BÀI LUẬN TIẾNG ANH VSTEP B1,B2,C1 (WRITING TASK 2 – ESSAY)
| # 1:
In recent years, the family structure and the role of its members are gradually changing. What kinds of changes can occur? Do you think these changes are positive and negative? |
SAMPLE ANSWER
It is true that these days the family structure has considerably shifted, and the changing roles of men and women in the family has become increasingly similar. There are several new forms of family composition, and in my opinion, these developments are not always desirable. In the past, nuclear families where parents and their offspring living together under one roof used to be prevalent. However, there is now a huge trend towards single-parent families due to more marriages ending in divorce, while the increase in cohabiting couple families and stepfamilies is probably a result of cohabitation and remarriage becoming much more acceptable. In addition, the number of single mother families has increased as many mothers want to have children without getting married. In terms of changing parental roles in a family, there has been a rise in the number of stay-at-home dads in recent years when it has become normal for women to gain qualifications and pursue their own career path. This is in sharp contrast to about half a decade ago when men were breadwinners and women were in charge of household chores in their families.
In my view, the changes described above could have both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, due to the lack of emotional attachment and legal binding, non-traditional households such as stepfamilies and cohabiting parents are more prone to breaking down. Consequently, children of these families are more likely to be involved in antisocial behaviors while their parent may experience feelings of loneliness and worry. On the other hand, the changes in the roles of members in the family could be seen as progress because women are not put under pressure to sacrifice their own careers to assume childcare and domestic responsibilities.
In conclusion, I believe that the changes in the roles of family members and the family structure are both positive and negative because of the aforementioned reasons.
| # 2:
In today’s world of advanced science and technology, we still greatly value our artists such as musicians, painters and writers. What can arts tell us about life that science and technology cannot? |
SAMPLE ANSWER
In this modern era of nonstop scientific and technological advancement, artists still command profound respect from people worldwide. There are a number of things about life that the arts can teach us that science and technology fail to do so.
Many forms of art, especially literature, can deliver messages about the appreciation of what we have in life as well as life itself. Hundreds of literary works choose to depict misery, misfortune, and sorrow that still exist in many places, and this sends the strongest message to those who do not appreciate their lives. “The Goldfinch”, for example, which narrates a resonant story about the miserable life the main character led after the unfortunate death of his mother does make each one of us wonder whether we have become heartless toward our own loved ones. And I doubt that there are any technologies in the world that could manage to convey such powerful messages.
Arts teach us to cherish the beauty of culture and are the fuel for our spiritual lives. This is extremely important in a world where science and technology seem to fade our belief in the gravity of culture in daily life. The connection between arts and culture is here to stay, and traditional music and ancient paintings can remind us of where we came from and who we are at present. That is to say, our cultural identity is preserved in various forms of art.
Although science and technology advance our understanding of all things and better our lives, arts can touch us to a much deeper extent, help us value what we have, and remind us of the significance of our culture.
| # 3:
Some people think that governments should ban dangerous sports, while others think people should have freedom to do any sports or activity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. |
SAMPLE ANSWERS
The media commonly provide a barrage of news about dangerous sports, because the deaths and injuries associated with them often make for spectacular headlines. As a result, some people have claimed that all extreme sports should be banned, although I would argue that such a policy Those in favour of prohibiting people from taking part in dangerous sports tend to focus on the risk element. Even when individuals may be physically and mentally prepared to participate in extreme sports activities, and even when they have all the right equipment, the dangers are ever-present. For example, few sports are as challenging and fraught with danger as BASE jumping. Participants hurl themselves off cliffs or tall buildings, and few escape without suffering severe bruising or acute abdominal pains which normally last for several days. Besides, although sports equipment rarely malfunctions, this may still happen and the consequences may be fatal – such as a BASE jumper’s parachute failing to deploy. The supporters of legislation to ban dangerous sports argue that such tragic outcomes not only affect the individual victims, but also leave mental scars which their families then have to live with for the rest of their lives.
