Communication

A. Describe a challenge that you had to face in life. In pairs, answer the following questions:

(Mô tả một thách thức mà bạn đã phải đối mặt trong cuộc sống. Theo cặp, trả lời các câu hỏi sau)

1. What was the challenge?

2. When did you face that challenge?

3. What did you do to overcome it?

Answer:

1. The challenge I faced in high school was struggling with math. I had difficulty understanding and grasping mathematical concepts, which resulted in low grades.

2. I faced this challenge throughout my high school years, as math was a core subject that I had to take every semester.

3. To overcome this challenge, I sought help from my math teacher, who provided extra tutoring and explained concepts in a way that was easier for me to understand. I also spent more time practicing math problems and watching online tutorials. Additionally, I formed a study group with my classmates who were also struggling with math, and we helped each other with homework and studying for exams. Through consistent effort and support, I was able to improve my math skills and achieve better grades.

B. People face challenges for different reasons, but there is usually some reward when they accomplish their goal. What are three or four challenges in life that cannot be avoided? (For example, it can be a challenge to get along well with all of our family members or neighbors.) What are the rewards if we face those challenges? Discuss these questions in pairs.

(Mọi người phải đối mặt với những thách thức vì những lý do khác nhau, nhưng thường có một số phần thưởng khi họ hoàn thành mục tiêu của mình. Đâu là ba bốn thử thách trong cuộc đời không thể tránh khỏi? (Ví dụ, việc hòa thuận với tất cả các thành viên trong gia đình hoặc hàng xóm của chúng ta có thể là một thách thức.) Phần thưởng nếu chúng ta đối mặt với những thách thức đó là gì? Thảo luận những câu hỏi này theo cặp)

Answer:

Some challenges that many people face in life and possible rewards for overcoming them:

• Dealing with failure: Failure is a part of life, and everyone faces it at some point. The reward of overcoming failure is the growth and resilience that come from learning from our mistakes and moving forward.

• Managing stress: Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but too much stress can lead to health problems and emotional distress. Overcoming stress can lead to improved well being and greater productivity.

• Building relationships: It can be challenging to build strong, healthy relationships with others, whether it's with family, friends, or colleagues. The reward of overcoming relationship challenges is the joy and support that comes from having meaningful connections with others.

• Pursuing personal goals: Setting and achieving personal goals can be a challenging process, but the rewards are the sense of accomplishment and personal fulfillment that come from realizing our dreams.

C. Tell your partner about two or three challenges in your life that you chose for yourself. Why did you choose to do those things?

(Nói với đối tác của bạn về hai hoặc ba thử thách trong cuộc sống mà bạn đã chọn cho mình. Tại sao bạn lại chọn làm những việc đó?)

Answer:

Suggestions:

Partner: Hi, what are some challenges that you chose for yourself in your life?

Me: Well, I can think of a couple of them. One was learning a new language and the other was running a marathon.

Partner: Those are interesting challenges. Why did you choose to do those things?

Me: I always wanted to learn a new language, and I found it to be a really challenging and rewarding experience. As for running a marathon, I wanted to challenge myself physically and mentally, and it was something I had never done before.

Partner: That's impressive. What were some of the difficulties you faced when trying to learn a new language?

Me: The biggest challenge for me was trying to memorize all of the new vocabulary and grammar rules. It required a lot of repetition and practice, but it was worth it in the end.

Partner: And what about the marathon? What was the hardest part of that challenge?

Me: Running 26.2 miles was definitely a physical challenge, but the mental challenge was just as difficult. It required a lot of mental toughness to keep going when my body wanted to quit.

Partner: I can imagine. What were the rewards of completing these challenges?

Me: For me, the reward of learning a new language was being able to communicate with people from different cultures and countries. And for the marathon, the reward was the sense of accomplishment and pride in knowing that I could push myself to do something I never thought possible.

D. In pairs, rank the information from 1 (most specific) to 3 (least specific). Discuss your reasons.

(Theo cặp, xếp hạng thông tin từ 1 (cụ thể nhất) đến 3 (ít cụ thể nhất). Thảo luận về lý do của bạn)

1. ______ children ______ two-year-old boys ______ two-year-olds

2. ______ vehicles ______ airplanes ______ transportation

Answer:

Option 1:

1. ______ two-year-olds

2. ______ children

3. ______ two-year-old boys

Reasoning: "Two-year-olds" is the most specific because it refers to a very narrow age range. "Children" is a more general term that includes a wider age range, and "two-year-old boys" is even more specific than "children" because it narrows down the age range and gender.

