Topic 47: Describe a place in a village you visited.

PART2

You should say:

where it is
when you visited this place.
What you did there

and how you felt about visiting this place.

ANSWER

I am really into traveling, as I consider it the best way to socialize with people from all walks of life, enjoy specialties, and go sightseeing. More importantly, it provides countless golden opportunities to enrich my knowledge and unwind after long days at work. I have been to many magnificent places and exhilarating cities in my country.

A village that comes to mind as soon as I see the topic is a local market in Sapa, which is a small town in the mountainous area of northern Vietnam and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Vietnam.

I had a chance to visit Sapa in 2019 with my husband. I read some news that the nature is superb, the local people are genuinely hospitable, and the scenery is breathtaking. I was exhilarated and excited to explore it.

During our stay, we stopped by an outdoor market where locals usually buy an assortment of goods. It was a particularly intriguing and novel experience for me.

The first thing I’d like to mention is that the market was a big difference compared to what I used to see in the city. The locals were walking around in their traditional attire, which was incredibly colorful and brightened up the whole atmosphere.

Around us were all sorts of products, from special clothing items to fresh ingredients that could not be found locally.

But what really struck me most was the collection of traditional handicrafts there. After walking around a few stalls, I decided to buy a scarf with distinct tribal patterns and some local souvenirs for my family, all of which were good bargains.

All in all, I was glad to visit the market since it offered a chance for me to interact with the very welcoming people in Sapa and immerse myself in an authentic, local environment. It was definitely an eye-opening experience. Besides, I could also support the local communities by buying souvenirs and gifts. If there’s a chance, I would love to revisit this place.

PART 3

Is there anything special about the villages in Vietnam?

Yes, of course. In many villages, traditional culture and customs are well preserved. Local people attach much importance to Vietnamese festivals and celebrate them in a unique way. Compared with people in the cities, those who live in villages lead a healthier and less stressful lifestyle. What’s more, the relationship among neighbors is simple and close. People in the same village always help each other whenever necessary.

Why do people want to go to the countryside?

Based on my observation, the majority of citizens reside in rural areas instead of in large metropolises.

Many people prefer the tranquility and slower pace of life that rural areas often provide. The countryside can offer a closer connection to nature and a sense of community.

In addition, rural areas may have a lower cost of living compared to cities, which can be beneficial for elderly individuals living on fixed incomes.

Last but not least, the public who have spent their lives in rural areas may have deep-rooted connections to their communities, including family, friends, and neighbors, which can be a strong incentive to remain in the countryside.

For all of these reasons, I guess old people are more into country life.

What do people usually do when going to a village?

When people visit a village, their activities can vary depending on their interests, the specific village they are visiting, and the purpose of their visit. Based on my observation, there are some common activities that people may engage in when going to a village, such as going sightseeing and exploring scenic spots.

Experiencing local culture and tradition is really rewarding, whether by attend festivals, listen to music and dance performances, or learn about traditional recipes and culinary practices. One of the highlights of visiting a village is interacting with the local residents.

Last but not least, they will have golden chances to enjoy local cuisine by trying traditional dishes and specialties unique to the village, picking fresh produce, or learning about traditional farming practices.

Do you think people will live in the village in the future?

Actually, it is hard to say. It depends on the situation of the village. In the future, if the village is well developed and has all kinds of public facilities, people may be willing to live there because there are many advantages to living in the village. For example, people can stay away from the noise and lead a peaceful and quiet life. They won’t be obsessed with trends and may live as simply and freely as they like. Also, people have more chances to do physical exercise. However, I think most people still prefer to live in the city instead of in the less developed villages.

Do young people enjoy living in the countryside?

No, most teenagers find living in the country bothersome. Actually, there are fewer recreational facilities, such as shopping malls, parks, pubs, restaurants, sports facilities, and theaters, in the countryside. So they find living in rural areas really monotonous, as they cannot get away from stress when it comes to entertainment.

More importantly, the lack of educational institutions or large enterprises in rural areas prevents them from advancing their job opportunities and career paths.

Do old people prefer to live in the countryside or in the city?

Based on my observation, the majority of senior citizens reside in rural areas instead of in large metropolises.

Many elderly people prefer the tranquility and slower pace of life that rural areas often provide. The countryside can offer a closer connection to nature and a sense of community.

In addition, rural areas may have a lower cost of living compared to cities, which can be beneficial for elderly individuals living on fixed incomes.

Last but not least, elderly people who have spent their lives in rural areas may have deep-rooted connections to their communities, including family, friends, and neighbors, which can be a strong incentive to remain in the countryside.

Why do many people move from small towns to big cities?

Many people relocate to metropolises for better career options and better facilities for entertainment, education, and medical assistance. Big cities usually offer greater employment possibilities than small cities or the countryside.

Secondly, big cities offer better entertainment facilities. For example, movies, theater, and concerts

Other pull factors that encourage migration to urban areas include better education opportunities, better health care, improved access to social services and opportunities for social and cultural activities, better public transportation, outside dining, and entertainment activities.

What’s the difference between living in the countryside and living in the city?

