Similarities:

- Both countries offer vocational education as an alternative to traditional academic education after secondary school.

- In both countries, students can continue their education after secondary school to obtain a bachelor's degree, master's degree, or a doctorate.

- In both countries, grades are important for further education, with students needing to achieve good grades to progress to higher levels of education.

Differences:

- In Vietnam, there is a strong emphasis on academic education, with vocational education being seen as a secondary option. In contrast, vocational education is given more importance in the UK and is often referred to as career education or technical education.

- In the UK, students have the option of attending sixth-form colleges or staying at their secondary schools for two more years to study subjects they are interested in or subjects related to higher education. Such an option is not available in Vietnam.

- The education system in Vietnam is heavily influenced by the government and is more centralized, while the UK education system is more decentralized and allows for greater autonomy in decision-making by schools and teachers.

- The length of time spent in university in Vietnam is longer compared to the UK. In Vietnam, a bachelor's degree can take up to five years to complete, while in the UK, it takes three years.

These are just a few examples of the similarities and differences between the education systems in Vietnam and the UK. Students in the group discussion can explore these points in more detail and also add their own observations and experiences to the discussion.

[ 1 ] Student A: Hi there, do you need any help with your exercise routine?

Student B: Yes, please. I'm having a hard time with this one.

Student A: Let me help you with that. Here, let me show you the proper form.

Student B: That's very kind/nice of you. Thanks for your help.

Student A: Is there anything else I can do for you?

Student B: No, thank you. I think I'm good now.

[ 2 ] Student A: Excuse me, do you know where the healthy snacks are?

Student B: Yes, they are in aisle 3. Can I help you find anything else?

Student A: Actually, yes. I'm trying to find some low-sugar cereal for my kids.

Student B: Let me show you where it is. Here it is. That’s very kind/nice of you.

Student A: Thank you very much. Is there anything else I can do for you?

Student B: No, thanks. I think I’m fine now.

Cooking courses can be an excellent way to learn new cooking skills, improve existing ones, and explore different cuisines. They can also be a fun and social activity, allowing you to meet new people and share your love of food with others.

There are many different types of cooking courses available, depending on your interests and skill level. Some popular options include:

1. Basic cooking courses - These are ideal for beginners who want to learn basic cooking techniques, such as knife skills, ingredient selection, and cooking methods.

2. Cuisine-specific courses - These focus on a specific type of cuisine, such as Italian, French, or Thai, and teach you the skills and techniques needed to cook authentic dishes from that cuisine.

3. Advanced courses - These are designed for more experienced cooks who want to take their skills to the next level and learn advanced techniques, such as molecular gastronomy or pastry making.

4. Specialized courses - These focus on specific areas of cooking, such as baking, grilling, or vegetarian cooking.

Overall, if you enjoy cooking or want to learn how to cook, a cooking course can be a great investment of time and money. Just be sure to choose a course that suits your interests and skill level.

Choosing between college or university and vocational school depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. If you are interested in pursuing an academic degree, have a passion for learning, and want to explore different subjects, then college or university is the right choice for you. You will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in a particular field, meet new people, and develop transferable skills like critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.

On the other hand, if you have a specific trade in mind, enjoy hands-on learning, and want to start working as soon as possible, then vocational school is the right choice for you. You will acquire the practical skills and knowledge needed for a particular job, receive an apprenticeship, and earn a salary while studying.

Ultimately, the choice between college or university and vocational school depends on your individual needs, interests, and goals. It's important to do your research, talk to educational experts, and consult with your parents, teachers, or career counselors to make an informed decision.

The two most common options for school-leavers are to continue their education at university or to enter the workforce directly. Other options could include taking a gap year to travel or gain work experience, enrolling in vocational or trade schools, or pursuing apprenticeships or internships.

Cô Hoa: Chúc cả lớp vui vẻ. Có một hội chợ giáo dục vào cuối tuần trước. Có ai đi không?

Nam: Vâng, Mai và tôi đã làm. Hội chợ thật tuyệt vời và chúng tôi đã nhận được rất nhiều thông tin hữu ích.

Cô Hoa: Tôi rất vui khi nghe điều đó. Bạn có muốn chia sẻ một số điều đó với cả lớp không?

Mai: Chắc chắn rồi. Sau khi học xong, chúng tôi chủ yếu có hai lựa chọn giáo dục. Ví dụ, chúng ta có thể vào đại học nếu chúng ta đạt điểm cao hoặc vượt qua kỳ thi tuyển sinh đại học.

Nam: Đúng vậy, nhưng giáo dục học thuật không phải là tất cả. Lựa chọn khác là đến một trường dạy nghề, nơi chúng ta có thể học các kỹ năng cho những công việc cụ thể.

Cô Hoa: Nghe thú vị đấy. Vì vậy, kế hoạch của bạn cho tương lai là gì?

Mai: Tôi hy vọng được vào đại học. Giành chiến thắng trong một số cuộc thi sinh học, tôi muốn học sinh học và trở thành một nhà khoa học.

Cô Hoa: Tuyệt vời! Điều thực sự quan trọng là theo đuổi giấc mơ của bạn, Mai.

Mai: Mẹ tôi vẫn tiếc vì đã không học đại học. Vì vậy, tôi muốn làm cho cô ấy tự hào về tôi. Còn bạn thì sao Nam?

Nam: Chà, tôi không nghĩ đại học là dành cho tôi. Tôi muốn học trường dạy nghề vì tôi muốn trở thành thợ sửa xe. Bố tôi sở hữu một cửa hàng sửa chữa ô tô. Chứng kiến anh ấy làm việc rất chăm chỉ trong nhiều năm đã giúp tôi đưa ra quyết định của mình.

Cô Hoa: Hay lắm đấy Nam! Tôi hy vọng bạn có thể giúp anh ấy phát triển công việc kinh doanh của mình.