During the 1990s, I really enjoyed watching Friends on television every Thursday night. I really wanted Rachel’s haircut - I think every girl wanted Rachel’s haircut back then! Rachel’s haircut went really well with the Guess Jeans that were so popular in the 1990s. I remember all the advertisements for Guess and Calvin Klein Jeans that were in each month’s Sassy magazine. I don’t think Sassy magazine exists anymore, but it was one of the most popular magazines for young women in the 1990s.

2. how can I train myself to be patient.

For example, recently I began taking my two-year-old dog to obedience school. After four weeks of lessons and practice, she has learned to follow only three commands-sit, stand, and lie down-and even those she often gets confused. Frustrating (and costly) as this is, I continue to work with her every day. After dog school, my grandmother and I sometimes go grocery shopping. Inching along those aisles, elbowed by hundreds of fellow customers, backtracking to pick up forgotten items, and standing in the endless line at the checkout, I could easily grow frustrated and cranky. But through years of trying times, I have learned to keep my temper in check. Finally, after putting away the groceries, I might go out to a movie with my fiance, to whom I have been engaged for three years. Layoffs, extra jobs, and problems at home have forced us to postpone our wedding date several times. Still, my patience has enabled me to cancel and reschedule our wedding plans again and again without fuss, fights, or tears.

For instance, when I was in kindergarten, I dreamed that my sister killed people with a television antenna and disposed of their bodies in the woods across the street from my house. For three weeks after that dream, I stayed with my grandparents until they finally convinced me that my sister was harmless. Not long afterward, my grandfather died, and that sparked new fears. I was so terrified that his ghost would visit me that I put two brooms across the doorway of my bedroom at night. Fortunately, my little trick worked. He never came back. More recently, I was terribly frightened after staying up late one night to watch The Ring. I lay awake until dawn clutching my cell phone, ready to ring 911 the moment that spooky little girl stepped out of my TV. Just thinking about it now gives me goosebumps.

4. nothing can distract me while I read books

When I was a young girl, I would make a tent out of my blankets and read Nancy Drew mysteries late into the night. I still read cereal boxes at the breakfast table, newspapers while I am stopped at red lights, and gossip magazines while waiting in line at the supermarket. In fact, I'm a very talented reader. For example, I've mastered the art of talking on the phone while simultaneously reading Dean Koontz or Stephen King. But what I read doesn't matter all that much. In a pinch, I'll read junk mail, an old warranty, a furniture tag ("DO NOT REMOVE UNDER PENALTY OF LAW"), or even, if I'm extremely desperate, a chapter or two in a textbook.

5.i fed up with my last vacation  

Firstly, the journey to our hotel was long, hot and boring. Secondly, we spent all our time in museums doing boring worksheets. And thirdly, we had to go to bed really early.

6. ways to excel at english in a club after school

They can join an after-school club, which will give them the chance to practise spoken English while doing an activity that they enjoy. They can also watch films, particularly DVDs with the English subtitles turned on. Best of all, however, is to do plenty of reading for pleasure. Non-fiction in particular is an excellent way of acquiring a strong academic vocabulary.

7. _we had a great time together in the last hodiday

My family drove into the Scottish mountains in a rented caravan, and we spent the whole time walking in the wonderful nature in that part of the world. We were very lucky with the weather.

8.  schools could do much more to protect the environment

I don't understand, for example, why we cannot use metal cutlery instead of plastic ones that just get thrown away after the meal. We could also have different trashcans to recycle paper and cola cans. We could also limit the number of copies that teachers and students are allowed to make on the photocopier machine.

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9. habits that we should have on a daily basis

It is important to get some fresh air and exercise every day. Furthermore, it is essential that you give your body the right nutrition like fruit and vegetables. Too much junk food is certainly not advisable. Of course, it is vital also not to start addictive habits such as smoking or the taking of other drugs.

10. __the freedom and the advantages that we have nowdays

You never have to travel very far to buy anything you could need. Entertainment such as discos, cinemas and theaters are not far away. And you have a good choice of doctors and hospitals if you get sick. A further advantage is that you can live anonymously if you choose.

11. there are 3 ways that  universities standardise  students being accepted

Of course, the universities look at the grades that the students have got in their IB exams, but they also want to see if the students can express themselves well and talk enthusiastically about their future plans. They also want to see evidence that the students are healthy and will not drop out quickly.

12. there are still  air polution problems  in large cities

In Berlin, for example, the fine dust that is emitted from exhausts has been shown to exacerbate asthma in young children living near busy roads. In Hamburg, with its large factories and oil refineries, the industrial smoke can mix with fog to cause a low-lying smog that is slow to disappear.

DIRECTIONSLook for the main idea in each of the following paragraphs. Remember that the main idea is the overall point of the paragraph.

▪         If the selection has a topic sentence, underline it.

▪         If there is no topic sentence, write the main idea of the paragraph in your own words, using details from the paragraph.

1.Many people know an orca when they see one. Orcas have distinct black-and-white markings that make them easy to recognize. Commonly known as killer whales, they are a popular subject for documentaries and feature films. Frequently, orcas are featured performers in aquatic shows. Perhaps no other sea mammal is as familiar to people.

