Sample Answers Band 6.5–7.0
Part 1 — Fish and fishing
1. How popular is fishing in your country? (Why/Why not?)
It's quite popular as a hobby, especially among middle-aged men and people who live near rivers or the coast. In Vietnam, many families go fishing on weekends as a way to relax and spend time outdoors. However, it's more of a leisure activity than a necessity, since most people buy fish from markets rather than catching their own.
2. Do you know any places where you can see many fish? (Where/Why?)
Yes, definitely. In my hometown near the coast, there are fish markets where you can see hundreds of species piled up every morning — it's quite a sight. I've also visited the aquarium in Da Nang, which has a huge tank with colourful tropical fish. Natural places like Ha Long Bay are also famous for marine life, although you need a boat trip to see fish underwater.
3. How do you feel about eating fish? (Why/Why not?)
I'm quite positive about it, actually. Fish is a big part of Vietnamese cuisine — we eat it steamed, grilled, or in soup almost every week. I also think it's healthier than red meat because it's lighter and rich in protein. The only thing I worry about is freshness, so I prefer buying from trusted vendors.
4. Would you ever keep fish as pets? (Why/Why not?)
I might consider it, but I'm not sure I'd be a very good owner. Fish tanks require regular cleaning and careful water management, which seems like a lot of work. That said, I find watching fish quite calming, so a small aquarium in the living room could be nice — as long as someone else helps maintain it.
Part 1 — Practice questions
1. Are you interested in animals or wildlife?
Yes, I am, especially wild animals and how they survive in nature. I enjoy watching nature documentaries on Netflix — programmes about elephants, dolphins, or rainforests always catch my attention. I wouldn't call myself an expert, but I find animal behaviour fascinating.
2. Did you visit zoos when you were a child?
Yes, a few times. My parents took me to the zoo in my city when I was around seven or eight. I remember being amazed by the elephants and tigers, although the cages looked quite small to me even as a child. It was exciting at the time, but looking back I'm not sure those animals were very happy.
3. Do you know anyone who is vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, one of my university friends became vegetarian about two years ago. She stopped eating meat mainly for ethical reasons — she believes killing animals for food is unnecessary when alternatives exist. She's quite passionate about it and often shares information about animal welfare on social media.
4. Would you like to have a pet?
I'd love to have a dog someday, when I have a more stable lifestyle and a bigger apartment. Dogs seem loyal and affectionate, and I think they can reduce stress after a long working day. At the moment, though, I travel too often and wouldn't have enough time to care for one properly.
5. Have you ever seen wild animals in their natural habitat?
Yes, once during a trip to a national park in the Central Highlands. We saw several monkeys jumping between trees and some colourful birds near a waterfall. It was completely different from seeing animals in a zoo — they looked free and energetic. That experience made me appreciate wildlife conservation more.
Part 2 — Describe an interesting animal
I'd like to talk about the Asian elephant, which I think is one of the most fascinating animals in the world.
In terms of appearance, it's enormous — much larger than you'd expect until you see one up close. It has thick grey skin, large floppy ears, and a long trunk that it uses almost like a hand to pick up food or spray water. Its eyes look surprisingly gentle for such a massive creature.
I first learned about elephants properly when I visited a nature reserve in Vietnam about three years ago, although I'd seen them on TV many times before. The guide explained how elephants live in family groups led by an older female, which I found really interesting.
They mainly live in forests and grasslands across South and Southeast Asia, although their natural habitat is shrinking because of deforestation. In Vietnam, wild elephants are sadly endangered — only a small number remain in the central and southern regions.
What makes them interesting to me is their intelligence and emotional depth. Research shows they mourn their dead, remember routes across decades, and cooperate as a group. I also admire their role in Vietnamese culture — elephants appear in folklore and were historically used in ceremonies. I feel we have a responsibility to protect them before they disappear completely.
Part 2 — Describe a time you saw an animal in an unusual place
I'm going to describe a time I saw a monitor lizard in the middle of a city street, which was quite unexpected.
It happened last summer in Ho Chi Minh City, near a canal in District 7. I was walking home from a café when I noticed something large moving near a drain — at first I thought it was a stray dog, but when I looked closer it was clearly a monitor lizard, probably over a metre long.
It was slowly crossing the pavement, completely ignoring the traffic and pedestrians. A few people stopped to film it on their phones, and one motorbike rider nearly hit it before swerving. The lizard seemed calm, almost as if the city belonged to it.
I felt a mix of surprise and concern. Surprise because you don't expect wildlife in such an urban area, and concern because the animal could easily be injured. It made me realise how urban expansion pushes animals into human spaces. I watched until it disappeared into the canal, and the whole encounter lasted maybe two minutes — but I still remember it clearly.
Part 2 — Describe a pet or animal you like
I'd like to talk about cats, which are probably my favourite domestic animal.
I usually see them in my neighbourhood — many families keep cats, and there are also stray cats around the apartment blocks. My cousin has a ginger cat that I often play with when I visit her.
Most cats are medium-sized with soft fur, pointed ears, and very expressive eyes. They move quietly and gracefully, and each one seems to have a distinct personality — some are playful, others are independent and aloof.
I like cats because they're low-maintenance compared to dogs, but still affectionate when they want to be. Watching a cat stretch in the sun or chase a toy is genuinely relaxing. I think they suit busy city life, which is probably why they're so popular among young professionals in Vietnam.