In my humble opinion, living in urban and rural areas offers distinct lifestyles and has several disparities.

Firstly, the countryside is characterized by open spaces, natural landscapes, and a quieter atmosphere. It often offers cleaner air, less noise pollution, and closer proximity to nature. On the other hand, cities are densely populated, with tall buildings, busy streets, and more developed infrastructure. Cities tend to have more pollution, both in terms of air quality and noise.

Secondly, cities are typically more densely populated than rural areas, which can lead to crowded streets, public transportation, and public spaces. In contrast, the countryside has a lower population density, allowing for more spacious living and a sense of tranquility.

In addition, urban areas generally have a wide range of recreational facilities, including shopping malls, entertainment venues, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and a variety of restaurants and cultural attractions. Rural areas, while they may have basic services, often have fewer options and may require traveling to nearby towns or cities for certain amenities.

Moreover, metropolitan areas are known for offering countless job opportunities across various industries. They tend to have more diverse job markets, higher salaries, and better access to career advancement. Rural areas, on the other hand, often have limited job opportunities, with a focus on agriculture, forestry, or industries specific to the region.

Last but not least, the cost of living in cities is higher than in rural areas. Cities tend to have higher housing costs, transportation expenses, and the overall cost of goods and services. In contrast, the countryside often offers a lower cost of living, including more affordable housing options and lower expenses for daily necessities.

How has life changed in the countryside in your country?

People’s lives in rural areas have improved tremendously, in my opinion, as a result of enhanced educational institutions.

Moreover, citizens enjoy a sense of well-being because they are provided with a better healthcare system and entertainment facilities.

Lastly, infrastructure is progressing because our governments have invested a large amount of money in it.

VOCAB

socialize with people from all walks of life.

Nghĩa: giao tiếp với mọi người từ mọi tầng lớp xã hội
Phiên âm: /ˈsoʊʃəˌlaɪz wɪð ˈpiːpl frɒm ɔːl wɔːks ɒv laɪf/
Living in a diverse city allows you to socialize with people from all walks of life and from different cultural backgrounds and professions.

go sightseeing

Nghĩa: đi tham quan, ngắm cảnh
Phiên âm: /ɡoʊ ˈsaɪtˌsiːɪŋ/
During my trip to Paris, I went sightseeing at famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

enjoy specialties

Nghĩa: thưởng thức đặc sản
Phiên âm: /ɪnˈdʒɔɪ ˈspɛʃəltiz/
Ví dụ: When visiting Italy, don’t forget to enjoy the country’s specialties like pizza, pasta, and gelato.

enrich SB’s knowledge

Nghĩa: làm giàu kiến thức của ai đó
Phiên âm: /ɪnˈrɪtʃ sʌmbədiz ˈnɒlɪʤ/
Attending educational seminars and reading books can help enrich a person’s knowledge on a variety of subjects.

Unwind -v

Nghĩa: thư giãn, nghỉ ngơi
Phiên âm: /ʌnˈwaɪnd/
After a long day at work, I like to unwind by listening to music or taking a relaxing bath.

Magnificent -adj

Nghĩa: lộng lẫy, tráng lệ
Phiên âm: /mæɡˈnɪfɪsənt/
The view from the mountaintop was absolutely magnificent, with breathtaking scenery stretching as far as the eye could see.

Exhilarating -adj

Nghĩa: thăng hoa, hứng khởi
Phiên âm: /ɪɡˈzɪləˌreɪtɪŋ/
Riding a roller coaster can be an exhilarating experience that fills you with excitement and adrenaline.

tourist attractions

Nghĩa: điểm thu hút du khách
Phiên âm: /ˈtʊrɪst əˈtrækʃənz/
The city is filled with various tourist attractions, such as museums, historical landmarks, and beautiful parks.

Superb -adj

Nghĩa: tuyệt vời, xuất sắc
Phiên âm: /suːˈpɜːrb/
The restaurant served a superb five-course meal with exceptional flavors and presentation.

genuinely hospitable,

Nghĩa: thân thiện, hiếu khách một cách chân thành
Phiên âm: /ˈʤɛnjuːɪnli ˈhɒspɪtəbəl/
The locals in that small village were genuinely hospitable, welcoming visitors with open arms.

Intriguing -adj

Nghĩa: hấp dẫn, lôi cuốn
Phiên âm: /ɪnˈtriːɡɪŋ/
The detective novel had an intriguing plot that kept readers guessing until the very end.

novel experience

Nghĩa: trải nghiệm mới lạ
Phiên âm: /ˈnɒvəl ɪksˈpɪəriəns/
Traveling to a foreign country and immersing yourself in a different culture can be a novel experience that broadens your perspective.

traditional attire

Nghĩa: trang phục truyền thống
Phiên âm: /trəˈdəʃənl əˈtaɪər/
During cultural festivals, people often dress in traditional attire to showcase their heritage and customs.

brighten up.

Nghĩa: làm sáng lên, làm tươi sáng
Phiên âm: /ˈbraɪtən ʌp/
Adding colorful flowers to the room can brighten up the space and create a more cheerful atmosphere.