Topic sentence: _ Many people know an orca when they see one ______

2. There are some common misconceptions about orcas. For one thing, they are not, as some people think, the largest species of whale. The orca is merely the largest member of the dolphin family of whales. Furthermore, many people think of orcas as solitary creatures, but they usually live in groups of up to fifty animals.

Topic sentence: There are some common misconceptions about orcas.

3. Killer whales hunt in organized groups. Working together, a group of killer whales can herd prey animals into shallow water, trapping them against the shore. Orcas’ speed and body shape are ideal for hunting. Large, strong teeth and powerful jaw muscles help them seize large prey. Although they usually feed on fish and squid, they have been known to hunt successfully animals as large as great whales.

Topic sentence: __ Killer whales hunt in organized groups _____

4.Orcas were once called whale killers, but the name has somehow been transposed to killer whales. Orcas are called killers not because of their behavior toward humans, but because of the way they treat other ocean creatures. They are fierce, quick, and intelligent predators with huge appetites. Orcas will hunt fish, squid, penguins, seals, whales, and other dolphins. Nonetheless, there are no records of an orca killing a human.

Topic sentence: Orcas are called killers not because of their behavior toward humans, but because of the way they treat other ocean creatures

Topic of the topic sentence: Orcas were once called whale killers,

Controlling ideas: their behavior toward humans, the way they treat other ocean creatures

DIRECTIONSFor each of the following paragraphs, write a topic sentence that communicates the main idea.

1. Before 1966, the ice axes used in mountain climbing had straight blades. This limited the kinds of slopes that could be climbed. When Yvon Chouinard added a slight curve to the pick side of the ax, however, even the steepest slopes seemed attainable. It was, indeed, the beginning of a new sport called ice climbing.

2.The curved ice ax has allowed climbers to take on nearly vertical slopes that once seemed impossible. Now, armed with their axes, daring ice climbers prefer the extremely dangerous vertical slopes. Some of their favorite challenges are frozen waterfalls.

Topic sentence:The curved ice axes help the climbers to climb the hardest places and the frozen waterfalls are an example for it

Controlling idea: _ help the climbers to climb the hardest places 

3.Frozen waterfalls are intensely beautiful. Climbing on such ice is like climbing on a diamond that sparkles blue one minute and yellow the next. In addition, ice climbers get a breathtaking view of the winter world below them. Ice climbers also enjoy the challenges of frozen waterfalls. All the challenges of climbing an entire mountain can be encountered by scaling a single frozen waterfall.

Topic sentence: _ The frozen waterfalls give the climbers the motivation because of their views ____

Controlling idea: _ give the climbers the motivation because of their views _____

4.When ice climbers are on the side of a frozen waterfall, their arms and legs are in constant use. Each hand holds an ice ax. Strapped to each boot are crampons, which are a layer of two-inch spikes, some of which point forward to grip the ice. It takes strength to drive the ax into the ice. Even when a climber is not moving, each muscle is needed to hold on.

Topic sentence:  the ice climbers climb the frozen waterfall and they use their hand and legs and have to use their muscles even if they doesn’t move. 

Topic of the topic sentence:the ice climbers climb the frozen waterfall 

Controlling idea:  they use their hand and legs and have to use their muscles even if they doesn’t move. 

5.Many experienced mountain and rock climbers shy away from this dramatic and dangerous sport. Those who do attempt the sport of ice climbing tend to be well prepared. They must have the right boots, gloves, spikes, and other equipment. While climbing, they are very slow and careful.

Topic sentence:Ice climbers should have the right equipment for climbing.

Topic of the topic sentence:_ Ice climbers 

Controlling idea: have the right equipment for climbing

TOPIC 1: Nuclear family vs. Extended family

1. Develop interpersonal skills

2. Deal with conflicts

3. Have family time
    In terms of learning interpersonal skills, resolving disagreements, and spending time with family, it is preferable for a child to be raised in an extended family rather than a nuclear family. To begin with, children who grow up in an extended household have a better chance of developing interpersonal skills. Many studies show that children from extended families have greater social skills than children from nuclear families, particularly in communication. An extended family includes not only parents but also grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, giving children a large number of people with whom to engage. As a result, they are able to converse with others more effectively than individuals who spend their time at home mostly conversing with their parents.Children can also learn to deal with disagreements as a result of growing up in an extended family. Arguments and confrontations, which are infrequent in a nuclear family, are unavoidable when more than two generations live under the same roof. Everyone in the family can get closer and learn how to handle disagreements between members after each time resolving arguments. Finally, children who grow up in an extended family spend significantly more time with their family than those who grow up in a nuclear family. Because the financial strain is relieved, parents and family members will spend more time together. The entire family, for example, will spend weekends or vacations together visiting or traveling.
TOPIC 2: Electric bicycles vs. Electric motorbikes

Reason for comparison: To explain the differences between the two so that high school students can choose the suitable ones for them. 

