Unit 1:
LOCAL ENVIROMENT

A visit to a traditional craft village
Nick: There are so many pieces of pottery here,
Phong. Do your grandparents make all of them?
Phong: They can't because we have lots of
products. They make some and other people
make the rest.

Nick: As far as I know, Bat Trang is one of the most famous traditional
craft villages of Ha Noi, right?
Phong: Right. My grandmother says it's about 700 years old.
Mi: Wow! When did your grandparents set up this workshop?
Phong: My great-grandparents started it, not my grandparents. Then
my grandparents took over the business. All the artisans here are my
aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Mi: I see. Your village is also a place of interest of Ha Noi, isn't it?
Phong: Yes. People come here to buy things for their house. Another
attraction is they can make pottery themselves in workshops.
Nick: That must be a memorable experience.
Phong: In Viet Nam there are lots of craft villages like Bat Trang. Have
you ever been to any others?
Mi: I've been to a conical hat making village in Hue!
Nick: Cool! This is my first one. Do you think that the various crafts
remind people of a specific region?
Mi: Sure. It's the reason tourists often choose handicrafts as
souvenirs.
Phong: Let's go outside and look round the village.

Unit 2:
CITY LIFE

Duong's first visit to Sydney

Paul: Me? Yes, I was born and grew up here. Sydney's my hometown.

Duong: Hey, Paul! Over here!

Duong: It's fabulous. Is it an ancient city?

Paul: Hi, Duong! How's it going? Getting over the jet
lag?

Paul: No, it's not very old, but it's Australia's biggest city, and the history
of our country began here.

Duong: Yes, I slept pretty well last night. Hey, thanks so
much for showing me around today.

Duong: Wow! So what are the greatest attractions in Sydney?

Paul: No worries, it'll be good fun.
Duong: So, are you from around here?

Paul: Well, its natural features include Sydney Harbour, the Royal National
Park, and Bondi Beach. Man-made attractions such as the Royal Botanic
Gardens, Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge are also well
known to visitors.
Duong: What about transport?
Paul: Public transport here is convenient and reliable: you can go by bus,
by train, or light rail. Taxis are more expensive, of course.
Duong: And is Sydney good for shopping?
Paul: Of course! You know, Sydney's a metropolitan and multicultural city,
so we have a great variety of things and foods from different countries. I'll
take you to Paddington Market later, if you like.
Duong: Wonderful. What about education? Are there many universities?
Paul: Sydney has five big universities and some smaller ones. The oldest of
them was set up in 1850, I believe.
Duong: Oh, it sounds like a good place to get higher education. I like this
town!

Unit 3:
TEEN STESS AND PRESURE

“She's been a bit tense lately…”
Phuc: Oh, I doubt it... She's already fully
booked for the weekend with her maths class,
English class, judo class, and music lesson!
Amelie: Hi Phuc! Where's Mai? Isn't she
coming?

Phuc: She said she was too tired and didn't want to go
out. She's been staying up late studying for the exam. 
Nick: Does she need to be that stressed out?
Phuc: Maybe not. But my parents always expect her to
get good grades and she doesn't want to disappoint
them. They want her to go to a top college and study
medicine
Amelie: Really? She told me she wanted to be a
designer…
Phuc: Yes, that's why she's been a bit tense lately. She
doesn't know what to do. My parents said design
graduates wouldn't find jobs easily and they wanted her
to get a medical degree.
Amelie: Oh, I understand. Sometimes I wish my parents
could put themselves in my shoes…
Nick: Anyway, Mai needs to take a break. I'll call and ask
her if she wants to go and see a film with us tomorrow.

Unit 4:
LIFE IN THE PAST

Preserving the past
Father: This is a present for you, son.
Nguyen: A kite! How cool! Thank you,
dad.
Father: I made it for you, just like
your grandfather used to make one
for me.

Nguyen: I love it. So when you were a kid, what did you use to do
for entertainment?
Father: Oh, it was all very simple back then. We didn't have
television or the internet. A mobile movie team used to come
once every two months, and everyone from the village would be
there. The children were always early, trying to get a place near
the screen.
Nguyen: I suppose it was a special occasion, wasn't it

Nguyen: Is it a family tradition?

Father: Sure.

Father: Yes, for generations.

Nguyen: I wish there were movie teams like that now.
Father: Yeah, it was a lot of fun.
Nguyen: Then how did you get to know about the world outside?
Father: We had the radio; actually, only wealthy people did. The
whole village used to listen to the news programme through a
loudspeaker.
Nguyen: Wow, I can't imagine that.
Father: I know. The world's changed a lot, son. It's much easier
now.