However, I support the view of those who contend that participation in extreme sports must be a matter of personal choice. Firstly, overcoming physical challenges may be a springboard for positive personal transformation. It may make a person stronger and more determined, and the experience may be a life-changing one. Secondly, the rigours of preparation needed to take part in mountain-climbing, white-water rafting, or other such extremely strenuous activities demonstrate that an individual is in peak health and physical condition. Finally, there is an ethical aspect which dictates that a person should have the freedom to pursue the challenges which they set themselves, even though this may involve a level of risk that others might find unacceptable.
In conclusion, while acknowledging the real risks, I would defend the right of any individual to take part in the extreme sport of their choice.
| # 4:
Scientists predict that humans will speak the same language in the future. Do you think it is a positive or negative development? |
SAMPLE ESSAY
The omnipresence of some languages around the globe has resulted in an anticipation that one specific language will be worldwide spoken by all people in the future. While this trend offers some undeniable benefits, I believe that it is a negative development.
On the one hand, it is true that an universal dialect may help remove language barriers, allowing people from different parts of the world to convey their thoughts and ideas more effectively. Using the same language would, as a result, facilitate many fields including international business transactors, cross-border cooperation and tourism. The emergence of English as the predominant communicative language has testified for this advantage. Furthermore, without linguistic barriers, any country could freely communicate and cooperate with others, forming a global village with a myriad of unprecedented opportunities.
On the other hand, I am of the belief that those aforementioned advantages are negligible when compared with the potential consequence. As people around the world speak merely one language, this would lead to the disappearance of many other languages which are integral to national identities of any country. For example, some ethnics’ cultures in Taiwan would be on the edge of extinction, if minor languages of these tribes are replaced by one global dialect, which poses a dire threat to Taiwan’s cultural diversity.
In conclusion, it seems that people can reap a great number of benefits regarding communication thanks to the use of an universal dialect. I firmly hold the view that the drawbacks should not be overlooked and concrete actions should be taken to retain the linguistic diversity in the world.
| #5
Traffic and accommodation problems are increasing and government should encourage businesses to move from cities to rural areas. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? |
SAMPLE ESSAY
In the past, factories were often built close to city areas as the lack of transportation forbade people to do otherwise. However, this is not exactly the case today, when industries and businesses are moving from municipal and into countryside areas in flocks. This essay will elaborate on both positive and negative effects of this trend.
On the positive side, firstly, this movement makes perfect environmental sense. Due to industrial activities, residents of many cities around the world are still breathing in air and consume water dirty enough to cause numerous health diseases. Therefore, moving businesses out of the cities will rid human and other species of pollution. A further advantage of this trend is reducing the gap between the rich and the poor in a country, as countryside dwellers can opt to work in factories with higher pay, rather than agricultural work. This will eventually bring about peace and harmony to society.
On the negative side, doing business in the countryside also represents some notable drawbacks. To begin with, skilled workers are a rarity in rural areas. Most people living in small towns and villages do not receive sufficient education to undertake intellectual jobs. What is also disadvantageous is based in regional areas, companies risk distancing themselves further from their customers, their suppliers and other partners in their business transactions, which can weaken their profitability.
In conclusion, moving business from cities to rural areas can be a smart decision. However, there are disadvantages that should be weighed carefully against the advantages.
Useful words and expressions:
Be in close proximity to: be close to
A flock of: a lot of
To elaborate (v.) to explain further
In flocks: a lot of them.
Rid human and other species of pollution: to make them free of pollution. To make environmental sense: to be good for the environment
To rid somebody of something: remove that thing from someone.
To undertake: To bear the responsibility of, to carry out
Intellectual jobs (n.) jobs that require mental skills.
Weaken their profitability: make it less profitable
Distance yourself from: to stay away from
6. OPINION ESSAY VOLUNTEER WORK.
One reason is that volunteering is beneficial to teenagers’ physical health. Many teenagers nowadays tend to spend much of their free time using social networks, sitting in front of the tv, and playing computer games without doing exercise. An inactive lifestyle would put their physical health at risk. By taking part in some volunteering activities such as cleaning up trash on roads and cleaning up the local canal, they may have the chance to be more physically active and improve their physical fitness.