Part 3 — Discussion
1. Do you keep a pet?
Not at the moment, because my apartment is small and I work long hours. However, I grew up with a cat at my parents' house, and I'd like to adopt a pet in the future when I have more space and a stable routine.
2. Do you like watching animals in the zoo?
I have mixed feelings. Zoos can be educational, especially for children who might never see exotic animals otherwise. However, I've seen enclosures that look too small and artificial, which makes me uncomfortable. I prefer wildlife documentaries or sanctuaries where animals have more natural space.
3. Is it important to let children know about animals?
Yes, absolutely. Learning about animals helps children develop empathy, curiosity about nature, and awareness of conservation. If young people understand that species can become extinct, they're more likely to support environmental protection as adults. Schools, zoos, and nature programmes all play a role in this.
4. What kinds of animals do people keep as pets in your country?
Dogs and cats are the most common, especially in cities. In rural areas, people also keep chickens, ducks, and sometimes fish in ponds. Recently, exotic pets like hamsters, rabbits, and even ornamental birds have become trendy among young people in urban areas.
5. Do you think cities are suitable places for keeping a pet?
It depends on the animal and the owner. Cats and small dogs can adapt well to apartments if they're cared for properly. Large dogs, however, need more space and exercise, which cities often can't provide. I think responsible ownership — regular walks, vet care, not abandoning pets — matters more than the location itself.
6. What are the benefits of having a pet?
Pets provide companionship and emotional support, which can reduce loneliness and stress. Dog owners, for example, tend to exercise more because they walk their pets daily. For children, caring for an animal teaches responsibility and empathy. Overall, the bond between humans and pets can improve mental well-being significantly.
7. What's your favourite wild animal?
I'd say the dolphin. I'm fascinated by how intelligent and social they are — they communicate, play, and even appear to help other species. Watching dolphins in the ocean, rather than in captivity, is an unforgettable experience. They're a reminder of how much we still don't understand about marine life.
8. What's the role of animals in your country?
Animals play several roles in Vietnam. Historically, water buffalo were essential for farming, and they still appear in rural areas. Animals are central to our cuisine and food culture. Culturally, certain animals like dragons, tigers, and elephants appear in folklore and festivals. Today, there's growing awareness of wildlife conservation, especially for endangered species like pangolins and elephants.
9. What are people's attitudes to animals in your country?
Attitudes are changing but still mixed. Older generations often view animals mainly as food or working tools, while younger people tend to care more about animal welfare and conservation. Pet culture is growing rapidly in cities, and social media has raised awareness about cruelty cases. However, illegal wildlife trade and poor zoo conditions remain serious problems.
10. What are the advantages and disadvantages of wildlife parks?
Wildlife parks can protect endangered species, support breeding programmes, and educate the public — which are significant advantages. They also create jobs and tourism revenue. On the downside, animals may still live in confined spaces and lose natural behaviours. Some parks prioritise profit over welfare. I think the best facilities focus on conservation and rehabilitation rather than entertainment.
11. Is it right to use animals for scientific testing?
This is a difficult ethical question. On one hand, animal testing has contributed to life-saving medicines and vaccines that benefit millions of people. On the other hand, animals suffer pain and confinement, and some tests may be unnecessary. I believe testing should be strictly regulated, minimised wherever possible, and replaced by alternative methods when science allows it.
12. What are the arguments for and against keeping animals in zoos?
For: zoos protect endangered species, fund conservation research, and educate children about wildlife. Against: animals live in artificial environments with limited space, may develop stress behaviours, and exist mainly for human entertainment. I think modern zoos that prioritise breeding programmes and naturalistic enclosures are more justified than traditional cage-based zoos focused on profit.
13. Why do some people choose to become vegetarian?
People become vegetarian for different reasons. Some object to killing animals for food on ethical grounds. Others are concerned about the environmental impact of meat production — livestock farming produces significant greenhouse gases. Health is another factor, as plant-based diets can reduce heart disease risk. In my experience, younger people in cities are more likely to make this choice than older generations.
14. Should governments do more to protect endangered species?
Yes, definitely. Governments have the power to enforce anti-poaching laws, protect natural habitats, and fund conservation programmes. For example, Vietnam has laws against wildlife trafficking, but enforcement is still weak in some areas. Without stronger government action, endangered species like pangolins and rhinos will continue to decline despite public awareness campaigns.
15. Do you think animal testing is necessary for medical research?
To some extent, yes — at least historically it has been essential for developing vaccines, cancer treatments, and surgical techniques. However, technology is advancing rapidly, and alternatives like computer modelling and lab-grown tissue are reducing the need for live animal testing. I think the goal should be to phase out unnecessary experiments while allowing strictly controlled testing only when no alternative exists.
16. Should hunting be banned?
Sport hunting for entertainment should be banned — there's no justification for killing animals for fun. However, the situation is more complex for indigenous communities or controlled culling to manage overpopulation. Illegal hunting and poaching for ivory or animal parts should be punished severely. Overall, I support strict bans on commercial hunting of endangered species.
17. How can zoos improve the lives of animals?
Zoos can create larger, more natural enclosures that mimic the animals' real habitats, provide mental stimulation through enrichment activities, and keep social animals in groups rather than alone. They should also invest profits into conservation rather than expansion for tourism. Regular veterinary care and transparent welfare standards would help build public trust and genuinely improve animal lives.