17th November 2022
A low-fi home recording of a new song with the working title of ‘Lavender Girl’.
Special thanks to Ms Huong for making the unbearable bearable.
Thanks to the friends in the video
Butterfly Decal are Niall Keohane and Paul Pacifico
This track written by Keohane & Pacifico ⓒ 2022
Thank you very much for listening
24th March 2021
I took this photo on Nguyễn Huệ Street, which is in District 1, during Tet Holiday. As this is the biggest celebration in Viet Nam, the streets are bustling and vibrant, furthermore it is so uplifting seeing happy, smiling people. Many ladies simply adore dressing up in traditional Áo dài, dresses which are made from silk. In my opinion, these two friends look so beautiful although they tell me that their dresses, which cost an arm and a leg, can be terribly hot and uncomfortable. However they only wear them once in a blue moon. They were so happy when I took their photo as it will enable me to share some Vietnamese culture with the world.
A quick recap – we have encountered these words so far in our 1000 mile journey:
lingua franca / genre / obligatory / compulsory / uplifting
enable / bustling / vibrant / generated / derived from / enable / purchase (buy) / devour (eat or consume a lot)
utterly depressing / simply adore
Not forgetting our arsenal of idioms:
it’s raining cats and dogs
it costs an arm and a leg
piece of cake
I’m burning the candle at both ends
once in a blue moon
pass with flying colours
turn over a new leaf
put your nose to the grindstone
bear with me
kick the bucket
NOW … your turn
Write me a short IELTS-style piece (only three or four sentence) about Tet Holiday – what you do, what you eat, special traditions, personal stories … having said that … you have to include:
two idioms // at least two L-FWs // two adverbs // two great adjectives //
use of pronunciation features
Are you ready ? Yes, Sir !
Piece of cake, right ?
Quick fire quiz – what idioms could you use for ?
money, cost, prices // working or studying //
changing behaviour or bad habits // no problem
weather // something that happens very rarely
Speaking practice – work in pairs or small groups and ask each other about cinema – but – at IELTS standard. To wit, include:
Types of films you like (genre). Give examples.
Where you go or how you watch movies and why
Favourite actors or directors
REMEMBER – give as much information as you can – complex sentences, L-FWs, idioms; remember to speak fluently with discourse markers and, not forgetting, express your emotions in your voice.
Next Lesson, we shall assist Countess Dương in boosting her vocabulary, as well as focusing on listening to native speakers and endeavouring to imitate their speech patterns:
If you have missed the first classes, catch up here –
Lesson 1: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2020/10/28/ielts-my-hometown/
The review for that lesson can be accessed here: https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2021/03/17/ielts-hitting-the-ground-running-an-introduction-to-idioms-for-a-new-class/
A special thanks to my sweet friend Ms Hanna for graciously allowing me to use her photo.
Goodbye, see you next week
18th March 2021
To help my young learners have a better classroom experience, I have to introduce some basic rules, based on the teaching of the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551 BC – 479 BC).
RESPECT
Your parents
Your grandparents
Your teachers
If your teacher asks you to do something, you must not say, “No.”
You will be sent out of the class and the centre will tell your parents.
Sit nicely. Listen to your teacher.
Write down new words.
Do not shout or disturb the class.
I will give you two warnings. On the third warning, you will be sent out of the class and Student Care will tell your parents.
You will then have to bow to your teacher and the class and say sorry.
Education is one of the most important parts of life
Confucius said,
“Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.”
Confucius said,
“Isn’t it a pleasure to study and practice what you have learned?”
The Analects, Chapter I
From my visit to Ha Noi, 2014.
Students come to this temple, which was built in 1070, to bring good luck and success in exams. The temple, an oasis of calm in the bustling metropolis of the nation’s capital, has been rebuilt and restored several times over the centuries.
16th December 2020
A compilation of exercises for students to plan a day out for visitors to their city.
Firstly, an example demonstrating an IELTS-style structure:
Where would you like to visit in Viet Nam (or your own country) and why ?
I show them a plan:
Introduction / First good point / second good point / something negative / conclusion
I choose Hoi An
Introduction: DON’T answer immediately but introduce the answer by rephrasing (paraphrasing) the question:
Vietnam has many beautiful places but my choice would be Hoi An.
First Good Point:
Firstly, Hoi An is a historical city with a wonderful Japanese bridge and lovely old shops. At night, the shops use romantic lanterns.
