UNIT 9: NATURAL DISASTERS (English 9)

2. LISTEN AND READ

Thuy is talking to her grandmother:

Thuy: Grandma, it's the weather forecast on TV.

Grandma: Can you turn up the volume, Thuy?

Thuy: Yes, Grandma.

Weatherman: Here is tomorrow's weather forecast. Ha Noi and areas to the north will be sunny. Ha Noi will have the temperatures between 23oC and 27oC. It will be raining along the coast of Thanh Hoa. The south-central coast can expect thunderstorms. Hue will experience temperatures between 25oC and 30oC. There will also be thunderstorms over the central highlands. Areas around the Cuu Long Delta can expect clouds during the day. Ho Chi Minh's temperatures will be between 27oC and 35oC.

Thuy: That's all, Grandma.

Grandma: Thank you, dear. What are you doing?

Thuy: I'm preparing for a picnic with some old friends of mine. We haven't met since we left school. We're going to park on the other side of the river.

Grandma: Don't forget to bring along the raincoat.

Thuy: But Grandma, the forecast says it'll be sunny.

Grandma: I never trust weather forecasts.

Thuy: You don't miss a single on TV, do you?

Grandma: But I like watching them, dear.

Thuy: Alright Grandma, I'll bring a raincoat just in case. I hope my friends won't laugh at me.

5. READ

Earthquakes: Ninety persent of earthquakes occur around the Pacific Rim, which is known as "the ring of fire". In 1995, a huge earthquake struck the city of Kobe in Japan. A large number of people were killed when homes, office blocks and highways collapsed.

Tidal waves: Tidal waves are the result of an abrupt shift in the underwater movement of the Earth. In the 1960s, a huge Tidal Wave hit Anchorage, Alaska. The Tidal wave traveled from Alaska to California!

Typhoons: When a tropical storm reaches 120 kilometers per hour, it is called a hurricane in North and South America, a cyclone in Autralia, and typhoon in Asia. The world "typhoon" comes from Chinese: tai means "big" and feng means "wind", so the word "typhoon" means "big wind".

Volcanoes: We can usually predict when a volcano will erupt. Mount Pinatubo which is a volcano in Philippines erupted in 1991. It was the world's largest volcanic eruption in more than 50 years. Hundreds of people died, but thousands were saved because scientists had warned them about the eruption. 

Tornadoes: Tornadoes are funnel-shaped storms which pass overland below a thunderstorm. they can suck up anything that is in their path. In Italy in 1981, a tornado lifted a baby, who was asleep in its baby carriage, into the air and put it down safely 100 meters away!

UNIT 8: CELEBRATIONS (English 9)

2. LISTEN AND READ

Although there are many celebrations throughout the year, Tet or the lunar New Year holiday is the most important celebration for Vietnamese people. Tet is a festival which occurs in late January or early February. It is a time for families to clean and decorate their homes, end enjoy special food such as sticky rice cakes. Family members who live apart try to be together at Tet.

Passover is in late March or early April. This festival is celebrated in Israel and by all Jewish people. On this festival, people celebrate freedom from slavery. Passover is also an ancient spring festival. On the first and second nights of Passover, Jewish families eat a special meal called the Seder. 

Easter is a joyful festival which is celebrated in many countries. It happens at round the same time as Passover. On Easter Day (Easter Sunday), young children receive chocolate or sugar eggs - as long as they are good. In many countries, people crowd the streets to watch colorful parades.

5. READ
There are many occasions for you to express your feelings to others. Following are opinions, feelings and memories of children about their fathers on Father's Day in Australia and the USA.

Rita (Australia)
To the one who teaches me how to love, cry and laugh.
To the one who says never lose heart and always finish what you start.
To the one who feelings for me are so strong that the world love can't describe them.
Can you guess who it is?
It's not too hard to tell...

Jane (USA)
Daddy, I am writing this to tell you how much you are missed and loved. I will always remember that day - my wedding day. You were standing there with tears in your eyes while I was walking towards my groom. You gave me a hug, and the feeling that you never wanted to let me go. But at last I had to leave you and start my new life... a moment in time that lasted forever. I now have children, Dad, but I will always be your little girl! Happy Father's Day.

Bob (Australia)
You ask me What I think about my dad. Great! Great! I must tell you my dad is the best person in the world. Do you know what I mean? He is a considerate and generous man who is loved not only by his family but also by all his friends. His priority is always his family. His sense of humor distinguishes him from others. In a word, my dad's terrific! I'm so proud of him and love him so much. Happy Father's Day, Daddy! 