Another reason why i agree with the idea is that volunteering woulh help increase sense of life satisfaction of teenagers. For example, many teenagers these days volunteer to work at local school to tutor children living in poverty or at soup kitchens to offer prepared food or hot meals to the hungry or the homeless. Helping people who are less fortunate than themselves may allow them to realize their problems are nothing compared to theirs. As a result, they are likely to change their outlook and attitude on life and feel more content with their lives.
Last but not least, doing unpaid work would teach them valuable skills for their life. While taking part in volunteering projects, they may face a number of problems. By working with others to solve the problems, they would gain some useful social skills such as teamwork, solving-problem and communication skills. Therfore, they are more likely to be successful in learning, work and life.
7. CAUSE AND SOLUTION ESSAY OBESITY
One of the main causes of the problem is lack of exercise. Many people nowadays tend to spend their free time playing computer games, sitting in front of the tv, and using social networks such as facebook or tik tok without doing exercise. Consequently, they may gain weight rapidly and become obese. This problem could be solved by doing physical activities on a regular basic. If people usually take part in physical activities such as doing household chores or playing sport, they are able to burn off extra calories and get rid of excess fat. This would allow them to avoid obesity.
Another reason for this is that many children and adults these days eat too much junk food such as hamburgers and chips, and drink sugary drinks such as bottle juices and milk tea. These foods and drinks are often low in nutritional value, are high in calories, and contain a lot of fats, salt and sugar. As a result, they are likely to face the problem with their weight. The way forward might be to follow a healthy diet. People should drink water instead of sugary drinks, and eat a lot of fruit, vegetables as well as boiled or steamed foods because they are not fatty and are rich in nutrients. Besides, it is for people to try to limit their fast food intake. By doing this, it is possible for them to maintain their healthy weight and avoid obesity.
(242 words)
New words:
Tend to: to be likely to behave in a particular way or have a particular characteristic
people tend to need less sleep as they get older.
Are likely to: used to talk about how probable things are
the price of petrol is likely to rise again this year.
On a regular basic: regularly
Intake: the amount of food, drink etc that you take into your body
try to reduce your intake of fat.
8. PROBLEM AND SOLUTION ESSAY CITY LIVING.
BODY 1
One of the major issues of living in the city is high cost of living. Basic necessities such as clothes, and food and drinks in urban areas are often more expensive than in rural locations. For this reason, city residents, especially those who have low incomes, tend to work harder to be able to make ends meet and are unable to save money for unexpected expenses in the future. To solve this problem, city residents should create a budget and cut down on unnecessary expenses such as meals in the restaurant. This would allow them to afford to purchase the basics and save more for a rainy day. (108 words)
One of the major issues of living in the city is high cost of living. Basic necessities such as clothes, and food and drinks in urban areas are often more expensive than in rural locations. For this reason, city residents, especially those who have low incomes, tend to work harder to be able to make ends meet and are unable to save money for unexpected expenses in the future. This problem could be solved by cutting down on unnecessary expenses. In addition, city residents should create a budget and stick to it. This would allow them to afford to purchase the basics and save more for a rainy day. (109 words)
BODY 2
Another worrying problem of living in big cities is poor air quality. There are many vehicles as well as factories in the city, but there are few green spaces. This would lead to high levels of air pollution in the city. Polluted air in the city would put residents’ health at risk. / Therefore, city residents may face a number of health problems. To tackle this problem, the government should create more green spaces in the city by planting more trees and building more public parks. Another possible solution is for the government to encourage city dwellers to take public transport such as buses and subways. Finally, the government should introduce strong environment laws to curb air pollution in the city. (124 words)
9. PROS AND CONS ESSAY COUNTRY LIVING.
Firstly, the air in the country is fresher than in the city. In rural areas, there are fewer vehicles and fewer factories, but there are more trees. All this leads to low levels of air pollution and people who live in the country are more likely to be healthier than those in the city.