Second Good Point:
Hoi An is close to Da Nang, so I can fly there easily and quickly. There are many things to see and do in the local area.
Now, something negative
However, Hoi An is very small and can be extremely crowded in summer. Maybe it will be difficult to find a hotel or a table at a good restaurant.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Hoi An is a very special place to visit because it is a town of Vietnamese culture.
How to build sentences:
Use adjectives to describe nouns (beautiful, historic, romantic)
adverbs to describe adjectives and verbs – give more information (very, easily)
opinion phrases (in my opinion)
linking words to connect positive to positive or positive to negative – discourse markers (however, furthermore, consequently, therefore)
reasons and examples why an action is being done (because) or such as …
For IELTS students, ALWAYS think how you can use an idiom e.g.
I have been burning the candle at both ends, so I really need a break
I only take a holiday once in a blue moon
Travelling can be extremely expensive, but a bus ticket to Da Nang, although time-consuming, doesn’t cost and arm and a leg.
Now – your turn:
Where do you want to visit ? Where would you most like to visit ? This can be in Vietnam or anywhere … think BIG.
Activity:
Present a holiday using a mixture of advertising slogans and practical information. Remember:
It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it
Make your voice sound excited, as if this were the best holiday ever ! You have to use intonation and stress.
Holiday terms:
transfers / half-board / all -inclusive / amenities / package tour / itinerary /
Language:
breathtaking / visually – stunning / sensational / incredible / remarkable / exclusive /
once in a lifetime experience / never to be forgotten / unbeatable prices / book now to avoid disappointment / best decision you’ll ever make
holidays to suit all budgets , from 7* luxury to backpacking
Structure:
To begin with / furthermore … additionally / the fact is … / therefore
Demonstration with an advert for London:
Now is the perfect time to visit London, England’s glorious capital.
To begin with, the weather is perfect for walking, so you can enjoy the lush parks, world-famous museums and incredible, unbelievable shops such as Harrods, Selfridges and so many more.
Furthermore, there is something for everyone … and more ! Like sports ? Go to one of the many Premier League football games. Love shopping ?
The fact is, everything is here – shop till you drop !
Additionally, if you adore culture – soak up hundreds of years of history.
Flights from TSN airport daily. Seven-day all-inclusive package tour starting from only 50m VND ! All transfers and transport included. Air-conditioned mini bus with Vietnamese-speaking guide.
Therefore, don’t delay … book TODAY !
Sell a holiday
Advertising vocabulary and intonation
Prepare a presentation to market / sell a holiday.
Review: New vocabulary
sensational / once in a lifetime / luxury / all-inclusive / unforgettable experience / mysterious / majestic / breathtaking / visually-stunning
book now to avoid disappointment / exhilarating / world-famous
local food / new cultures / visit our website / worth every penny
fun for all the family/ the perfect getaway /
Plan a tour of your city for my friend
It is his first time in your hometown. He likes history, traditional food, and he wants to buy souvenirs.
Think about:
What time to start
What to do first
Logistics – how Ethan can get around the city (subway, bus, taxi, Grab or Uber)
Food – where to eat and what to choose. Remember, he only speaks English
Where to go (remember the heat OR the rain could be an issue / a problem).
Explain your choices
Try to incorporate (use) these adjectives:
interesting // historical // fascinating // authentic
typical // bustling // lively // thought-provoking
Mind map – Travel
I start by writing the word ‘travel’ on the board, and see how many avenues spread out from it. Start with the grammar; what type of word is it (noun) but it can be made into a verb (to travel, travelling) and the students should remember how to apply it to a person (traveller).
Then we have expressions such as ‘travel broadens the mind.’
We have this quote which introduces metaphor – the world as a book:
Then more pedestrian aspects of travel; how do we travel (transportation), preparation (booking tickets, hotels, visas etc), what do we bring with us (different clothes, sun cream, currency, sun glasses etc). How about culture shock ?
Next, what are the positive aspects of travelling (new cultures, fun, adventure, relaxation) and conversely, the negatives (delays, waiting in soulless airports, getting ripped off, tourist traps, bad hotels etc)
Pair work: students have to write a short passage using ‘although‘ and ‘despite‘ to encapsulate their travel experiences or wishes.
EXAMPLES: Although I absolutely love travelling, there are many drawbacks. Firstly, there is the cost; it can be incredibly expensive what with plane tickets and hotels not to mention having to eat out in restaurants. Despite these issues, travelling can be so relaxing or exciting, seeing new places and doing new things or simply as a break from our normal lives.