Unit 5:
WONDERS OF VIET NAM

A trip to Hue City
Veronica: Guess what? I'm going to Hue City next
week.
Mi: That's great! Are you excited?
Veronica: Very! You've been there, haven't you?
Mi: Yes, I have. Three times, actually. It's an
amazing place. How are you getting there?

Veronica: My father suggests we should go by air.
Mi: That's too expensive! I suggest going by train. You can
meet people and see a lot of beautiful
Veronica: That sounds better. And do you know any good
places to stay in Hue City?
Mi: I'd recommend the Romance Hotel. I can give you the
address if you like.
Veronica: Great, thanks. What's the best way to get around?
Mi: It's probably best to use rickshaws. It's said that they're
quicker and cheaper than taxis.
Veronica: Hmm, that's good to know. So what are the things
we shouldn't miss – any good museums?
Mi: Er no, don't bother going to the museums. There are
much better things to see there. You should definitely see the
Royal Citadel. It's said that this complex of monuments is one
of the wonders of Viet Nam. In fact, it's listed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
Veronica: Yes, that's what I've heard. So what else is worth
seeing?

Unit 6:
VIET NAM THEN AND NOW

Our school in the past
Duong: Can you believe it's the school's 60th anniversary?
Phuc: I know! I really like the photo exhibition. It's
fascinating to see how the school used to look.
Duong: Right! The photos explain a lot about our school in
the past. 
Tom: Look – these two pictures were taken in 1970.

Phuc: Wow, that long ago? The school looks more like
thatched houses with paddy fields all around. You can see
there were only a few classrooms and the walls were made
of mud and straw and, look – trenches! 
Duong: I think that was during the war so it was necessary
to have the trenches right there. 
Tom: Ha… the students in this picture are wearing rubber
sandals and straw hats. 
Nhi: Hey, and these pictures were taken in 1985. Look at the
broken tiled roof and wooden window frames… and some of
them are missing. 
Duong: Yes, I can't imagine how those students could study
in such poor conditions! 
Phuc: Right! Things have improved considerably now. We
have everything… comfortable classrooms, learning facilities
like computer rooms… 
Nhi: Yeah, we also have nice uniforms and proper shoes.
We're much luckier these days… But, I'm not sure our grades
are better… 

Unit 7:
RECIPES AND EATING HABITS

My favourite salad

Nick's mum: Please, do. I'll boil the prawns.

Nick's mum: Today we're making a prawn salad, which is
a favourite of mine.

Mi: So, do English people eat lots of salad?

Mi: Fantastic. I love salad.

Nick's mum: Yes, especially in the summertime. People often serve salad
as a starter. But salads also make a healthy lunch or supper.

Nick's mum: This salad is simple but delicious. Here are
the ingredients: prawns, celery, spring onions,
mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Mi: You're right, they're so versatile. And you can put anything in a salad.

Nick: What should I do first, Mum?

Nick: Yes

Nick's mum: Get a big bowl for me. And then can you
wash the celery?

Nick: Mum, the prawns are pink now.
Nick's mum: They're pink?

Nick: Sure.

Nick's mum: Good, they're ready. I'll drain them. Nick, can you peel
them? Mi, could you chop the celery and spring onions? You should be
careful if you use the red knife – it's sharp. 

Mi: I can wash the spring onions if you like, Mrs Warner.

Mi: Right, everything's ready. What do we do next?
Nick's mum: OK, first, combine the prawns and celery in the bowl. Add
two tablespoons of mayonnaise, half a teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon
of pepper and some lemon juice. Now, mix all the ingredients well.
Nick: OK 
Nick's mum: Finally, add the spring onion on top. Now we cover the bowl
and leave it in the fridge for an hour. You've done a good job, both of
you.
Mi: I can't wait to try it.
Nick: Yeah, I'm starving! An hour is a long time… 

My favourite salad
Nick's mum: Today we're making a prawn salad,
which is a favourite of mine.
Mi: Fantastic. I love salad.
Nick's mum: This salad is simple but delicious. Here
are the ingredients: prawns, celery, spring onions,
mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Mi: I can wash the spring onions if you like, Mrs Warner.
Nick's mum: Please, do. I'll boil the prawns.
Mi: So, do English people eat lots of salad?
Nick's mum: Yes, especially in the summertime. People often serve salad as
a starter. But salads also make a healthy lunch or supper.
Mi: You're right, they're so versatile. And you can put anything in a salad.
Nick: Mum, the prawns are pink now.

