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FINAL-TERM SPEAKING TEST (ESP)
1. Weight loss (Skipping Meals for Weight Loss)
a. Introduction
Good morning___, my topic today is about Weight Loss. This is a broad topic, so I want to narrow it down and talk specifically about a common myth in losing weight – it’s skipping meals. Since a long time ago, skipping meals is considered as the easiest way to lose weight and enhance the physical appearance. Along with this seem-like reasonable myth, many trends in cutting meals arise nowadays. So it is really effective and healthy for our body? That’s the question I want to address today.
b. Body
Explain the Myth First of all, let me explain a bit about the myth. As it is called, skipping meals means that you intentionally going without eating a planned meal during the day – this could be breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even all three. The logic of this myth goes by when we eliminate an entire meal, they’ll drastically “cut calories” and lose weight faster. This seems reasonable because it's true that weight loss involves burning more calories than you consume, however, eliminating meals can backfire. Why it’s wrong So now, I’ll mention some of the downsides of skipping meals. o Firstly, the most prominent effect of skipping meals is tiredness of the body. Our body rely on food for energy – that’s why eating is a crucial condition for us to survive. The food that we take in eventually turns into blood sugar, which gives energy to our cells. So if the blood sugar level drops significantly, means that there isn’t enough energy for the body, it can’t function at 100%. This can lead to headache, dizziness and tiredness, which affect our efficiency during the day. o Secondly, skipping meals can have a dramatic affect on our metabolism. Metabolism refers to all the chemical processes in the body, including breaking down food for energy, burning calories, and repairing tissues. When we skip meals, our body might perceive it as a period of starvation. In starvation mode, the body tries to conserve energy by slowing down the metabolism, means that it burns fewer calories at rest or breathing or digestion. As the mechanism of weight loss that we mentioned before, a slower metabolism makes it harder to lose weight because you burn fewer calories overall. o And finally, an unexpected downside of skipping meals is it can lead to overeating. The drop of blood sugar levels also trigger feelings of hunger and craving for sugary or high-carb foods, as these food cause a rapid rise in blood sugar. In addition, the longer we deprive ourselves of food, the higher the risk of binge eating later. This can happen when we finally cave in to intense hunger and end up overeating unhealthy foods. Healthy alternatives There are many other downsides of skipping meals, but now I want to talk about some healthy alternatives that we can apply to our weight loss journey. We all know balanced meals are key – a variety of foods from different food groups. But I've also found a strategy that's been effective for me, both for weight loss and staying motivated – it’s portion control, in specific splitting my meals into smaller portion throughout the day. Instead of having 3 large meals, I try to eat 4 or 5 smaller ones. This helps me feel fuller for longer stretches, preventing those intense hunger pangs that can lead to unhealthy snacking. Plus, having something nutritious to look forward to keeps me motivated and on track with my weight loss goals.
c. Conclusion
So, to summarize: skipping meals might seem like a quick way to cut calories, but it can backfire in the long run. It can lead to tiredness, weak metabolism, and ultimately, overeating. Instead of encouraging this misconception, we should focus on healthy eating habits like eating balanced meals and practicing portion control to maintain eating regularly throughout the day. By that, we can keep our energy levels up and our weight loss journey on track.
2. Smoking (The Truth of Nicotine Alternatives)
a. Introduction
Good morning___, my topic today is about Smoking. This is a broad topic, so I want to narrow it down and talk specifically about The Truth of Nicotine Alternatives. We’ve probably seen the rise in popularity of vapes and nicotine pouches, especially among teenagers. However, these alternatives might not be as harmless as they seem. In this speech, I want to find out the truth behind those campaigns about a “safer” option for smokers – are they really healthier for those trying to quit, or are they a gateway to nicotine addiction for young people?