6. WRITE

UNIT 7: SAVING ENERGY (English 9)

2. LISTEN AND READ
Mrs. Mi: What's the matter, Mrs. Ha?
Mrs. Ha: I'm worried about my most recent water bill. It's enormous.
Mrs. Mi: Let me see. 200,000 dong! You should reduce the amount of water your family uses.
Mrs. Ha: How do I do that?
Mrs. Mi: First of all, get a plumber to make sure there are no cracks in the pipes.
Mrs. Ha: I'll do that.
Mrs. Mi: Baths use twice as much water as showers, so I suggest taking showers. And remember to turn off the faucets. A dripping faucet can waste 500 liters of water a month.
Mrs. Ha: I see. Thank you.

5. READ

In western country, electricity, gas and water are not luxuries but necessities. Companies now realize that consumers want products that will not only work effectively but also save money.

For most North America households, lighting accounts for 10 percent to 15 percent of the electricity bill. However this amount can be reduced by replacing an ordinary 100-watt light bulb with an energy-saving bulb. These bulbs use a quarter of the electricity of standard bulbs and last eight times longer. Therefore consumers can save about US$7 to US$ 21 per bulb.

In Europe, there is a labeling scheme for refrigerators, freezer, washing machines and tumble dryers. The label tells the consumers how much energy efficiency each model has, compared with other appliances in the same category.

Ultimately, these innovations will save money as well as conserve the Earth's resources.

UNIT 6: THE ENVIRONMENT (English 9)

2. LISTEN AND READ

"I want everyone to listen carefully, please. First of all, I'd like you to divide into there groups. Each group should take five plastic bags. Once you have filled a bag, come back to me as you will need another. I need group one to walk along the shore. Group two should check the sand, and group there has to check among the rocks. Mr. Jones is going to collect all the bags and take them to the garbage dump. Mrs. Smith has kindly provided a picnic lunch for us, but we won't eat until the whole area is clean. If you can't find your place, I will help you get there with this maps. Don't worry. ... uh ... I'm disappointed that people have spoiled this area. However, we are here to do something about this pollution. We must all work very hard. And, if we work hard, we'll make this beach a clean and beautiful place again. Ok. Now, let's get started."

5. READ

Read this poem about the environment.

MUMMY, OH MUMMY

"Mummy, oh Mummy, what's going to happen

If all the pollution goes on?"

"Well the world will end up like a second-hand junk-yard,

With all of it's treasures quite gone."

The fields will be littered with plastics and tins,

The streams will be covered with foam.

Now throw those soda bottles over the hedge,

Save us from taking them home."

"But Mummy, oh Mummy, if I throw the bottles,"

Won't that be polluting the woods?"

"Nonsense! That isn't the same thing at all, 

You just keep quiet and be good.

If you're going to start getting silly ideas,

I'll take you home right away.

Because pollution is something that other folk do,

We're just enjoying our day."

UNIT 5: THE MEDIA (English 9)

2. LISTEN AND READ
The Media

A. Before newspapers were invented, town criers would go through city streets ringing a bell. They shouted the latest news as they were walking.

B. In Viet Nam people love reading newspapers and magazines. The Kien Thuc Ngay nay is one of the most popular magazines and is widely read by both teenagers and adults.

C. Thanks to television people can get the latest information and enjoy interesting programs in an inexpensive and convenient way. Nowadays, viewers can watch a variety of local and international programs on different channels.

D. The next stage in the development of television is interactive TV. Viewers are able to ask questions about the show by using their remote controls.

5. READ

Read the forum on the Internet

The internet posted by Jimhello on Tuesday, 10 December 2002, at 9.07 pm.

The Internet has increasingly developed and become part of our everyday life. Do you find the Internet useful? What do you use the Internet for? How much time do you spend surfing the web a day? Please respond to these questions.

FORUM

Response #1 Re: The Internet

Posted by Sandra Morgan

In my opinion, the Internet is a very fast and convenient way for me to get information. I can also communicate with my friends and relatives by means of e-mail or chatting. However, I don't use Internet very often because I don't have much time. For me the Internet is a wonderful invention of modern life. It makes our world a small village.

Response #2 Re: The Internet

Posted by Hong hoa

Nobody can deny the benefits of the Internet in our life. However, it is a pity for me as well as for most my friends in the countryside. The Internet is available only in cities, therefore I cannot easily get access to it. I sometimes visit my uncle in the city on weekends, and this is a good occasion for me to explore the net. I spend most of the time wandering because I just don't know which website is useful for me.

Response # 3 Re: The Internet

Posted by Huansui

People use the Internet for many purposes: education, communication, entertainment and commerce. However, the Internet has limitations. It is not only time-consuming and costly but also dangerous because of viruses and bad programs. Moreover, Internet users sometimes have to suffer various risks such as spam or electronic junk mail, and personal information leaking. So, while enjoying surfing, be alert!

UNIT 4: LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (English 9)

2. LISTEN AND READ

Paola: Hey, Lan! Have you finished your exam?

