutrients that your body needs.
Do you like dessert?
Yes, I do. I am in love with desserts made with fresh fruit, such as mousse topped with some pieces of kiwi or strawberries.
What desserts do people in your country like?
It's hard to speak for others but I think people in Vietnam like eating sweet soups. This is our traditional dessert and sweet soup comes in a variety, depending on the regions in Vietnam in which they are made.
Do you like eating cakes?
I don't really like cake. As for me, cake is like eating styrofoam made of sugar topped with a lot of sugar. It's probably the most boring and bland dessert out there.
Have you ever made cakes?
No, I have never made a cake and don't have an intention to give it a try. I don't like cakes so I have no reason to do that.
49. History (new)
Have you ever been to a historical museum?
Yes. I have visited the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh city several times. This museum highlights the Vietnam War with graphic photographs and military weapons on display.
Do you like history?
Yes. I'm into reading about past events of Vietnam and other countries. The historical period of Queen Victoria's ruling in the UK and the history of Nguyen dynasty which was the last imperial family of my country are always of my interest.
Do you like history when you were young?
No. Honestly speaking, I paid no attention to history when I was a student in high school. Back then, I found other subjects, like maths, literature or english more important for my future career. However, as I get older and have a stable career, I get more interested in historical stories and movies.
Have you ever watched history films?
Yes, I have watched a lot and I have a list of good history movies to recommend people. For example, "The Young Victoria" - a drama film based on the early life and reign of Queen Victoria. Or, "Marie Antoinette" - a story about the most well-known last queen of France before the French Revolution.
When was the last time you read about history?
Well, I just finished a book called "Madame Nhu - Tran Le Xuan - The Dragon Lady" last month. The book is a bibliography of the First Lady of South Vietnam government who has significant political influence.
50. Park (new)
Do you like going to parks? What will you do if you go to a park?
Yes, I like parks because they're great places to relax or go for a walk. I usually take a walk around the park, breath the fresh air, enjoy the blowing winds and listen to the sound of birds chirping among the tress.
Do you think people in your country like going to parks?
There’s no doubt that people Vietnam, especially in the metropolis, are a big fan of public gardens since they’re trapped in concrete jungle with all those skyscrapers plus the overpopulation, as well as all kinds of stress that the city life has.
What do people usually do when they go to the park?
For the most part, people pay a visit to the park to temporarily get away from the hectic life of urban areas and find peace and tranquility in nature. That's why we can easily see many people taking a long walk around the park or just sitting on the benches there to enjoy the natural world.
Do you think parks are important?
Yes. Public parks are crucial in a lot of aspects. I believe every city needs some green space where people can escape from the crowds and from the concrete jungle of buildings and housing. In addition, parks provide aesthetic to the city or town, making the place look inviting. Also, they minimize air pollution as plants absorb carbon dioxide that factories and cars emit.
Do you prefer natural parks or amusement parks?
That is a tough question because I really enjoy the outdoors and I also enjoy amusement parks. If the choice were between Disneyland and a national park, I would definitely pick Disneyland. I consider Disneyland to be my happy place. I generally do not like crowds but for some reason I do not mind them at Disneyland.
I do enjoy a nice, clean amusement park every now and then. Those that are well run are a lot of fun. Many years ago I lived near Disneyland for a year and I can say that it was a lot of fun to go there with a group of friends or family members at weekends.
I’d much rather go to a national park to get close to nature. I desire to visit the US National Park because there are many amazing things to experience, such as caves, reef complexes, canyons, volcanoes, barrier islands, and unique habitats. Give me nature any day since it never fails to amaze me.