b. Body
Types of Nicotine Alternatives and their Allure First of all, let me briefly explain about Nicotine Alternatives. Nicotine Alternatives are smokeless products that offer a hit of nicotine without burning tobacco, like vapes and e-cigarettes. These products have gained traction recently as they have been marketed as a safer option to smoking since they avoid the harmful chemicals produced by burning tobacco. In addition, nicontine alternatives come in a variety of flavors and sleek designs, making them particularly appealing to younger generations. The Truth about Alternatives So now, let’s talk about the misconceptions related to health behind those seemingly modern and convenient way to consume nicotine. o Firstly, as I’ve mentioned before, smoke-free nicotine products companies often market them as a “clean” nicotine consumption because they don’t involve burning tobacco. While they may avoid some of the harmful chemicals produced by cigarettes, these alternatives aren't risk-free. Many vapes and pouches still contain nicotine, the addictive ingredient that keeps people hooked on cigarettes. In addition to nicotine, some alternatives may contain other potentially harmful chemicals like heavy metals and flavorings. o Secondly, vaping, in particular, has been linked to potential lung injuries and respiratory problems. Some users have reported coughing, wheezing, and even a serious condition called EVALI (e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury). While research on these issues is ongoing, the potential for lung damage is a cause for concern. o And finally, another key concern is the unknown. Vapes and pouches haven't been around for as long as cigarettes, so the long-term health effects of using them are still a mystery. While scientists are actively researching these products, we simply don't know yet what the consequences of inhaling these unknown chemicals might be down the line. The Smoking Cessation Myth o Beside those misconceptions about a healthier version of cigarettes, nicotine alternatives have gained popularity as a way to quit smoking. The truth is, the evidence for their effectiveness as smoking cessation tools is mixed. While some users report success stories of switching to vapes or pouches and eventually quitting nicotine altogether, these stories are not the norm. Studies haven't shown a significant long-term quit rate for smokers who switch to alternatives. o There's also a concern that these alternatives could actually be a gateway for non-smokers, especially young people, to become addicted to nicotine. According to the Ministry of Health, the number of e- cigarette smokers in Vietnam in 2020 rose 18 times compared to 2015. In particular, the trend of using e- cigarettes was mainly among the 15-24 age group. This suggests that these flavored and trendy alternatives might be attracting a new generation to nicotine dependence, even if they never picked up a cigarette.
c. Conclusion
In conclusion, nicotine alternatives are not a magic bullet for quitting smoking. While they may avoid some of the dangers of cigarettes, they come with their own set of unknowns and potential risks. To combat with the rise of the dangers caused by these alternatives, we need stricter regulations on marketing claims and ingredients in these products to ensure consumers have accurate information. Also, public awareness campaigns are crucial to educate everyone, especially young people, about the dangers of nicotine dependence, regardless of how it's delivered.
4. Tourism (Astrotourism Potential in Vietnam)
a. Introduction
Good morning___, my topic today is about Tourism. This is a broad topic, so I want to narrow it down and talk specifically about Astrotourism Potential in Vietnam. We all know that Vietnam is well-known for stunning beaches, vibrant culture and rich history, and it’s a popular choice for travelers seeking adventure and beautiful scenery. But did we know that Vietnam has another potential in travel that called astrotourism? So what is astrotourism and how can it become a promising sector in Vietnam’s tourism – that’s what I want to discuss today.