Lan: Yes ... , I have.

Paola: Were the questions difficult?

Lan: Well, they were quite hard.

Paola: Did you pass?

Lan: I'm not sure. The examiner didn't tell me.

Paola: What questions did she ask you?

Lan: First, she asked me what my name was, and where I came from.

Paola: They were easy for you, weren't they?

Lan: ... Then she asked me why I was learning English, ... and if I spoke any other languages.

Paola: Go on.

Lan: ... Then she asked me how I learned English in my country.

... And she asked how I would use English in the future.

Paola: What else did she ask you?

Lan: Oh, Paola! Let me try to remember! ... Ah, she asked me what aspect of learning English I found most difficult.

Paola: Is that all, Lan?

Lan: Oh. There were a lot of other questions. she also asked me to read passage.

Paola: What did she say in the end?

Lan: I'm trying to remember... Oh, yes! Exactly she said "If you want to attend the course, you must pass the written examination. Good luck!"

Paola: It's terrible, Lan. I don't think I will be able to pass the exams.

Lan: Don't worry, Paola. Everything will be all right.

5. READ
Notes
English class
- early evening
- intermediate level
- starting late October/ early November

FOREIGN LANGUAGE COUNCIL
G/F, 12 Nam Trang Street
Study English, French or Chinese in the morning & evening
Places available in beginner/ intermediate classes
Courses start on 3rd November

TUITION
If you want to improve your English, we can help you.
Our teachers offer afternoon, evening and weekend classes for those new to English.
Come and see us at the New English Institute today.
We are at 108 Trang Thi Street

Academy of Language
Why not learn to speak a foreign language with others?
We have well-qualified teachers Classes in the morning, afternoon and evening.
Course begin first week of November Phone 8278787 for more information.

UNIT 3: A TRIP TO THE COUNTRYSIDE (English 9)

2. LISTEN AND READ

On sunday, Ba invited Liz to join his family on a day trip to his home village about 60 kilometers to the north of Ha Noi. The village lies near the foot of a mountain and by river. Many people go there on weekends to have a rest after a hard working week.

The journey to the village is very interesting. People have the chance to travel between the green paddy fields and cross a small bamboo forest before they reach a big old banyan tree at the entrance to the village.

Liz met Ba's family at his house early in the morning; and after two hours traveling by bus, they reached the big old tree. Everyone felt tired and hungry, so they sat down under the tree and had a snack.

After the meal, they started to walk into the village for about thirty minutes to visit Ba's uncle. Then they walked up the mountain to visit the shrine of the Vietnamese hero and enjoyed the fresh air there. In the afternoon, they went boating in the river and had a picnic on the river band before going home late in the evening. It was an enjoyable day. Liz took a lot of photos to show the trip to her parents.

"I wish I could visit your village again some day," Liz told Ba.

"You'll always be welcome here, Liz," Ba replied.

5. READ

Van, a student from Ho Chi Minh City, is an exchange student in the USA. he is now living with the Parker family on a farm 100 kilometers outside Columbus, Ohio. He will stay there till the beginning of October.

Mr. Parker grows maize on his farm, while Mr. Parker works part-time at a grocery store in the nearby town. They have two children. Peter is the same age as Van, and Sam is still in primary school.

Since Van arrived, he has been learning a lot about life on a farm. In the afternoon, as soon as he completes his homework, he feeds the chickens and collects their eggs. On weekends, if Mr. Parker is busy, the three boys help him on the farm.

On Saturday afternoons, Peter plays baseball. The Parker family and Van eat hamburgers or hot dogs while they watch Peter play. The Parkers are nice so Van feels like the member of the family.

UNIT 2: CLOTHING (English 9)

2. LISTEN AND READ

For centuries, poets, writers and musicians have mentioned the ao dai in poems, novels and songs. The ao dai is the traditional dress of Vietnamese women. It consists of a long silk tunic that is slit on the sides and worn over loose pants. 

Traditionally, it was frequently worn by both men and women. The design and the material used for man were different from those used for women. Nowadays, women usually wear it, especially on the special occasions. However, many Vietnamese women today often prefer to wear modern clothing at work, because it is more convenient.

Now fashion designers want to change the traditional ao dai. Some have printed lines of poetry on the ao dai, so they look modern and very fashionable. Other designers have taken inspiration from Vietnam's ethnic minorities. They have visited villages and studied traditional designs and symbols such as suns, starts, crosses, and stripes. They have added these patterns to the ao dai, so Vietnamese women can continue to wear the unique dress, which is now both traditional and fashionable.

