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Đề 19 — Birthday + Success

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


1. Do you usually celebrate your birthday?

Yes, I usually celebrate my birthday every year. I often have a small party at home with my family and close friends. My mother always cooks my favourite food, and we eat a birthday cake together. I think birthdays are special days.

2. What did you do on your last birthday?

On my last birthday, I went out for dinner with my friends at a restaurant near my school. We ate a lot of delicious food and had a lot of fun. After dinner, we went to a karaoke bar and sang together. It was a very memorable evening.

3. What is the best birthday present you have ever received?

The best birthday present I have ever received is a phone from my parents. I was very surprised because I did not expect it. I really needed a new phone for studying and communicating with friends. This gift meant a lot to me because it showed how much my parents care about me.


You see your neighbor’s boy at a game centre during school hours. What should you do: talk to his parents, talk to him, or talk to the shop owner?

I would choose to talk to his parents. I think this is the best solution for this situation.

The first reason is that parents are responsible for their children’s behaviour. They need to know that their son is skipping school to play games. If the parents know, they can educate their child and make sure he goes back to school.

The second reason is that parents’ words are usually more effective. Children listen to their parents more than to strangers. Therefore, if the parents talk to him, he is more likely to change his behaviour and focus on studying.

I would not choose to talk to the boy directly because he is young and may not listen to a stranger. He might even run away or continue playing after I leave. As for talking to the shop owner, it is not their responsibility to take care of other people’s children. The shop owner needs to earn money and cannot refuse customers.

In short, talking to the parents is the most effective way because they have the responsibility and the authority to help their child.


Entering university is not the only way to succeed.

Today, I would like to talk about the idea that entering university is not the only way to succeed in life. I agree with this idea, and I have three reasons.

Firstly, people can succeed through vocational training. Learning a trade such as being a mechanic, a chef, or an electrician can give people practical skills. Many skilled workers earn high salaries without having a university degree. In Vietnam, good mechanics and chefs are always in high demand.

Secondly, some people can succeed by starting their own business. Many famous businesspeople, like the founder of Facebook, did not finish university. What they needed was creativity, hard work, and determination, not a degree. This shows that passion and effort are sometimes more important than formal education.

Thirdly, people can learn by themselves through the Internet. There are many free online courses on websites like YouTube and Coursera. Many successful programmers and designers are self-taught. They learned their skills at home and built successful careers.

In conclusion, while university is a good choice, it is not the only path to success. People can also achieve their goals through vocational training, business, or self-learning. What matters most is their effort and determination.


You came home without saying goodbye to your American friend. Write a letter to: say sorry, explain why, tell your plans for the future and when you will come back.

Dear Mike,

I hope you are doing well. I’m writing this letter to apologize for leaving without saying goodbye to you. I feel really terrible about it.

First of all, I’m very sorry that I couldn’t see you before I left. I know it was rude, and I hope you are not angry with me. You are a very important friend to me.

The reason is that I received an urgent call from my family. My mother was sick, and my father asked me to come home immediately. Everything happened so fast that I had to book a flight right away. I didn’t have time to contact anyone, and I am really sorry about that.

As for my plans, I am now working at a company in Ha Noi. I am also studying English because I want to improve my skills. I dream of working for a foreign company in the future.

I’m planning to come back to America next summer for a short vacation. When I return, I will definitely visit you, and we can hang out like before! I really miss the good times we had together.

Again, I’m really sorry. I hope you understand. Take care and keep in touch!

Your friend, Tuan


Is a university degree necessary for success in life? Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Nowadays, many people discuss whether a university degree is necessary for success. Some people believe that a degree is very important, while others think that people can succeed without one. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.

On the one hand, there are good reasons why a university degree is important. Firstly, a degree gives people better job opportunities. Many companies require a university degree when they hire new employees. Secondly, universities provide systematic knowledge and help students develop their thinking skills. Moreover, students can build a wide network of friends and professors, which is useful for their career.

On the other hand, many people believe that a degree is not always necessary. Many famous businesspeople, such as Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, did not finish university. They succeeded because of their passion and effort. In addition, practical experience is often more valuable than theoretical knowledge in many jobs. People can also learn by themselves through online courses and books, which are often free.

In my opinion, a university degree is helpful but it is not the only factor for success. What matters most is a person’s attitude, determination, and willingness to keep learning throughout their life. A degree can open doors, but success ultimately depends on each person’s effort and mindset.