b. Body
What is Astrotourism? First of all, let me briefly explain the concept of Astrotourism. While the name might lead you to think of space travel, astrotourism is actually about exploring destinations with minimal light pollution to experience the wonders of the night sky. This can involve activities like stargazing, visiting observatories, astrophotography,, night hikes and camping, etc… The hype of astrotourism has been rocketing recently, as people are seeking unique and transformative travel experiences. Destinations like Norway, with its breathtaking night skies and the famous Northern Lights, are attracting travelers from all over the world for this inspiring adventure. Astrotourism Potential in Vietnam Beside those famous destinations, surprisingly, astrotourism is slowly gaining traction in many provinces across the country. This burgeoning interest stems from the country's remarkable geographical diversity and emerging astrotourism activities. o One of Vietnam's biggest strengths for astrotourism lies in its geography, thanks to its diverse landscapes and favorable weather conditions. The country boasts numerous high-altitude areas like Dalat and Sapa, where the clear skies and minimal light pollution create perfect conditions for observing stars. Additionally, Vietnam's national parks, such as Ba Vi and Phong Nha-Ke Bang, offer natural, undisturbed environments that are ideal for stargazing. Many rural and remote areas have little to no artificial lighting, providing pristine night skies. o The second advantage for Vietnam in terms of astrotourism is its emerging astrotourism activities. Vietnam is home to several observatories that cater to both professional astronomers and the general public, enhancing the country's astrotourism appeal. Notable among these is the Hoa Lac Astronomical Observatory near Hanoi, which features a state-of-the-art planetarium and a powerful telescope for stargazing and celestial observations. In the southern region, the Binh Dinh Observatory, located in the Quy Nhon Science and Education Center, offers educational programs and public viewing nights, allowing visitors to explore the wonders of the universe. What we need to do to promote Astrotourism in Vietnam Despite Vietnam's immense potential for astrotourism, this unique travel experience has yet to gain significant traction among tourists. To promote astrotourism in Vietnam, a few key steps need to be taken. First, it's important to develop and enhance infrastructure, such as building more observatories and setting up designated stargazing spots in scenic and low-light pollution areas. Second, collaborating with travel agencies to create specialized astrotourism packages that include cultural and natural attractions will also help. Finally, raising awareness about light pollution and implementing measures to reduce it in key areas will ensure clearer skies for stargazing, making Vietnam an even more attractive destination for astronomy enthusiasts.
c. Conclusion
In conclusion, Vietnam possesses remarkable potential for astrotourism, thanks to its ideal geography and emerging astrotourism activities. Promoting astrotourism in Vietnam not only leverages these natural advantages but also offers economic benefits by attracting a new kind of tourist who loves stargazing, while also boosting the local economy.
5. Social Media (Fake news on Social Media)
a. Introduction
Good morning___, my topic today is about Social Media. This is a broad topic, so I want to narrow it down and talk specifically about a common problem on SM these days - Fake news, and how SM contribute to the spreading of it.
b. Body
What is Fake News? First of all, let me briefly explain the term “fake news”. “Fake news” refers to fabricated or misleading information that's presented as legitimate news, including fabricated articles, photoshopped images, and even AI- generated "deep fakes". It's important to distinguish fake news from simple mistakes or misinformation, which can be spread unintentionally. Fake news, however, is often deliberately created to deceive and has the potential to cause real harm. How Social Media Fuels Fake News? Surprise to know that false and distorted news material isn’t exactly a new thing. It’s been a part of media history long before social media, since the invention of the printing press. However, I believe that social media has a huge contribution to the flooding of fake news., based on 2 main reasons: the ease of publishing on SM and the biases algorithms of SM. o For the first reason, unlike traditional media outlets with fact-checking procedures and editorial oversight, social media allows anyone to create and share content with minimal barriers. This ease of access, while fostering open communication, also creates an environment where fabricated or misleading information can be easily disseminated. o Furthermore, social media algorithms contribute significantly to the spread of fake news. These algorithms are designed to personalize user feeds by showing content based on their interests and past interactions. This means if you often share or read stories about politics, for example, the platform might show you more of those, even if some are fake. The sad thing is that current censorship tools are probably not enough to control content on digital platforms, because, in 1 second, many new posts can appear on social networks. As mentioned, social networks operate based on interaction, so there are cases where fake information has not been censored but because it receives a certain amount of interaction, it becomes viral. The Impact of Fake News We have to aware that the spread of fake news can have a real impact on our society. It can make it difficult to know what information to trust, leading people to doubt even reliable sources. Fake news can also deepen existing divides within communities by promoting extreme viewpoints and can lead to real-life violence or even protests. How can we combat it? As I mentioned before, SM plays a crucial role for spreading fake information nowadays, so that a collaborative effort is needed from both SM Giants and users in order to avoid the danger consequences. o For social media giants, they could introduce a short delay before allowing users to share certain types of content. This period would encourage people to double-check facts and prevent fake news from exploding before anyone can stop it. o However, the biggest effort should come from we users. We should think before any click, take a moment to check the source of the news – is it from a trusted source? We should know that every like and comment can contribute to the viral of an information. So even if we disagree with the information, we should think carefully before having any interactions online, in order to prevent the promotion of misleading news.