Nick: What should I do first, Mum?

Nick's mum: They're pink?

Nick's mum: Get a big bowl for me. And then can you
wash the celery?

Nick: Yes

Nick: Sure.

Nick's mum: Good, they're ready. I'll drain them. Nick, can you peel them?
Mi, could you chop the celery and spring onions? You should be careful if
you use the red knife – it's sharp. 
Mi: Right, everything's ready. What do we do next?
Nick's mum: OK, first, combine the prawns and celery in the bowl. Add two
tablespoons of mayonnaise, half a teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of
pepper and some lemon juice. Now, mix all the ingredients well.
Nick: OK 
Nick's mum: Finally, add the spring onion on top. Now we cover the bowl
and leave it in the fridge for an hour. You've done a good job, both of you.
Mi: I can't wait to try it.
Nick: Yeah, I'm starving! An hour is a long time… 

My favourite salad
Nick's mum: Today we're making a prawn salad,
which is a favourite of mine.
Mi: Fantastic. I love salad.
Nick's mum: This salad is simple but delicious.
Here are the ingredients: prawns, celery, spring
onions, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Nick: What should I do first, Mum?
Nick's mum: Get a big bowl for me. And then can
you wash the celery?
Nick: Sure.
Mi: I can wash the spring onions if you like, Mrs
Warner.
Nick's mum: Please, do. I'll boil the prawns.

Mi: So, do English people eat lots of salad?
Nick's mum: Yes, especially in the summertime. People often serve salad
as a starter. But salads also make a healthy lunch or supper.
Mi: You're right, they're so versatile. And you can put anything in a salad.
Nick: Mum, the prawns are pink now.
Nick's mum: They're pink?
Nick: Yes
Nick's mum: Good, they're ready. I'll drain them. Nick, can you peel
them? Mi, could you chop the celery and spring onions? You should be
careful if you use the red knife – it's sharp. 
Mi: Right, everything's ready. What do we do next?
Nick's mum: OK, first, combine the prawns and celery in the bowl. Add
two tablespoons of mayonnaise, half a teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon
of pepper and some lemon juice. Now, mix all the ingredients well.
Nick: OK 
Nick's mum: Finally, add the spring onion on top. Now we cover the bowl
and leave it in the fridge for an hour. You've done a good job, both of
you.
Mi: I can't wait to try it.
Nick: Yeah, I'm starving! An hour is a long time… 

Unit 8:
TORISM

Travel plans
Nick: Hi, Chau. How are things?
Chau: Good. Have you made up your mind
about where to go on holiday?
Nick: Well, I've narrowed it down to two
countries – my first choice is France and my
second is Japan. What do you think?
Chau: Well, France is one of the largest
countries in Europe. Since we've got a fourweek summer holiday, you could go on a cycling
tour of the country or go on a package tour.

Nick: No, I'm not into package tours. I'd like to visit the Alps,
and climb Mont Blanc - the highest mountain in Western
Europe. I'd also love to explore Paris, and go sightseeing in
the historic city of Versailles.
Chau: Sounds exciting! I think it's quite warm there, much
warmer than in Britain. I can just picture you, tanned and
relaxed, tasting delicious local specialities like frogs' legs and
snails!
Nick: Ha ha! That's not really my cup of tea. Perhaps I should
go to Japan and stay at a seaside resort, eating sushi and
sashimi every day! Anyhow, Japan is only my second choice.
Chau: Right. So what do your parents think about your plans?
Nick: Oh, they're cool. I'm glad that they let me make my own
decisions.
Chau: Lucky you. Whatever you decide, you'll have a good
time.
Nick: So what about you? Planning anything?
Chau: Well, my family … (fades out)

Unit 9:
ENGLISH IN THE WORLD

English club
Teacher: Welcome to English Club. Today, I'm going to
do a quick quiz to check your knowledge of the
English language. Question one: Is English the
language which is spoken as a first language by most
people in the world? 
Duong: Of course, it is. 
Teacher: Incorrect. Chinese is. Question two: Does
English have the largest vocabulary? 
Vy: Yes, with approximately 500,000 words and
300,000 technical terms. 

