Part 1
Giám khảo
Do you use headphones?
Thí sinh
I used to use headphone a lot when I was studying at university because I used to listen to music and lecture. Nowadays I rarely use headphones because I prefer face to face communications with friends.
Giám khảo
What type of headphones do you use?
Thí sinh
I used to use portable headphones because is more convenient. I don't like umm having wire around my next or near my face because I feel like messy, so I'd rather use portable headphones.
Giám khảo
When would you use headphones?
Thí sinh
As I said, I used to to use headphones when I was study at university for listening lecture or music, but nowadays I use this for an only when I commute to work by trains.
Giám khảo
In what conditions would you not use headphones?
Thí sinh
I would say a lot of conditions that I'm not going to use headphones as I prefer face to face talking to people. Umm, especially when uh, I have to umm, talk or discuss something, uh, at work. I don't think headphone is appropriate.
Giám khảo
Is wearing headphones comfortable?
Thí sinh
I personally don't like headphones so much, so I would say it's not comfortable for me to use headphone. I'd rather use a microphone or speaker if possible if or if it's available.
Do you use headphones?
Điểm: 72.0Gợi ý: Reduce repetition, correct grammar (use plural/singular, verb forms), and make answer more concise with one clear topic sentence followed by a specific supporting detail. Use linking words like "but" or "however" to show contrast.
Ví dụ: I used to wear headphones frequently at university because I listened to lectures and music, but now I rarely use them because I prefer face-to-face conversations with friends.
What type of headphones do you use?
Điểm: 68.0Gợi ý: Be concise and correct grammar (e.g., "they are" or "they're"), avoid filler words, and provide a clear reason with specific details. Use linking words such as "because" to connect reason and preference.
Ví dụ: I prefer portable (wireless) headphones because they're more convenient and I don't like having wires around my neck, which feels messy and uncomfortable.
When would you use headphones?
Điểm: 65.0Gợi ý: Start with a direct topic sentence, correct verb forms and word order, and remove repetitions. Provide a specific current use with linking word like "nowadays" and a brief example (e.g., "on my commute").
Ví dụ: I used headphones at university to listen to lectures and music, but nowadays I only use them when I commute to work by train.
In what conditions would you not use headphones?
Điểm: 70.0Gợi ý: Be more direct and eliminate hesitation words. Give one or two specific situations and use linking words like "for example" or "especially". Correct singular/plural forms and maintain natural phrasing.
Ví dụ: I usually avoid headphones during conversations, for example when discussing work matters with colleagues, because face-to-face interaction is more appropriate and effective.
Is wearing headphones comfortable?
Điểm: 66.0Gợi ý: Answer directly, correct singular/plural and reduce repetition. Offer a brief explanation and a specific alternative. Use linking words like "so" or "therefore" to connect ideas.
Ví dụ: I don't find headphones very comfortable, so I prefer using a speaker or a microphone when possible because they feel less restrictive and are more convenient.
× I used to use headphone a lot when I was studying at university because I used to listen to music and lecture.
✓ I used to use headphones a lot when I was studying at university because I used to listen to music and lectures.
The noun 'headphone' should be plural 'headphones' when referring to the device in general. 'Lecture' should be plural 'lectures' to match the plural activity of listening to multiple sessions. Use plural for countable nouns when speaking generally or about multiple instances.
× Nowadays I rarely use headphones because I prefer face to face communications with friends.
✓ Nowadays I rarely use headphones because I prefer face-to-face communication with friends.
'Face to face' should be hyphenated as 'face-to-face' when used as an adjective. 'Communications' is plural and implies multiple systems; the uncountable noun 'communication' fits better for the general activity. Maintain present tense and singular/uncountable form for clarity.
× I used to use portable headphones because is more convenient.
✓ I used to use portable headphones because they are more convenient.
The sentence lacks a subject before 'is'; use 'they' to refer to 'headphones' and the correct present form 'are' because 'headphones' is plural. This fixes subject-verb agreement and provides a clear subject.
× I don't like umm having wire around my next or near my face because I feel like messy, so I'd rather use portable headphones.
✓ I don't like having wires around my neck or near my face because I feel messy, so I'd rather use portable headphones.
Use 'wires' plural for countable items and 'neck' instead of 'next'. 'Around my neck' is the correct prepositional phrase. Remove filler 'umm'. 'I feel messy' is acceptable but 'messy' describes appearance; consider 'uncomfortable' for clarity. Ensure prepositions and word choice are correct.
× As I said, I used to to use headphones when I was study at university for listening lecture or music, but nowadays I use this for an only when I commute to work by trains.
✓ As I said, I used to use headphones when I was studying at university to listen to lectures or music, but nowadays I use them only when I commute to work by train.
Remove duplicated 'to'. Use past continuous 'was studying' for ongoing past action. Use infinitive 'to listen' rather than 'for listening'. 'Lectures' should be plural. 'Use this' is unclear; 'use them' refers to headphones. 'Only' placement should be before the phrase it modifies. 'By trains' is incorrect; use 'by train' to describe the mode of transport generally.
× I would say a lot of conditions that I'm not going to use headphones as I prefer face to face talking to people.
✓ I would say there are many situations in which I wouldn't use headphones because I prefer face-to-face conversations with people.
Original sentence had unclear structure. Use 'there are' to introduce existence (There be issue). 'Many situations' is clearer than 'a lot of conditions'. 'Wouldn't' is used for conditional/polite statements. Use 'because' to give reason. Hyphenate 'face-to-face' and use 'conversations' for natural collocation.
× I don't think headphone is appropriate.
✓ I don't think headphones are appropriate.
'Headphone' is singular and uncountable here; use plural 'headphones' and match with plural verb 'are'. Alternatively 'the headphone' could be used if referring to a specific device, but general statement uses plural.
× I personally don't like headphones so much, so I would say it's not comfortable for me to use headphone.
✓ I personally don't like headphones very much, so I would say it's not comfortable for me to use them.
Use 'very much' rather than 'so much' for formality. 'Headphone' should be plural 'headphones' and referred to with object pronoun 'them'. Ensure pronoun agrees in number with its antecedent.
× I'd rather use a microphone or speaker if possible if or if it's available.
✓ I'd rather use a microphone or speaker if possible or if they're available.
Remove the duplicated 'if' and use plural pronoun 'they're' to agree with 'microphone or speaker' considered jointly; alternatively rephrase 'if either is available'. This corrects redundancy and pronoun agreement.