What really struck me most

Nghĩa: điều thực sự ấn tượng nhất với tôi
Phiên âm: /wɒt ˈriːəli strʌk miː məʊst/
When I visited the Grand Canyon, what really struck me most was the sheer size and awe-inspiring beauty of the natural wonder.

traditional handicrafts

Nghĩa: đồ thủ công truyền thống
Phiên âm: /trəˈdɪʃənəl ˈhændikræfts/
The market was filled with stalls selling traditional handicrafts, including pottery, handwoven textiles, and intricate wood carvings.

tribal patterns

Nghĩa: hoa văn bộ lạc, bộ lạc họa tiết
Phiên âm: /ˈtraɪbəl ˈpætərnz/
The fabric was adorned with vibrant tribal patterns, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous community.

All in all,

Nghĩa: nhìn chung, tổng cộng
Phiên âm: /ɔːl ɪn ɔːl/
All in all, the event was a great success, with a large turnout and positive feedback from attendees.

an eye-opening experience

Nghĩa: trải nghiệm mở rộng tầm mắt, mở mang kiến thức
Phiên âm: /æn ˈaɪˌoʊpənɪŋ ɪksˈpɪəriəns/
Volunteering in a developing country was an eye-opening experience that made me appreciate the privileges I have and understand different cultures.

be under a lot of pressure.

Nghĩa: gánh chịu áp lực lớn
Phiên âm: /biː ˈʌndər ə lɒt əv ˈprɛʃər/
Students preparing for exams often find themselves under a lot of pressure to perform well.

engage in -v

Nghĩa: tham gia vào, thực hiện
Phiên âm: /ɪnˈɡeɪʤ ɪn/
It’s important to engage in regular physical exercise to maintain good health.

scenic spots

Nghĩa: địa điểm cảnh quan đẹp
Phiên âm: /ˈsiːnɪk spɒts/
The country is known for its breathtaking scenic spots, such as mountains, waterfalls, and pristine beaches.

Rewarding -adj

Nghĩa: đáng công, đáng làm, đáng giá
Phiên âm: /rɪˈwɔːrdɪŋ/
Helping others in need can be a rewarding experience that brings a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Enjoy local cuisine.

Nghĩa: thưởng thức ẩm thực địa phương
Phiên âm: /ɪnˈdʒɔɪ ˈloʊkəl kwɪˈzin/
When traveling, it’s a great opportunity to explore and enjoy the local cuisine, trying out unique dishes and flavors.

well-developed -adj

Nghĩa: phát triển tốt, hoàn thiện
Phiên âm: /wɛl dɪˈvɛləpt/
The city has a well-developed transportation system, efficient infrastructure, and modern facilities.

Be obsessed with

Nghĩa: ám ảnh, mê mẩn
Phiên âm: /əbˈsɛst wɪð/
She is obsessed with collecting vintage vinyl records and spends hours searching for rare finds.

Bothersome -adj

Nghĩa: phiền toái, làm phiền
Phiên âm: /ˈbɒðərsəm/
The constant noise from construction work next door is bothersome and makes it difficult to concentrate.

recreational facilities

Nghĩa: cơ sở giải trí, tiện ích vui chơi
Phiên âm: /ˌrɛkriˈeɪʃənəl fəˈsɪlətiz/
The resort offers a wide range of recreational facilities, including swimming pools, tennis courts, and a spa.

Monotonous -adj

Nghĩa: đơn điệu, nhàm chán
Phiên âm: /məˈnɒtənəs/
Doing the same repetitive task every day can become monotonous and tiresome.

educational institutions

Nghĩa: cơ sở giáo dục
Phiên âm: /ˌɛdʒʊˈkeɪʃənəl ˌɪnstɪˈtuːʃənz/
The city is known for its prestigious educational institutions, which attract students from all over the world.

relocate to -v

Nghĩa: chuyển đến, định cư tại
Phiên âm: /riːˈloʊˌkeɪt tuː/
After getting a job offer, she decided to relocate to a new city to start her career.

disparity

Nghĩa: sự chênh lệch, sự khác biệt
Phiên âm: /dɪˈspærɪti/
There is a significant disparity in income levels between the rich and the poor in this country.

a sense of tranquility

Nghĩa: một cảm giác yên bình, thanh bình
Phiên âm: /ə sɛns ʌv træŋˈkwɪləti/
Walking through the peaceful garden gave her a sense of tranquility and inner peace.

recreational facilities

Nghĩa: cơ sở giải trí, tiện ích vui chơi
Phiên âm: /ˌrɛkriˈeɪʃənəl fəˈsɪlətiz/
The community center offers a variety of recreational facilities, including a swimming pool, gym, and sports fields.

a sense of well-being

Nghĩa: một cảm giác khỏe mạnh, hạnh phúc
Phiên âm: /ə sɛns ʌv wɛl ˈbiɪŋ/
Practicing mindfulness meditation can contribute to a sense of well-being and mental clarity.

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Topic 46- Describe a city that you think is very interesting