Part 1
Giám khảo
Do you like reading?
Thí sinh
Yes, I really enjoy reading. I often visit bookstores in my free time to discover new novels or poetry collections because I like browsing and finding unexpected authors. Recently, I pick up a poetry that I couldn't put down.
Giám khảo
Do you prefer to read on paper or on a screen?
Thí sinh
I totally prefer to read on paper because I love the texture and smell of physical books and also I collect beautiful bookmarks which makes me reading more enjoyable and motivates me to keep going.
Giám khảo
When do you need to read carefully, and when not?
Thí sinh
When I'm on the MRT or a crowded bus, I have to read carefully because noise makes it hard to concentrate. On the contrary, I can read comfortably in bed before sleeping every night.
Giám khảo
Do you prefer scanning or detailed reading?
Thí sinh
I prefer detailed reading because I enjoy analysing how author uses language and literary techniques. For example, I often try to put myself in the author's position to understand their choices.
Do you like reading?
Điểm: 78.0Gợi ý: Improve grammatical accuracy and keep sentences concise. Use correct verb tense and avoid redundancy. Start with a clear topic sentence, then add one or two specific supporting details using linking words.
Ví dụ: Yes, I really enjoy reading. I often visit local bookstores to discover new novels and poetry collections, because browsing helps me find unexpected authors. For example, last month I found a contemporary poetry book that I couldn’t put down.
Do you prefer to read on paper or on a screen?
Điểm: 84.0Gợi ý: Break the answer into shorter sentences and correct small grammar issues. Use linking words for clarity and give one specific reason or example. Avoid run-on sentences.
Ví dụ: I prefer reading on paper because I love the texture and smell of physical books. Also, I collect beautiful bookmarks, which makes reading more enjoyable and motivates me to read more often.
When do you need to read carefully, and when not?
Điểm: 80.0Gợi ý: Clarify the contrast and correct phrase choice. Use clearer linking words (e.g., however, whereas) and provide a brief reason for each situation. Keep it to two to three sentences.
Ví dụ: I need to read carefully when I’m on the MRT or a crowded bus because the noise and movement make it hard to concentrate. By contrast, I can read comfortably in bed before I sleep, since it’s quiet and relaxing.
Do you prefer scanning or detailed reading?
Điểm: 82.0Gợi ý: Correct grammatical details and make the explanation slightly more specific. Use linking words for the example and avoid small errors (e.g., article use). Keep it within three sentences.
Ví dụ: I prefer detailed reading because I enjoy analysing how an author uses language and literary techniques. For example, I often try to put myself in the author’s position to understand why they chose certain words or structures.
× Recently, I pick up a poetry that I couldn't put down.
✓ Recently, I picked up a poetry collection that I couldn't put down.
The sentence describes a recent past action, so the verb should be in the past tense ('pick' -> 'picked'). Also, 'poetry' is uncountable and should not take the article 'a'; use 'a poetry collection' or 'a collection of poems' to be natural. Suggestion: use 'picked up a poetry collection' or 'picked up a collection of poems'.
× ...which makes me reading more enjoyable and motivates me to keep going.
✓ ...which makes my reading more enjoyable and motivates me to keep going.
The phrase 'me reading' is incorrect because 'reading' as a noun (gerund) needs a possessive determiner ('my') when modified by 'makes'. Use 'my reading' to refer to the act of reading. Alternatively, restructure: 'which makes reading more enjoyable for me'.
× When I'm on the MRT or a crowded bus, I have to read carefully because noise makes it hard to concentrate.
✓ When I'm on the MRT or a crowded bus, I have to read carefully because the noise makes it hard to concentrate.
Add the definite article 'the' before 'noise' because it refers to specific noise in that environment (the noise on the MRT or bus). This is an article/preposition choice related to noun reference; classified here as present tense issue because present-tense clause remains but article omission changes meaning. Suggestion: use 'the noise' in such contexts.
× I prefer detailed reading because I enjoy analysing how author uses language and literary techniques.
✓ I prefer detailed reading because I enjoy analysing how the author uses language and literary techniques.
The noun 'author' refers to a specific but unspecified person and requires the definite article 'the' when talking generally about 'how the author uses...'. Without 'the' it sounds unnatural. This is an incorrect use/omission of article before a noun; here classified as pronoun/article-related. Suggestion: include 'the author' or reword 'how authors use...'.
× For example, I often try to put myself in the author's position to understand their choices.
✓ For example, I often try to put myself in the author's position to understand his or her choices.
This sentence mixes singular 'the author's' with plural pronoun 'their'. To keep agreement, use 'his or her' (or rephrase to plural: 'authors...their choices'). Alternatively, make it gender-neutral by rephrasing: 'put myself in an author's position to understand their choices.' Suggestion: choose consistent singular or plural reference.