Vietnam has many beautiful towns and places of interest although I have only been to a few of them despite travel being relatively cheap in this country. We can fly everywhere within one or two hours, at very reasonable prices although some cheap airlines, such as Vietjet, are notorious for delays.
I have always wanted to visit Beijing in China which is not excessively far from Sai Gon. Despite that, I haven’t been because I am not sure about the visa and how expensive it would be to visit. Additionally, I hear some negative things such as terrible pollution and many tourist scams. Despite the drawbacks, I really want to see the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace and all the temples. Although Vietnam and China have a complicated relationship, most Vietnamese would agree that Chinese food is delicious.
These exercises help to increase vocabulary and confidence. Furthermore, the repetition helps to make the target language part of the students’ lexical resources.
As a break from the book work, I’ll show the class a vlog from YouTube, two tourists who come to Sai Gon and what they think of the city: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iw_K-1AmVk
How do the tourists feel about the city ? As residents, do you agree with the review ?
Students can discuss the video using the following language:
I agree totally // I agree to an extent // I disagree // I’m not entirely sure // No way ! They don’t know what they are talking about !
optimistic // uninformed // delusional // open-minded // enthusiastic
Group work: Prepare a guide to Sai Gon for tourists.
Allow students access to the class computer for Google images if required.
Include
What to see and do // where and what to eat // what to buy //
What they can do for entertainment
Travel tips
Safety and scams
Cultural differences – what should people do or NOT do in Vietnam ?
Use of interesting adjectives to describe the city centre.
Groups can then present to the class, with all students taking turns speaking. I shall be listening for relevance, pronunciation and use of expressions and discourse markers. Furthermore, I may learn some interesting tips.
My friend Andy is coming to Sai Gon
Using ‘should’ to give advice or information, make suggestions for Andy.
He loves history … what should he visit or see ?
He loves traditional food … what should he eat ?
He can’t ride a motorbike … how should he travel ?
He likes a beer a night (!) … where should he go ?
My Thai friend is coming to Vietnam:
Ms Namsum is young and energetic. She’s into (really enjoy) clubs, sightseeing and shopping.
I suggest she starts the day with a traditional bowl of pho then goes to Sai Gon centre. She can walk there from her hotel in District 1 or take a taxi (Vinasun or Malin ONLY). She will be out of the heat and has a lot of shopping choices and places to eat or grab a coffee. She could rest at her hotel in the afternoon, then go to Nguyen Hue walking street when it gets cooler in the evening. She has many restaurants in this area. Furthermore, there are many English-language menus. Finally, she can go to Bui Vien street where there are many clubs and bars, as well as many tourists speaking English.
What do they students think ? Is that a good plan ? Have I missed something important ?
Language to use:
I see your point
That’s a good idea but …
If I may make a suggestion …
I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.
For example – That’s a good idea but you haven’t thought about sightseeing.
Or
Bui Vien can be very noisy so I’m not sure that’s such a good idea for a young lady on her own.
Two of my friends, Tom and David who are both actors, are coming to Sai Gon. The students, in groups, have to arrange a fun day including sightseeing, shopping, eating and transportation. Then they have to compare their itineraries and exchange views and opinions. The students learn how to politely disagree with each and put forward their ideas and support their choices.
PLAN A DAY FOR TOM & DAVID
Where can they eat ?
What could they see or visit ?
How can they travel around ?
What can they buy as souvenirs ?
Where could they go at night ?
What safety advice would you give ?
What you need to know:
Both are 45-years old. They have good jobs and a good income. They like history and culture. They really enjoy good food and wine. Neither speaks any Vietnamese. They are too old for very loud clubs but they don’t mind having a few beers and maybe seeing some live music.
The students can make a presentation, and use the computer for images or maps to illustrate their plan. Then the other team can explain what they have organised, and the reasons why. I will decide which team has made the best choice.
Activity: Plan a day out for my friends.
I have two friends arriving in Sai Gon (or your city). They want a typical, authentic experience. Plan a day for them. It must include:
Give tips and advice.
How do they travel around ?
What are their options and estimate the prices.
Try to use as much new vocabulary as possible, words and expressions.
Directions to Pham Ngo Lao Street District 1 // Directions to a city centre street.
Ask for help. Other must offer as much help – how to get there, the best way, the price, the dangers. Body language – distance, expression, intonation, eye contact etc
Is Sai Gon safe ?