Teacher: Yes, spot on! This is due to the openness of the English
language. English has borrowed words from many other
languages. 
Duong: Yeah, if there weren't so many words, it would be easier
for us to master it! 
Teacher: Ha ha… But the simplicity of form makes English easy
to learn. Many English words have been simplified over the
centuries. Now, question three: Who can tell me an English
word that can operate as a noun, a verb, and an adjective? 
Mai: I think the word subject can operate as a noun, a verb and
an adjective. 
Teacher: Excellent. In English, the same word can operate as
many parts of speech. That's due to its flexibility. Question four:
What is the longest word in English which has only one vowel? 
Duong: Is it length?
Vy: No, I think it's strengths. 
Teacher: That's right, Vy. Lastly, question five: Who can tell me
at least three varieties of English? 
Mai: American English, Australian English, and... er, yes, Indian
English.

Unit 10:
SPACE TRAVEL

A mission to Mars
Nick: Wow, is that you in this photo? The
youngest astronaut in the world doing a
spacewalk!

Phuc: A meteorite! What was it like?

Phuc: Ha! Yeah, it was in a museum in Sweden.

Phuc: But perhaps it was from Mars. Think of that!

Nick: You look so excited!
Phuc: Well, that trip made me crazy about
space. Before I turned ten, I'd already collected
lots of books about the universe. I'd learnt
about the planets, the stars, satellites, rockets,
and stuff.
Nick: You know, last year I visited an astronomy
museum and I touched a meteorite.

Nick: Honestly, it wasn't as impressive as I'd expected. It was just like
an ordinary piece of rock.
Nick: Maybe. Do you think there could be life on Mars?
Phuc: It's possibly habitable. It once had an ocean... Who knows, in 20
years we might be flying there on a discovery mission.
Nick: Haha, but we'd need to do some serious training first. They say
you practise by scuba diving in a flight suit...
Phuc: That's right. And you also have to experience microgravity on a
parabolic flight.
Nick: What's that?
Phuc: The plane flies at high altitude, then it climbs sharply for a few
seconds and descends sharply, a bit like a rollercoaster. The people
inside the plane start to float. I'd love to do that.
Nick: Sounds a bit scary. But let's take a look at your rock collection.
There may be something interesting here...
Phuc: Yes, perhaps a meteorite that landed on Earth from the moon!

Unit 11:
CHANGING ROLES IN SOCIETY

Into the future
Interviewer: We have invited some students from
Oak Tree School in Happy Valley to this Beyond
2030 forum, and they are going to share with us
their vision of the future. Would you like to go
first, Phong?
Phong: I believe the biggest change will take
place within the school system. Apart from at
school, we will also be learning from places which
will give us real-life knowledge and experience,
such as at a railway station, in a company, or on a
farm.

Mai: I agree. This real-life application of learning will give us a sense
of participation, a feeling that we are part of the process.
Interviewer: And what about the role of teachers?
Phong: Ah, they will be more like facilitators, rather than
information providers.
Interviewer: Fascinating. How else do you see the future, Nguyen?
Nguyen: Well, I think the role of fathers will drastically change.
Interviewer: Oh yes? In what way?
Nguyen: The modern father will not necessarily be the breadwinner
of the family. He may be externally employed or he may stay at
home to take care of his children.
Interviewer: And do the housework?
Nguyen: Yes. It's work, paid or not, isn't it?
Mai: Absolutely. The benefit will be that children will see their
fathers more often and have a closer relationship with them. I don't
see much of my dad, but I love every moment I spend with him.
Interviewer: Well, we are certainly covering some interesting topics
…

Unit 12:
MY FUTURE CAREER

What subject will you choose?
Veronica: ... I've been choosing my school subjects
for next year. I've decided to take a vocational GCSE*
along with some traditional academic subjects.
Nhi: A vocational GCSE? What's that?
Veronica: Well, GCSEs are secondary certificates of
education which are studied by students aged
between 14 to 16. In vocational subjects, students
can study a work sector like applied business, design,
health, or tourism.

Nhi: Isn't it hard to study both academic and vocational
subjects at the same time? And isn't it too soon to be doing
vocational training?
Veronica: Well, no… they offer an applied approach to learning
so it's not too difficult or too soon. I think it adds variety.
Nhi: Oh, I see! What area are you interested in?
Veronica: Leisure and Tourism.
Nhi: So, what job opportunities are there in tourism?
Veronica: A lot. You can work as a housekeeper, receptionist,
tour guide, lodging manager, chef, or event planner. You can
also work in customer service…
Nhi: Sounds interesting! What if you change your mind later?
Veronica: No worries. I can still progress to further education to
take A levels*. With A levels, I can go to college or university.
What about you?
Nhi: My dad is encouraging me to choose biology, chemistry,
and physics.
Veronica: Wow! To become a doctor?
Nhi: Yeah, we've discussed becoming a doctor, but I may also
become a biologist.