Firstly, the air in the countryside is very fresh. The levels of air pollution in the country are low because rural areas often have few vehicles and few factories, but they often have a number of wooded areas. This would help people who live in the country to be healthy.
Secondly, cost of living in the country is quite low. This is because prices of basic necessities in the country such as foods and clothes are often more affordable than in the city. Therefore, people living in the country are able to save more money for unexpected expenses in the future.
Body1
There are several reasons why living in the country is beneficial. Firstly, the air in the countryside is very fresh and clean. The levels of air pollution in the country are low because rural areas often have few vehicles and few factories, but they often have a number of wooded areas. This would help people who live in the country to be healthy. Secondly, cost of living in rural areas is quite low. This is because prices of basic necessities in the country such as foods and clothes are often more affordable than in the city. Therefore, people living in the countryside are able to save more money for unexpected expenses in the future. (113 words)
Firstly, in rural locations, there are not many job opportunities because the majority of companies and enterprises are based in large cities. Therefore, many working adults choose to live in the city in order to find a decent job, make a good living and develop their career. (47 words)
One of the main disadvantages of living in rural locatons is that there are few job opportunities. This is because most companies and factories are based in the city. Therefore, it is often difficult for working adults living in rural areas to find a decent job and develop their career. (50 words)
Another drawback of living in the country is poor healthcare quality. Most rural hospitals are old, run-down and small for the number of patients. In addition, they often lack experienced and qualified physicians. All this may negatively affect the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. (45 words)
Another drawback is that the quality of education in rural locations is often worse than in urban areas. This is because many educators in the country are less experienced and qualified, and most rural schools are old, run-down and small for the number of students. All this may have a negative effect on student learning outcomes. (56 words)
Body 2
Despite the benefits, living in the country also has some evident drawbacks. Firstly, in rural locations, there are not many job opportunities because the majority of companies and enterprises are based in large cities. For this reason, many working adults choose to live in the city in order to find a decent job, make a good living and develop their career. Another drawback of living in the country is poor healthcare quality. Most rural hospitals are old, run-down and small for the number of patients. In addition, they often lack experienced and qualified physicians. All this may negatively affect the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. (104 words)
Do you prefer to study alone or in a group?
I would rther study alone because i can easily focus on what i need to study. On top of that, i can decide on what subject i want to study. Also, i can decide on how long, when, and where i want to study.
I would rather study with my classmates because we can discuss the lessons together and understand them more deeply. On top of that, we can help each other with tough exercises. Last but not least, i never feel bored or sleepy when studying with friends.
10. CAUSE AND SOLUTION ESSAY OBESITY
One of the main causes of the problem is lack of exercise. Many people nowadays tend to spend their free time playing computer games, sitting in front of the tv, and using social networks such as facebook or tik tok without doing exercise. Consequently, they may gain weight rapidly and become obese. This problem could be solved by doing physical activities on a regular basic. If people usually take part in physical activities such as doing household chores or playing sport, they are able to burn off extra calories and get rid of excess fat. This would allow them to avoid obesity.
Another reason for this is that many children and adults these days eat too much junk food such as hamburgers and chips, and drink sugary drinks such as bottle juices and milk tea. These foods and drinks are often low in nutritional value, are high in calories, and contain a lot of fats, salt and sugar. As a result, they are likely to face the problem with their weight. The way forward might be to follow a healthy diet. People should drink water instead of sugary drinks, and eat a lot of fruit, vegetables as well as boiled or steamed foods because they are not fatty and are rich in nutrients. Besides, it is for people to try to limit their fast food intake. By doing this, it is possible for them to maintain their healthy weight and avoid obesity.
(242 words)
New words:
Tend to: to be likely to behave in a particular way or have a particular characteristic
people tend to need less sleep as they get older.
Are likely to: used to talk about how probable things are
the price of petrol is likely to rise again this year.
On a regular basic: regularly
Intake: the amount of food, drink etc that you take into your body
try to reduce your intake of fat.
NGUỒN : SƯU TẦM
