Bỏ qua đến nội dung

Đề 7 — Hometown + Art

Nguồn: Đề thi thật VSTEP B1 (12/2019 – 12/2020)


1. Where is your hometown?

My hometown is Hai Duong, a small city in the north of Vietnam. It is about 60 kilometers from Hanoi. It is not a big city, but it is a nice and peaceful place to live.

2. Can you describe your hometown?

My hometown is a quiet place with many green rice fields and trees. There are some small markets and a few temples that are very old. The streets are not too busy, and the air is fresh and clean. Overall, it is a lovely place.

3. What do you like most about your hometown?

What I like most about my hometown is the friendly people. Everyone knows each other and they always help one another. In addition, the food in my hometown is very delicious and cheap, especially the bánh cuốn — it is famous in the whole country.

4. Would you prefer to live somewhere else?

No, I would not prefer to live somewhere else. Although my hometown is small, it has everything I need. The cost of living is low, and my family is here. I feel happy and comfortable living in my hometown.


1. Do you like art?

Yes, I quite like art. I enjoy looking at beautiful paintings and listening to music. Sometimes, I also like to draw pictures in my free time. It helps me relax after a busy day.

2. Do you think art is an important part of life?

Yes, I think art is very important. Art helps people express their feelings and emotions. For example, when people feel sad, they can listen to music or paint to feel better. Art also makes our lives more colorful and interesting.

3. Are art classes necessary in schools?

Yes, I believe art classes are necessary in schools. They help students develop their creativity and imagination. Moreover, art classes give students a break from difficult subjects like math and science, so they feel more relaxed at school.

4. How do art classes affect children’s development?

Art classes have a positive effect on children’s development. Firstly, children become more creative because they learn to think in new ways. Secondly, art helps children become more confident when they show their work to others. As a result, they grow up to be more well-rounded people.


Your English teacher is coming back to Vietnam in April. Your class wants to give her a special gift at the airport. Which would you choose: a bunch of flowers, a handicraft, or a nón lá (conical hat)?

I would choose a nón lá. I think it is the best gift for our English teacher.

The first reason is that a nón lá is very unique. It is a symbol of Vietnamese culture, and our teacher cannot buy it in her country. When she brings it home, she can show it to her friends and tell them about Vietnam. It will be a very meaningful souvenir.

The second reason is that a nón lá lasts for a long time. Unlike flowers, it will not die after a few days. Our teacher can keep it in her house and remember us every time she looks at it.

I would not choose flowers because they will wilt quickly, especially on a long flight back to her country. As for a handicraft, it is a nice idea, but we don’t know what kind of handicraft our teacher likes. She might not appreciate it.

In short, a nón lá is the best choice because it is unique, meaningful, and represents our Vietnamese culture.


Taking a gap year is increasingly popular among the young: perform better in college, have time to think, make new friends.

Today, I would like to talk about why taking a gap year is becoming popular among young people. I agree that a gap year has many benefits, and I have three reasons.

Firstly, students who take a gap year can perform better in college. After 12 years of studying non-stop, students feel very tired and stressed. If they take a year off, they can recharge their energy. When they go back to school, they will feel more motivated and study harder.

Secondly, a gap year gives young people time to think about their future. Many students choose a major without knowing what they really want. Thanks to a gap year, they can explore different jobs and discover their true interests. This way, they will not waste time studying the wrong subject.

Thirdly, during a gap year, young people can make new friends. They can travel, do volunteer work, or get a part-time job. These activities help them meet people from different backgrounds and broaden their social network. These connections can be very useful in the future.

In conclusion, I believe that taking a gap year is a great opportunity for young people to rest, find their direction, and build new relationships.


Your English friend is doing a project about seasons around the world. Write a letter about seasons in Vietnam: how many seasons, when do they start/finish, what is the weather like?

Dear Emily,

I’m so glad to hear about your project! Let me tell you about the seasons in Vietnam. I hope this will be helpful for you.

In the north of Vietnam, there are four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Spring is from February to April — the weather is cool and pleasant. Summer starts in May and ends in July — it is very hot and humid, and the temperature can reach 38 to 40 degrees. Autumn is from August to October — this is my favorite season because the weather is cool and comfortable. Winter is from November to January — it can be quite cold, about 10 to 15 degrees.

In the south of Vietnam, there are only two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season is from May to November, and the dry season is from December to April. The south is warm all year round, about 25 to 35 degrees.

I think the best time to visit Vietnam is in autumn because the weather is very nice. I hope this information is useful for your project! Write back soon and tell me about the seasons in your country.

Love, Lan


A friend is visiting your country. Write a letter telling your friend about: what to do, where to stay, and what to pack.

Dear James,

I’m so excited that you are coming to visit Vietnam! Let me give you some useful tips to help you prepare for your trip.

First, about what to do. You should visit Hanoi, the capital city. I suggest you go to Hoan Kiem Lake — it is very beautiful, especially in the evening. You should also walk around the Old Quarter and try the local food like phở and bún chả. If you have more time, I highly recommend going to Ha Long Bay — the scenery is amazing!

Next, about where to stay. I think you should stay at a homestay in the Old Quarter. It is affordable and very convenient because it is close to many famous places. The hosts are usually very friendly and can help you with directions.

Finally, about what to pack. You should bring light clothes because Vietnam is quite hot, especially in summer. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Also, bring comfortable shoes because you will walk a lot. And bring a light raincoat too because it sometimes rains suddenly.

I can’t wait to see you! Write back and tell me your travel dates so I can plan something fun for us.

Love, Hoa