Can you understand Vietnamese people speaking English ?
Do you agree with their points ?
Are there any words you didn’t understand ?
Do you have any bad experiences ? Tell the class your anecdote.
Word bomb– what do you think of when I say ‘hotel’ ?
Checking in to a hotel
Vocabulary:
reception / lift or elevator / single or double room / king size bed or twins /
first floor / complimentary breakfast / key deposit / luggage storage / safe / mini bar
What would the conversation be ?
Reception: How may I help you / May I ask your name ? / Can I see your reservation code ? / That’s fine. You stay for three nights ? / May I have your passport, please ? / You’re in room 237. That’s on the second floor / Thank you. Sign here, please / Yes, the lift is just over there. / Naturally, as well as a hair dryer, coffee machine and mini bar. / Enjoy your stay.
Guest: Hello, we have a reservation / We booked a room online / My name’s ….. / Certainly, it’s on my phone. / Yes, that’s right. / Absolutely. / Correct. / Just a second; here you are./ Is there a lift ? / The second floor ? / Is there a safe in the room ? / Perfect. Thanks very much
Make a conversation. One student will be the reception, the other(s) a guest or guests.
Write your own conversation
You are in a hotel bar and you meet another guest. Start a polite conversation, but you have to use your English.
Greet each other
Why are you in this city ? (holiday or on business)
Offer to buy a drink (accept or decline – maybe you don’t drink alcohol)
How long are they staying ? What do they think of the hotel ? What can they do in the area around the hotel ?
Small group work
You are two married couples who meet on a tour and are staying at the same hotel OR you are on a business trip and meet some other business people.
Use the following sentences, as well as your own, to make a conversation. try to keep speaking for as long as possible by using small talk techniques (oh, really / that’s interesting / tell me more / what do you do exactly ? / where is that ? / Sounds interesting)
My wife and I are delighted to meet you
Shall we go to the bar or cafe ?
Can offer name first (I’m Simon, what’s your name ?)
Would you fancy a drink … ?
Is there anywhere special to do here ?
Sorry, I have to get my head down, it’s been a long flight (I need to sleep).
My colleague and I were going out to eat.
I fancy a beer or something alcoholic
Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t ask where you are from.
Reasonable (cheaper)
Would you like to join us ?
Peckish (little hungry)
What do you think of these hotel rooms ?
What do you think of the design ?
Would you like to stay in any of these ? Why, or why not ?
How much do you think they cost per night ?
Bangkok
Ice hotel, Sweden
Backpacker hostel, Indonesia
4th December 2020
People
Alice in Wonderland (book and picture) // Young Learners 4 // 26th October 2019
Archimedes // Adult Professionals. Mechanics. Theme: Archimedes // 26th February 2020
Buzz Aldrin // Young Learners 5 // 10th November 2019
Louis Armstrong // Young Learners, Level 2 // 1st June 2019
Art: Dali, Dada, Surrealism // Adult Speaking Class, level 3: Dali, Dada & Surrealism // 23rd April 2020
Asian salesgirls (mobiles) // Adult C, L 1 // 20th February 2019
David Bowie // Young Learners 4 // 16th November 2019
Isabard Kingdom Brunel // Adult Professionals / Mechanics Part 2 // 23rd January 2020
Fillipo Brunelleschi // Adult professionals // architecture
Robert Capa // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3. Theme: War Museum
Captain Cook // Young Learners 5 // 10th November 2019
Tom Cruise // Young Teens // 17th January 2019
Salvador Dali // Young Teens // 27th February 2019
Salvador Dali // Adult C, L 3 // 23rd September 2019
Dali & his art // Young Learners 4 // 26th October 2019
Dali // Adult Speaking Class, level 3: Dali, Dada & Surrealism // 23rd April 2020
Charles Dickens // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3
Fyodor Dostoevsky // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3. Theme: Crime & Punishment
Nguyen Du (‘Tale of Kieu’) // Young Teens // 17th January 2019
Le Duan // Adult Speaking Class, level 3: April 30th // 5th April 2020
Bob Dylan // Adult C, L 3 // 3rd December 2019 /// Adult C, L 3 / // 19th August 2019
Guy Fawkes // Adult C, L 3 // 5th November 2019
Guy Fawkes // Young Learners 5 // 10th November 2019
Alfred Hitchcock // Adult C, L 3 // 12 November 2019
Sherlock Homes // Adult C, L 3 // 12 November 2019
Lê Hoàng Hùng // Adult C, L 3 // 12 November 2019