1. ______ airplanes

2. ______ vehicles

3. ______ transportation

Reasoning: "Airplanes" is the most specific because it refers to a specific type of vehicle used for air travel. "Vehicles" is a more general term that includes all types of transportation, including cars, buses, trains, etc. "Transportation" is the least specific because it encompasses all types of movement from one place to another.

Option 2:

1. ______ two-year-old boys

2. ______ two-year-olds

3. ______ children

Reasoning: "Two-year-old boys" is the most specific because it refers to a very narrow age range and gender. "Two-year-olds" is a more general term that includes both boys and girls within a narrow age range, and "children" is the least specific because it encompasses a wide age range and both genders.

1. ______ transportation

2. ______ vehicles

3. ______ airplanes

Reasoning: "Transportation" is the most specific because it encompasses all modes of movement from one place to another, including vehicles and other means of travel. "Vehicles" is a more specific term that refers only to things that are designed to transport people or goods, while "airplanes" is the least specific because it refers to a specific type of vehicle used for air travel.

E. Circle the correct conjunction to complete each sentence.

(Khoanh tròn liên từ đúng để hoàn thành mỗi câu)

1. And / Or / But / Although the employees made a lot of effort, the company didn't make a good profit last year.

2. I'm focusing on my English study so / because / but / when I want to work as an interpreter in the future.

3. She is a very bright student, or / when / but / so she should be aware that she still has a lot of things to learn.

4. Bob wants to stay in shape, so / because / when / although he goes running every day.

5. Or / Although / After / And he graduated from high school, he went to America to continue his studies.

Answer:

1. Although the employees made a lot of effort, the company didn't make a good profit last year.

2. I'm focusing on my English study because I want to work as an interpreter in the future.

3. She is a very bright student, but she should be aware that she still has a lot of things to learn.

4. Bob wants to stay in shape, so he goes running every day.

5. After he graduated from high school, he went to America to continue his studies.

F. Choose one of the challenges you told your partner about in A. Follow the steps.

(Chọn một trong những thử thách mà bạn đã nói với đối tác của mình trong phần A. Làm theo các bước)

1. In your notebook, write one sentence to describe the challenge.

2. Under the sentence, list key words about what happened. How did you face the challenge? What happened after that?

Answer:

1. In your notebook, write one sentence to describe the challenge.

The challenge was struggling with math and having difficulty understanding mathematical concepts, resulting in low grades.

2. Under the sentence, list key words about what happened. How did you face the challenge? What happened after that?

• Key words:

Struggling with math, difficulty understanding, low grades, sought help, math teacher, extra tutoring, explained concepts, practicing math problems, watching online tutorials, study group, classmates, homework, studying for exams, consistent effort, support, improve math skills, better grades.

• How did you face the challenge?

To face the challenge, I sought help from my math teacher, spent more time practicing math problems, watched online tutorials, and formed a study group with my classmates who were also struggling with math.

• What happened after that?

After seeking help, practicing more, and studying with a group, I was able to improve my understanding of math and ultimately achieve better grades in the subject.

Goal check

1. Use your sentence and notes from F to write an email (150-180 words) to Jane, telling her about a challenging experience from your own life. Start with the topic sentences below or write your own. Then, add details with interesting, specific information. Use conjunctions where appropriate.

Hi Jane,

It's been a while since i last heard from you. I'm having a great time here with my family.

Let me tell you about a challenging experience from my own life. When I was ________________ years old, I decided to ________________

It was a challenge because __________________

Lots of love,

___________________

2. Read your email aloud to a small group. After each person has finished reading, tell him or her which information was interesting to you. Ask questions.

Answer:

Hi Jane,

It's been a while since I last heard from you. I'm having a great time here with my family.

Let me tell you about a challenging experience from my own life. When I was in high school, I had a difficult time with math. I struggled to understand mathematical concepts, which resulted in low grades.

It was a challenge because math was a core subject that I had to take every semester, and my grades were not reflecting my effort. However, I decided to seek help from my math teacher, who provided extra tutoring and explained concepts in a way that was easier for me to understand. I also spent more time practicing math problems and watching online tutorials. Additionally, I formed a study group with my classmates who were also struggling with math, and we helped each other with homework and studying for exams. Through consistent effort and support, I was able to improve my math skills and achieve better grades.

Looking back, this experience taught me the importance of seeking help and not being afraid to ask questions. It also showed me the power of working with others towards a common goal.

I hope this message finds you well. Let's catch up soon!

Lots of love,

[Your Name]