Everyday English

Expressing best wishes and responding

1. Listen and complete the conversations with the expressions in the box. Then practise them in pairs.

(Nghe và hoàn thành các cuộc hội thoại với các biểu thức trong hộp. Sau đó thực hành chúng theo cặp)

A. Same to you B. Have a great time C. Happy New Year D. Thanks so much

1. Nam: Hey, I heard that you‘re going on a trip to Singapore tomorrow. (1) __________________!

Mike: Yep. (2) ________________.

2. Kevin: Hi, Mai. (3) ________________! Wishing you a great year ahead!

Mai: Thanks, Kevin. (4) _______________! Hope all your dreams come true!

Answer:

1. Nam: Hey, I heard that you‘re going on a trip to Singapore tomorrow. (1) B. Have a great time!

Mike: Yep. (2) D. Thanks so much.

2. Kevin: Hi, Mai. (3) C. Happy New Year! Wishing you a great year ahead!

Mai: Thanks, Kevin. (4) A. Same to you! Hope all your dreams come true!

2. Work in pairs. Use the models in 1 to make similar conversations for these situations. One of you is Student A, the other is Student B. Use the expressions below to help you.

(Làm việc theo cặp. Sử dụng các mô hình trong phần 1 để thực hiện các hội thoại tương tự cho các tình huống này. Một trong số các bạn là Học sinh A, người kia là Học sinh B. Sử dụng các biểu thức dưới đây để giúp bạn)

1. Student A is going to take an exam. Student B is expressing his/her wishes for Student A’s success.

2. Student B is not feeling well. Student A is expressing his/her wishes for Student B’s recovery.

Answer:

1. Student A is going to take an exam. Student B is expressing his/her wishes for Student A’s success.

Student A: Hi, I'm a bit nervous about the upcoming exam.

Student B: Don't worry, you got this! I know you've been studying hard and you're well-prepared. Good luck!

Student A: Thank you! I really appreciate your support.

Student B: No problem at all. Just do your best and everything will work out.

2. Student B is not feeling well. Student A is expressing his/her wishes for Student B’s recovery.

Student A: Hey, how are you feeling today?

Student B: Not too great, I'm feeling a bit sick.

Student A: I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you feel better soon.

Student B: Thanks, I appreciate it.

Student A: Is there anything I can do to help?

Student B: Just your kind words and good wishes are enough to make me feel better. Thank you.

Culture

Teen independence in the US

1. Read the text below and complete the diagram. Use no more than THREE words for each gap.

(Đọc đoạn văn dưới đây và hoàn thành sơ đồ. Sử dụng không quá BA từ cho mỗi chỗ trống)

American parents usually encourage independence in their teenage children, and it is normal for teens to want more responsibility and freedom for their choices.

American teenagers often start high school with a basic plan of classes they need to take to get a high school diploma. Some subjects like English, maths, science, or social studies are required, others can be selected. Schools also provide extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and bands. American teenagers who plan to go to college study hard to get good grades. They are highly motivated and very confident, and take responsibility for their learning.

Many American teenagers have part-time jobs as they want to gain work experience and learn how to manage their money. Many teens work at fast-food restaurants and stores, or do babysitting, and dog walking for neighbours. They also volunteer at local hospitals, food banks, and old people's homes, or take part in clean-up activities to improve their neighbourhood. This community service counts towards the volunteer hours that some schools require for university admission.

The teenage years form an important period of their development that influences adult life. The main goal of this period for most American teenagers is becoming independent, and they work hard both at school and outside school to achieve this goal.

Answer:

2. Work in groups. Discuss the following questions.

(Làm việc nhóm. Thảo luận các câu hỏi sau)

Do American teenagers learn fo become independent in the same way as Vietnamese teenagers? What are the similarities and differences?

Answer:

In terms of similarities, both American and Vietnamese teenagers may seek to become more independent during their teenage years. They may also work part-time jobs or engage in community service activities.

In terms of differences, the cultural and educational contexts in which American and Vietnamese teenagers grow up can play a significant role in shaping their experiences and expectations for independence. For example, the emphasis on individualism in American culture may be different from the emphasis on collectivism in Vietnamese culture. Additionally, the education systems in the two countries may have different approaches to promoting independence and self-direction.

Ultimately, the ways in which American and Vietnamese teenagers learn to become independent may depend on a variety of factors, including cultural norms, family dynamics, education, and personal experiences.