c. Conclusion
In conclusion, In today's fast-paced online world, staying informed can be a challenge. However, by developing critical thinking skills and using the resources available, we can all play a role in combating fake news. Together, we can create a more informed and responsible online environment.
7. Environmemt (The Truth of Green Purchasing)
a. Introduction
Good morning___, my topic today is about Environment. This is a broad topic, so I want to narrow it down and talk specifically about The Truth of Green Purchasing. Nowadays, many people are becoming increasingly aware of the impact their choices have on the planet. This has led to a surge in popularity of green products, with consumers hoping to make a positive difference. But here's the thing: not everyone knows how to make informed choices when it comes to green purchasing. So today, we'll be exploring how to practice green purchasing effectively and avoid common misconceptions.
b. Body
What is green purxhasing and its growing popularity First of all, let me briefly explain the term “green purchasing”. Green purchasing is all about choosing products and services that have a smaller environmental footprint. This means they use fewer resources during production, create less pollution, and might even be made from recycled materials. In today's world, more and more people are becoming aware of the impact their choices have on the planet. So, green purchasing is becoming increasingly popular as a way to make a positive difference. How green purchasing can go wrong? We've talked about the amazing potential of green purchasing to benefit the environment. However, it's important to acknowledge some potential challenges that can arise. Let's explore two ways green purchasing can go wrong: greenwashing and over-consumption. First, there's greenwashing. This happens when companies try to make themselves seem more environmentally friendly than they really are. They might use vague eco-friendly language like "natural" or "sustainable" without explaining what that actually means. Sometimes they'll even use misleading certifications or logos that look official but don't come from well-respected organizations. Another trick is to focus on just one "green" aspect of their product, like being energy-efficient, while ignoring other environmental issues like using toxic materials in the manufacturing process. The other potential pitfall is over-consumption. While buying green products is a positive step, it only has a real impact if you're buying what you actually need. Think about it this way: if you buy a bunch of eco-friendly clothes you never wear, or a new "green" gadget to replace a perfectly good one at home, the environmental benefits are lost. On top of that, there can be hidden environmental costs associated with some green products. For example, specialty eco-friendly items might travel long distances, increasing their carbon footprint. Even the manufacturing process for some green products might use a lot of energy. Additionally, some eco-friendly products might not be as durable as traditional ones, leading to more waste when they break down. How to make responsible consumption? While choosing green products is a great start, it's not the whole picture. Responsible consumption is key to making a lasting impact. This means thinking carefully before you buy anything, only purchasing what you truly need. It also means taking good care of the things you already own, extending their lifespan through proper cleaning and maintenance. Finally, responsible consumption involves minimizing waste. This can involve reusing items whenever possible, donating them when you're done, or disposing of them responsibly according to local regulations. By combining green purchasing with these responsible consumption habits, you can make a significant contribution to a healthier planet.
c. Conclusion
In conclusion, I belive green purchasing offers a powerful way to make a positive impact on the environment. However, we've also seen the challenges of greenwashing and over-consumption. The key takeaway is to be an informed and responsible consumer. Look for credible certifications, research companies' environmental records, and avoid falling for overly broad claims. Buy only what you need, extend product lifespans, and minimize waste through mindful disposal or reuse. Remember, responsible consumption goes hand-in-hand with green purchasing.