James I // Young Learners 5 // 10th November 2019
The Joker (Heath Ledger) // Young Teens // 27th February 2019
Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Pham Nhat Vuong //Adult C, L 3 //5th Nov 2019
Scarlett Johannsson // IELTS // What do you like this film ? // 6th April 2020
Kenny Jones // IELTS 5-6.5 // 25th September 2019
Franz Kafka // Adult C, L 3 // 23rd September 2019
Franz Kafka // IELTS 5-6.5 // 25th September 2019
Dr Henry Kissinger // Adult Speaking Class, level 3: April 30th // 5th April 2020
Stanley Kubrick // Young Learners 4 // 16th November 2019
Christopher Lee // Adult C, L 1 // 2 January 2019
Bela Legosi // Adult C, L 1 // 2 January 2019
John Lennon // Adult C, L 3 // 23rd September 2019
John Lennon // IELTS 5-6.5 // 25th September 2019
Wyndham Lewis // Adult C, L 1 // 12 & 19 December 2018
George Mallory // Young Learners 5 // 10th November 2019
Sir Ian McKellen // Adult C, L 1 // 5th March 2019
Man from Taured // Adult C, L 3 // 12 November 2019
Ho Chi Minh // Adult C, L 3 // 23rd September 2019
Ho Chi Minh // IELTS 5-6.5 // 25th September 2019
Wei Minzhi // IELTS 5-6.5 // 25th September 2019
Kim Phuc // Adult Speaking Class, level 3: April 30th // 5th April 2020
Peter O’Toole on Letterman // Young Teens // 17th January 2019
Marco Polo // Young Learners 5 // 10th November 2019
Elvis Presley // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2
REM // Adult Speaking Class, Level 1: information // 16th April 2020
Mies van der Rohe // Adult professionals // architecture
Shakespeare // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3
Ringo Starr // Adult C, L 1 // 5th March 2019
T-ara // Adult C, L 3 // 23rd September 2019
Tchaikovsky // Adult C, L 3 // 4th December 2019
Theseus & the Minotaur // Young Learners 5 // 6th October 2019
Tsai Ing-wen // Taiwan: Listening Extra 12th April 2020
Alan Turing // Young Learners 5 // 17th November 2019
Vlad The impalor // Adult C, L 1 // 2 January 2019
Christop Waltz // Adult C, L 1 // 26th February 2019
Ludwig Wittgenstein // IELTS // 28th January 2019
Natalie Wood // Adult C, L 3 // 15 August 2019 \ 12 November 2019
Photos
Alcimbado // Young Learners 1 // 26th May 2019
Animals // KG 1 // 2nd March 2019
Architectural styles // Adult Speaking Class, level 2 // 9th January 2020
Art // Adult Speaking Class, level 3: Art // 13th April 2020
Asian icons // Adult C, L 3 // 15th August 2019
Bad note-taking // Teenagers // 12th January 2019
Basquet // Teenagers: Architecture & Mythology // 13th March 2020
John Bercow // Young Learners 1 // 13th April 2019
Siddharta, the Buddha // IELTS: Hello, India // 24th January 2020
David Carradine (Kill Bill) // Young Learners 1 // 24th April 2019
Henri Cartier-Bresson // Young Learners 4 // 26th October 2019
Marc Chagall // Young Learners, Level 1 // 26th May 2019
Marc Chagall // KG 1 // 7th December 2019
Kalpana Chawla (Indian astronaut) // IELTS: Hello, India // 24th January 2020
Child proteges // Young Learners, Level 4 // 1st June 2019
Chimp feeding tiger // Adult Speaking Class, Level 1:What do you need ? // 21st May 2020
John Constable // Teenagers: Architecture & Mythology // 13th March 2020
Christmas, Germany // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2
Christmas, UK // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2
Christmas, UK – food // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3: food // 19th April 2020
Corona virus in Vietnam // IELTS 4 – 5 // Implementing precautions // 25th March 2020
Countries // Young Learners, Level 5 // 29th August 2019
Cute Japanese cafe Travel talk // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: Travel talk // 5th May 2020
Cute McDonalds girl // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2
Benedict Cumberbatch photobomb // Teenagers // 20th January 2019
Daisy & Anna // Beginners’ English Part 4
Julie Delpy // Adult Class, Level 3: Generally speaking // 28th April 2020
Dynamo (magician) on bus Travel talk // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: Travel talk // 5th May 2020
Families // Adult C, L 3 // 7th November 2019
Food: English breakfast // Adult Speaking Class, Level 1
Food (UK, USA, Korea, Sweden) // Young Learners 3 // 13th July 2019
Gandhi // IELTS: Hello, India // 24th January 2020
Gym equipment // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3. Theme: Health // 27th January 2020
Hamley’s toy shop // Young Learners 2 // 26th April 2019
Kitchen items // Beginners’ English Part 4