5. READ

The word jeans comes from a kind of material that was made in Europe. The material, called jean, was named after sailors from Genoa in Italy, because they wore clothes made from it. In the 18th century jean cloth was made completely from cotton and workers at that time loved wearing it because the material was very strong and it did not wear out easily. In the 1960s, many university and college students wore jeans. Designers made different styles of jeans to match the 1960s's fashions: embroidered jeans, painted jeans and so on. In the 1970s more and more people started wearing jeans because they became cheaper. In the 1980s jeans finally became high fashion clothing, when famous designers started making their own styles of jeans, with their own labels on them. Sales of jeans went up and up. But in the 1990s the worldwide economic situation got worse, and the sale of jeans stopped growing. However, jeans have never been out of fashion, and today young generation is still fond of wearing them.

UNIT 1: A VISIT FROM A PEN PAL (English 9)

2. LISTEN AND READ

Lan's Malaysia pen pal, Razali Maryam, was staying with Lan last week. Maryam is from Kuala Lumpur. Maryam and Lan have been pen pals for over two years and they correspond at least once every two weeks, but this was their first meeting.

On Maryam's first day in Ha Noi, Lan took her to Hoan Kiem Lake. Like Kuala Lumpur, Ha Noi is a busy modern city. Maryam was really impressed by the beauty of the city and by the friendliness of its people.

Over the next few days, the girls visited Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the History Museum and the Temple of Literature, as well as many beautiful parks and lakes in Ha Noi. On Friday, Maryam wanted to visit the mosque on Hang Luoc Street. Lan used to walk past the mosque on her way to primary school. However, this was Lan's first visit. She enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere while Maryam was praying.

"I wish you had a longer vacation," Lan said to Maryam at the end of the week. "Yes, I wish I had more time to get to know your beautiful country better. Lan, would you like to come and visit the next summer?" Maryam asked.

"That would be great! However, it seems very difficult for me to have a trip abroad. It all depends on my parents. Anyway, we'll keep in touch".

5. READ

Malaysia is one of the countries of the Association of Sound East Asian Nations (ASEAN). It is divided into two regions known as West Malaysia and East Malaysia. They are separated by about 640 km of the sea and together comprise an area of 329,758 sq km. Malaysia enjoys tropical climate. The Malaysian unit of currency is the ringgit, consisting of 100 sen.

The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur and it is also the largest city in the country. the population in 2001 was over 22 million. Islam is the country's official religion. In addition, there are other religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. The national language is Bahasa Malaysia (also know simply as Malay). English, Chinese, and Tamil are also widely spoken. The language of instruction for primary school children is Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese, or Tamil. Bahasa Malaysia is the primary language of instruction in all secondary schools, although some students may continue learning in Chinese or Tamil. And English is compulsory second language. 

UNIT 10: LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS (English 9)

2. LISEN AND READ

UFOs are strange flying objects that some people report they have seen the sky and believed to be spacecraft from another planet. Many scientists do not believe so. They say that if people see the UFO, it might be an aircraft, a weather ballon or a meteor. However, there is still evidence for people to believe in the existence of UFOs.

In 1947, Kenneth Arnold, an experienced pilot in the USA, reported that he saw nine large round objects traveling at about 2,800 meters an hour to the left and north of Mount Rainier.

In 1952, there were more than 1,500 UFO sightings around the world.

In 1954, a woman and her children believed they saw a UFO above their house. The woman said she saw two aliens in the spacecraft.

In 1964, a farmer claimed he saw an egg-shaped object in one of his fields and also aliens collecting soil samples.

In 1971, two men claimed they were captured by aliens and taken abroad a spacecraft. After being examined by the aliens, the men were freed.

In 1978, a young pilot and his plane disappeared after sighting a UFO. In 1981, Renato Nicolai, who was living in the south east of France, reported that he saw a plate-like device at a treetop 30 meters away from his garden.

5. READ

Do you want to plan for some kind of exciting trip? Do you have a million dollars? Are you very healthy? Are you a good traveler? Do you want to go to nowhere? Then you can have a trip to space.

If you decide to take the trip, you will have to get ready a few months before the flight. You must be in excellent physical condition. You should run a lot, swim every day, and do aerobics and push-ups. You must get a letter from the doctor that shows you are in perfect health.

Once you get on the trip, you will be in the different world. You will see pictures of the Earth. You may also find your country and other interesting places. you will be able to see the oceans, the big rivers, the tall mountains. You will be able to see them many times because you will orbit the Earth 16 times a day! You will also be able to see stars that you couldn't see from the Earth.

When you are in orbit, you will be able to get out off your seat and walk in the cabin. You will be able to walk on the walls or on the ceiling like in the circus. You will not weight anything! You will feel totally free and enjoy the wonderful feeling you have never had before. If you were on board now, you would experience those marvelous things.

So do you think you will be able to take a space trip? Start to dream now and your dream may come true some day.