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II. SKILLS
Listening
1. Listen to a short talk by a student advisor. What is it about?
A. Tips on how to become independent.
B. Doing a part-time job while studying abroad.
C. Advice on how to learn a foreign language.
2. Listen again and complete the notes with no more than TWO words for each answer.
Advice for students while studying abread
Learning the foreign language
• helps you understand the lectures at the university and (1) ______ the exams
• enables you to take part in (2) ______ local people, thus making you more confident in your daily life
Getting a part-time job
• earns some (3) _____ to cover expenses and start saving
• helps you gain some (4) _____
Learning how to cook for yourself
• saves you lots of money
• gives you a sense of freedom and (5) _____
Speaking
1. Work in pairs. What can you do to become more independent while studying abroad? Give your reasons.
Example: I think I'll become more independent by learning to cook for myself. It's very expensive and unhealthy to eat out frequently. Besides, the food in the country where I'll be studying may not suit me, so it'd be nice if I could prepare dishes from my own country.
2. Work in groups. What skills do you think you will gain while studying abroad? Report your group's answer to the class.
Reading
1. Read the text. Choose the best heading (1-5) for each paragraph (A-C). There are TWO extra headings.
1. How the art is preserved
2. Who the performers are
3. How to appreciate the art
4. When and how it was created
5. Where we can learn this form of music
DON CA TAI TU: THE VOICE OF THE SOUTHERN PEOPLE
Recognised as UNESCO's world cultural heritage in 2013, don ca tai tu has been an important part of people's life and work in the Mekong River Delta region.
A. _____
Having appeared in the late 19th century, don ca tai tu became a popular art form in southern Viet Nam. It started as daily entertainment for the village farmers, who were good neighbours and close friends. After working hard in the fields, the neighbours usually gathered together to sing and relax. This was the time when people started performing this kind of music.
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B. _____
Typically, the men in the group play the instruments while the women sing. Most of the musicians and singers are not professionally trained; they are just music lovers performing with all their heart. They usually perform at events such as weddings and traditional festivals,
and the melodies express different moods and feelings.
C. _____
Today, tourists can enjoy don ca tai tu performances in southern Viet Nam, where local artists perform at floating markets or in fruit gardens. Such performances help preserve the art form and allow artists to reach
a wider audience, including people from around the world.
2. Read the text again and decide whether the statements are true (T) or false (F).
| T | F | |
| 1. Don ca tai tu was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2013. | ||
| 2. Don ca tai tu was originally performed at important ceremonies. | ||
| 3. All the performers of this art form are well-trained and perform on big stages. | ||
| 4. Don ca tai tu can be heard at different events such as weddings and festivals. | ||
| 5. Performances of don ca tai tu at floating markets help keep the art alive for future generations. |
1. Work in pairs. Read the advert below and discuss what other information you want to know about how to become a club member.
Don ca tai tu Club
Open to all folk music lovers
Are you interested in traditional folk singing?
Are you looking for a club for folk music lovers?
Join us for lots of fun activities!
Contact information:
Email: [email protected]
Address: 100 Hoa Binh Avenue, Can Tho City
2. Write an email (140-170 words) to the club president asking for more information about how to become a club member. Use the outline below to help you.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing this email to ...
First, I would like to know...
Second, I wonder...
Finally, ...
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
(name)