Kraftwerk // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: Describing clothes // 19th March 2020
Interesting buildings // Young Learners 3 // 13th July 2019
Jazz stars // Young Learners 1 // 24th April 2019
Jun Ji-hyun // Young Learners 2 // 1st June 2019
Las Vegas hotels // Adult Speaking Class, Level 1: information // 16th April 2020
London history and architecture // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: London // 18th April 2020
Lost in Translation // IELTS // What do you like this film ? // 6th April 2020
Wyndham Lewis // Teenagers: Architecture & Mythology // 13th March 2020
May Day – Nigeria, Hawaii, USSR, UK //Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: May Day // 5th May 2020
Nelson Mandela // Adult Speaking Class, Level 2: Describing clothes // 19th March 2020
‘Man Pointing’ // Young Learners 4 // 26th October 2019
Market research call centre // Adult C, L 3 // 8th January 2019
Mike the Monkey as animals // KG 1 // 7th December 2019
Ho Chi Minh’s house // Adult C, L 3 // 4th December 2019
National Museum, Seoul // Adult Speaking Class, Level 1: information // 16th April 2020
Noble laureates // IELTS // Writing exercises // re-arrange poor writing // 12th May 2020
Kim Phuc // Adult Speaking Class, level 3: April 30th // 5th April 2020
Ngo Than Van (Veronica Ngo) // IELTS // 14th January 2019
Nicholas ‘Elvis’ (friend) // Young Learners 4 // 1st May 2019
Robert de Niro // Beginners’ English, Part 2
Pete (friend) on bass // Young Learners 4 // 22nd June 2019
Pete with Kenny Jones // IELTS 5-6.5 // 25th September 2019
Poland (Krakow) // Adult Speaking Class, level 2
Ms Quynh (friend) // Young Learners 4 // 26th October 2019
Rock stars // Adult Speaking Class, L 3: Describing people // 27th May 2020
Ronaldinho // Young Learners 2 // 1st June 2019
Russia // Adult C, L 3 // 4th December 2019
Seurat ‘Sunday Grande Jatte // Young Learners 1 // 16th March 2019
Shops // Young Learners 3 // 3rd August 2019
Shopping – compound nouns // IELTS // 7th January 2019
Shopping in Viet Nam // IELTS // 10th April 2019
Signs (Indonesia) // Young Learners 4 // 22nd June 2019
Signs (Singapore) // 21st August 2019
Sleeping student // Young Learners 4 // 22nd June 2019
Sleeping student // Young Learners 5 // 25th August 2019
Nicola Sturgeon // IELTS 4 – 5 // Implementing precautions // 25th March 2020
‘t’ words // KG 1 // 5th May 2019
Tutankhamun // Young Learners 2 // 1st June 2019
UK (beach, breakfast, pub) // Adult C, L 2 // 27th May 2019
Vietnam // Young Learners 5 // 25th August 2019
Vietnam – famous Vietnamese // IELTS // 14th January 2019
Vietnamese folk painting // Young Learners 1 // 26th May 2019
Vietnamese karaoke // Young Learners 3 // 17th August 2019
Vietnamese police stopping cyclists // Adult C, L 1 // 5th March 2019
Vietnam traditional industries // IELTS // 30th July 2019
Vietnam war and related // Adult Speaking Class, level 3: April 30th // 5th April 2020
Wedding dresses // Adult Speaking Class. Theme: Love & marriage Part 2
Mark Wiens // Young Learners 2 // 25th August 2019
Harri Won // IELTS // 7th January 2019
Thay Paul photos
Bangkok (Al & Alison) // Adult Speaking Class, Level 3, Part 4 // 27th January 2020
Berlin 1990s // Young Learners 4 // 9th November 2019
Drinking coffee (Singapore) // Adult Speaking Class, Level 1
Driving (fairground) // Young Learners 4 // 9th November 2019
Elephant // Young Learners 3 // 7th September 2019
Elephant // Young Learners, Level 4 // 9th November 2019
Elephant // Young Learners, Level 5 // 25th August 2019
Playing guitar // Young Learners, Level 4 // 9th November 2019
With friends // Young Learners, Level 4 // 7th December 2019
With Martin (London) // Adult Speaking Class, Level 1
With students (Ha Noi) // Young Learners, Level 5 // 27th October 2019
With students (Ha Noi) // Adult Class, Level 3: Generally speaking // 28th April 2020
26th October 2020
A collection of clips predominantly featuring western people and their views on Vietnam. I have also added some suggested sequences for pronunciation practice … and so, without further ado …
First time in Viet Nam – First impressions of Viet Nam
A vlog by Divert Living, posted just over two years ago and which has already received more than a million hits:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHnQKvU8OiA&t=547s
Pronunciation Practice:
[American English accent]
Try 04:44 – 04:53
” … and I asked them, ‘How much is aqua (water) ?’ Aqua’s fifteen thousand, beer’s twenty thousand … of course I’m gonna get the beer, now … it’s just as expensive as the water.”