1. Price

2. Battery efficiency

3. Safety
   Electric bicycles and electric motorbikes differ in a number of ways that high school students might consider when deciding which is best for them, including pricing, battery efficiency, and safety. The first notice is the price that customers must pay to own one. Electric bicycles are frequently less expensive than electric motorcycles. An electric bicycle, for example, costs around 12 million VND, whereas an electric motorcycle typically costs between 18 and 20 million VND. When deciding between these two types of electric vehicles, students should evaluate the battery efficiency as well as the pricing.A single charge of an electric bicycle will often provide them between 25 and 70 kilometres of travel. An electric motorbike can cover a greater distance on a single charge than an electric bicycle due to its higher speed and capacity. Electric bicycles, on the other hand, have pedals, whereas electric motorcycles do not. Users can cycle instead of walking when they run out of energy. Last but not least, customers should be well in the safety of each variety. Although they are practically identical, there is a minor difference between them in reality. It is determined that riding an electric bicycle is safer based on the speed of these vehicles. However, the most critical element in protecting users is to follow traffic laws and to always wear a helmet when riding in automobiles. Overall, high school students should consider pricing, battery economy, and safety while deciding between electric bicycles and electric motorbikes and selecting an appropriate electric vehicle for themselves.

1. Relationship

2. Finance

1. Relationship:
extended family :
+Children develop strong bonds with adults other than their parents in the extended family.
Nuclear families:
 + may experience loneliness
+ may become bored with  having discussions and moments with their parents.
2. finance
 +Extended family: Having more family members to lean on.
+nuclear family :Financial disadvantages
TOPIC 2:  Electric bicycles vs. Electric motorbikes

Reason for comparison: To argue that electric bicycles one is more suitable for student              

1. Size, price 

2. Function

 1. Size, price
Electric bicycles :+ extremely portable and can fit in your car trunk or on public transportation
Electric motorbikes: Due to their larger size, they usually cost more
2.Function
+Electric bicycles: +  average speed , it has pedals ( vintage point while running out of electric )
+ electric motorcycles: higher speed ,  no pedals
TOPIC 3: Hamburgers vs. Vietnamese traditional bread

Reason for comparison: To explain why pp prefer Hamburgers to Vietnamese traditional bread

1. Flavor
+ Hamburgers: the beef, and freshness of the bun, and toppings
+Vietnamese traditional bread : The traditional Banh mi has pate, cilantro and ham, while the other variants have roast pork and grilled chicken.

2. Price
+ Hamburgers :  very expensive 
+Vietnamese traditional bread :  affordable

3. Preferences 

+ Hamburgers :  mostly in favor of western people
+Vietnamese traditional bread : mostly in favor of vietnamese people

 TOPIC 4: Living in a dormitory vs. Renting a boarding house

Reason for comparison: Students should consider some features of a dormitory and a boarding house to make a decision            

1. Privacy

2. Cost

3. Freedom

-staying in a dormitory: +students are not permitted to have their own room. 
+A room with two or three bunk beds is shared by at least four or six pupils.
-Renting a boarding house :
+ Students have complete control over their own room. 
+Students can study without bonding with other students in a private environment
+ Students can select whether or not to have a roommate.
2. Cost:
-living in a dormitory :  saving  money by not having to pay for public transportation
-renting a boarding house :They are required to pay a monthly fee for transportation.
3. Freedom
living in a dormitory :+Obey the timetable 
+They are not permitted to cook in the dorm
renting a boarding house:
boarding house:+ you can cook in the boarding house.

 2. THE RISING DIVORCE RATE
There are many factors linked to the rising divorce rate, yet laws making divorce easier and changing cultural values are thought to be the main reasons. First and foremost, the rising divorce rate results from laws making easier. Today, when the laws are changed, it’s easier for couples to divorce with simple settlement procedure, which used to be very complicated in the past. They only need to sign in a form and submit it to the court for approval. Right after that they are no longer husband and wife. Another important reason why the divorce rate is on the rise is changing cultural values. The role of women nowadays is different from those in the past. In old society, there is discrimination between men and women. For example, men can go to school, have a position on state and can have more than 1 wife but women cannot and they must obey everything that their husbands told them to do. Now, they all have chance to go to school, have power and be independent. They can easily to divorce with partners without depending on husbands or conservative viewpoint of other people. To sum up, changes in laws and cultural values are two basic causes of the growing divorce rate. 

   Although there are various consequences of using environment, two stand out: animal extinction and forest destruction. To begin with, overexploitation of nature results in a dramatic reduction in the number of animal species. When humans alter the environment artificially, they damage the natural habitat of plants and animals.  As a result, many species are becoming extinct. In addition, when the activities associated with capturing and harvesting a natural resource are excessively intense in a certain area, the resource becomes exhausted. for example, too frequent fishing doesn’t leave enough time for fish to reproduce and makes them disappear. In other words, human activities often deplete local flora and fauna and cause loss of biodiversity. Last but not least, overexploitation can lead to deforestation. The conversion of forests into agricultural plantations is a major cause of deforestation.  The increase in global demand for commodities, such as palm oil and soybeans, are driving industrial-scale producers to clear forests at an alarming rate .Taking everything into considerations, Exploiting nature has a negative impact on the ecosystem, especially in terms of animal extinction and forest loss.