09:00 – 0913
“Fun fact, Vietnamese cuisine is considered one of the healthiest cuisines in the world … and, to go with the food, the size of the dining tables and chairs are super small.”
This vlog was shot in Ha Noi, so let’s get their take (their opinion, view, experience) on Sai Gon:
What to expect – Saigon or HCMC
Now they travel to my neck of the woods (the area I live in or was brought up in), and they encounter, among many other delights, coconut coffee:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iw_K-1AmVk&t=661s
Pronunciation Practice:
09:50 – 10.00
“Wow … that’s so strong, but it’s got a ball of coconut ice-cream in the middle … whoah !”
And the young lady who I believe is Korean adds:
“I wanna try … This is the coffee king … ahhhhhhhh !”
Talking Point:
The young travellers give their views on the environment and cleanliness of District 1 which is the city centre [UK] or downtown area [USA].
To what extent do you agree with them ?
What do Vietnamese students think of the Vlogger’s appraisal of Sai Gon ?
Let’s move on and talk about traffic which is quite a serious issue in Vietnam. Firstly, attending driving school … what can go wrong ? A clip from the world-famous motoring show from the BBC, ‘Top Gear.’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1xNTBLgq4c
[UK English accent]
Right from the get go (from the very start) we have some great lines:
“Cheer up … this is gonna be a doodle … [Vietnamese] … it wasn’t !”
01.23 – 01:45
“How the hell … what did you just do ?”
“It was eighteen. Eighteen years old.”
“How did you know ?”
“Did you not bother learning Vietnamese before we came here ?”
“Well, no.”
“You’re screwed, then.”
Time for some food and the ubiqitous Phở My favourite TV chef, Mr Keith Floyd, who sadly passed away in 2009. He came to Asia, and visited Vietnam and now he’s going to tell you about Phở:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO6cSQ8Vly8&list=PL4JTuMl25i9kPkTq5rGPVRNyhU0GPK1PT
[UK English accent]
02:32 – 02:38 and continuing up to 03:05
“Vietnamese are industrious, hard-working, incredibly energetic people …”
“So, the most essential thing here in Vietnam is a great breakfast, a thing called a pho.”
What goes in a pho, Keith ?
“You might put chicken, you might put meat, you might put fish but as long as you’ve got noodles and a rich stock, you can’t go wrong.”
How English people dress …
How English people really dress. Thanks for visiting my blog. All the best.
4th August 2020
Last night, after a three-hour IELTS class, another IELTS student was waiting to speak to me. It was one of my ‘Top Cats’, someone of whom I’m expecting great things.
The student, who I call Princess as she is so elegant, polite, refined and respectful, presented me with the following gifts:
September is a special month in Vietnam what with Independence Day (2nd), the anniversary of Ho Chi Minh’s death (also the 2nd, though some say 3rd) and the Mid-Autumn festival which this year falls on the 13th.
Thank you my Princess … see you next week 🙂
25th June 2020
Introducing youself:
Hello, my name is Paul and I’m from London. I’m an English teacher, and I have been in Vietnam for about 2 years. My hobbies are reading books, watching films and listening to music. In Vietnam, I have been to Ha Noi and Hue and I really want to visit Hoi An and Halong Bay.
about: with time. I have been studying English for about 6 months.
really: adverbs I am happy / I am really happy – stronger and more interesting
continuous verbs: I like to read / I like reading / She likes to read
She likes reading
They like watching movies
She likes listening to music
Introduce yourself, and answer the questions:
Name
What is your hometown ?
How long have you lived in your town or city ?
What are your hobbies ?
Where do you want to visit ?
![MOSCOW - RUSSIA [ HD ] - YouTube](https://thaypaulsnotes.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/image-75.jpeg?w=300)
present perfect:
sub + have/has + verb 3 (past participle)
I have visited Ha Noi
She has eaten Thai food
We have seen Barcelona play football
Look out for plurals and 3rd person verb endings
I like sports / he loves cooking /
I don’t like smoking / She doesn’t like smoking
I like playing computer games/ reading books/ watching films.
He likes playing football / going to the park / studying English
23rd June 2020
A new class, so I have to assess their ability, motivation and potential.
Let’s kick off with a Family Fortune game – I give writing boards to the class, arranged in small groups, and ask for four answers to basic questions.
Example : Four places I’ve been to in Viet Nam / Four things I love about Viet Nam / Four things I hate / Four instruments I can play / Four languages I can speak. To test general knowledge, Four countries in Asia or capital cities / Four countries in Europe / Four cities in the USA
Next up, I want to get the class speaking as soon as possible so, they can interview each other asking basic questions. No one speaks alone, so this helps to cover any shyness as all the class are speaking at the same time.
Why are you studying IELTS ? /
Do you think IELTS will be difficult ? / Why ?
Do you use English at school or work … how ? /
What do you do in your free time ? /
What do you do or what do you study ? /
Would you like to live in USA or UK ?
Moving on, time to explain the importance of sentence building. We would expect new IELTS students to be able to speak quite fluently, in reasonable long sentences. If students answer in four words or under, or even single words, then the teachers know we have a ‘difficult’ class.
To give an example, I’ll introduce a standard IELTS-style question:
Where would you like to visit in Viet Nam (or your own country) and why ?
Example Answer:
I show them a plan:
Introduction / First good point / second good point / something bad / conclusion.
I choose Hoi An
Introduction: DON’T answer immediately but introduce the answer by repeating or rephrasing the question:
Vietnam has many beautiful places but my choice would be Hoi An.
First Good Point:
Firstly, Hoi An is a historical city with a wonderful Japanese bridge and lovely old shops. At night, the shops use romantic lanterns.
Second Good Point:
Hoi An is close to Da Nang, so I can fly there easily and quickly. There are many things to see and do in the local area.
Now, something negative
However, Hoi An is very small and can be extremely crowded in summer. Maybe it will be difficult to find a hotel or a table at a good restaurant.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Hoi An is a very special place to visit because it is a town of Vietnamese culture.
How to build sentences:
Use adjectives to describe nouns (beautiful, historic, romantic)
adverbs to describe adjectives and verbs – give more information (very, easily)
opinion phrases (in my opinion)
linking words to connect positive to positive or positive to negative – discourse markers (however)
reasons why an action is being done (because)
Now – your turn:
Where do you want to visit ? This can be in Vietnam or anywhere.
Finally, to test knowledge of occupations and personality adjectives, I will show the class photos of five friends and elicit their opinions. https://thaypaulsnotes.com/2018/12/28/friends-men-teaching-sheet/
At IELTS level I would expect the students to form basic sentences such as:
“In my opinion, he is … “
“For me, he looks like … “
“He seems to be a … “
It will probably be a mixed-ability class, so I shall encourage the top learners, asking them to describe the photos, using as many adjectives and adverbs as they can.
9th June 2020
Sheet 3 for holiday project
GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM !
THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO VISIT OUR CAPITAL CITY
The pride of Vietnam
Exclusive four-day tour including day trips to Halong Bay and Sapa
in Ha Noi – the best museums
in Ha Noi – the best food
in Ha Noi – the friendliest people in all Vietnam
See the UNESCO heritage site Halong Bay, or visit Sapato see traditional
Vietnamese culture and customs
Tours tailored to your needs:
Arrive by plane, train or overnight bus (free wifi).
Hotel choice – in Old Quarter 1*, 2*, or 3*
Free breakfast
Organised visits to –
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
War Museum
Famous fish restaurant
Evening of traditional Vietnamese music on traditional instruments
Free city map
Mr Paul tours – visit our website mrpaultours@ukonline.co.vn
Thay Paul's Notes 