TOPIC 12: FAMILY LIFE - structures

A blue-collar worker

I think ___ deserve more recognition because their jobs are essential to society. In my family, I’ve learned that people should be judged by their contribution and responsibility rather than their job title or social status. (lao động chân tay)

A white-collar worker

___ often have more predictable working environments, while physical workers may face greater demands. However, I don’t think one career path is inherently better. What matters is whether people find stability, fulfilment and a reasonable work-life balance. (nhân viên văn phòng)

A chip off the old block

I’d say I’m ___ in terms of being responsible and quite determined. However, I’ve developed my own interests and opinions as I’ve grown up, so I’m definitely not an exact copy of either parent. (rất giống với cha/mẹ mình)

Be dependent on / depend on

Teenagers inevitably ___ their parents to some extent, especially while they are still studying. However, gradually becoming financially independent can teach them responsibility and help them make more mature decisions about education, work and personal priorities. (phụ thuộc vào)

Be determined to do sth

I’m ___ achieve my academic goals because I’ve invested a lot of time in preparing for university. Even when progress feels slow, I try to stay consistent rather than relying on short bursts of motivation. (quyết tâm làm gì)

Be disappointed with

I occasionally ___ my family when we misunderstand each other, but these situations usually pass quickly. I think disagreements are normal in close relationships, and honest communication is much more important than trying to avoid every conflict. (thất vọng với)

Be in charge of

Parents can ___ age-appropriate tasks, such as organising their study space or preparing simple meals. This gives them a sense of ownership and allows them to learn from small mistakes without facing serious consequences. (đảm nhiệm, chịu trách nhiệm)

Put sb in charge of sth/doing sth

Parents can ___ children ___ age-appropriate tasks, such as organising their study space or preparing simple meals. This gives them a sense of ownership and allows them to learn from small mistakes without facing serious consequences. (giao phó/ủy thác cho ai trách nhiệm làm gì)

Be in the family way

In the past, becoming ___ was often expected at a relatively young age. Nowadays, many people postpone marriage and parenthood because they want to establish financial stability and pursue education or career opportunities first. (có mang, có thai)

Be independent of

Young people should gradually ___ their parents as they become adults. Financial independence is important, but emotional independence matters too, because being able to make decisions independently is an essential part of growing up. (độc lập/tự chủ với)

Be on business

Yes, some adults ___ from time to time. Although work trips can be tiring, they can also provide useful professional experience. I think the main challenge is maintaining a good connection with family while being away. (đi công tác)

Be satisfied/contented with

People tend to ___ family life when they feel respected, supported and understood. A perfect family doesn’t really exist, so I think emotional security and the ability to communicate openly are more important than avoiding disagreements altogether. (hài lòng với)

Domestic violence

___ is one of the most serious problems because it can affect a person’s physical and emotional well-being for years. Society should provide stronger protection for victims while also promoting education about healthy communication and respectful relationships. (bạo lực gia đình)

Drop out (of)

Some young people ___ school because of financial difficulties, family problems or a lack of academic support. In my opinion, schools should identify these difficulties early and provide practical assistance before students completely lose motivation. (bỏ, rút khỏi)

Earn/make money

I think teenagers can ___ through suitable part-time work, as long as it doesn’t interfere with their education. Besides giving them financial experience, working can teach them time management and help them understand the value of money. (kiếm tiền)

Flesh and blood

Family members are often our ___, so there is usually a strong emotional connection between them. However, I believe closeness shouldn’t be taken for granted. Trust and mutual respect still need to be built through everyday interactions. (máu mủ ruột thịt)

Get into troubles = be in hot water = be (caught) between a rock and a hard place

Young people can ___ when they make decisions without considering the consequences. Sometimes they may also ___, especially when family expectations conflict with their personal goals. (gặp rắc rối / ở thế khó khăn)

Heavy lifting

___ shouldn’t automatically be assigned to one family member. Ideally, household responsibilities should be divided according to people’s abilities, schedules and preferences, so everyone contributes fairly rather than expecting one person to handle everything. (việc nặng nhọc)

In response to

Parents should listen carefully ___ their children’s concerns instead of immediately criticising them. A calm conversation can help young people feel understood and make it easier for both sides to find a practical solution. (đáp lại, hưởng ứng)

Interact with

Families need to regularly ___ one another, even when everyone has a busy schedule. Simple activities such as having meals together or discussing daily experiences can strengthen emotional bonds without requiring expensive trips or elaborate plans. (kết nối, giao tiếp, tương tác với)

Put sth on sb

When something goes wrong, people may ___ another family member because it feels easier than accepting responsibility. However, constantly blaming others can damage trust, so families should focus on solving the problem rather than finding a scapegoat. (đổ hết/đổ hết cái gì lên ai)

Run in the family

Being quite ambitious seems to ___. Several relatives tend to set high standards for themselves, although everyone expresses that ambition differently. I think both genetics and the environment we grow up in can shape these characteristics. (là đặc điểm lưu truyền trong gia đình)

Set a good example for sb

Parents should ___ their children instead of simply giving them instructions. If adults demonstrate honesty, responsibility and respect in everyday situations, children are more likely to develop those qualities naturally as they grow up. (làm gương cho ai)

Follow one’s example

Children often ___, particularly when they are young. They may copy how adults communicate, solve problems or treat other people. That is why parents’ everyday behaviour can sometimes have a stronger influence than direct advice. (theo gương ai)

Sort out

When a family faces a disagreement, it is better to ___ the issue through a calm discussion. Avoiding the problem may provide temporary peace, but unresolved conflicts can gradually create distance between family members. (phân loại)

Take out

One simple chore I can ___ is the rubbish. It doesn’t take much time, but regularly doing small household tasks helps everyone share the workload instead of leaving all the responsibility to one family member. (nhổ ra, rút ra, dỡ rác)

Come out

When a new film ___, my family sometimes watches it together at home. I enjoy these simple activities because they give everyone a chance to relax and interact, especially when our daily schedules are quite different. (đi đến một sự kiện đặc biệt với ai, lộ ra, ló ra, xuất bản)

Pull out

Sometimes people decide to ___ of a difficult situation when continuing would cause more harm than good. I think knowing when to step back is an important form of maturity, particularly when family or personal priorities are involved. (kéo ra, lôi ra, rời khỏi)

Bring out

Challenging family experiences can ___ qualities such as resilience and empathy. When people learn to deal with difficulties constructively, they may become more independent and better prepared to handle similar problems later in life. (làm nổi bật, sản xuất để bán)

Take turns in doing sth

Family members can ___ household chores so that no one feels overburdened. This approach is especially useful when everyone has different schedules, because it makes responsibility feel more balanced and encourages cooperation at home. (thay phiên nhau làm gì)

Take/assume responsibility for sth/doing sth = be responsible for sth/doing sth

Children should gradually ___ appropriate household tasks. This teaches them that being part of a family involves contributing, rather than simply receiving support. It can also prepare them to become more independent as they grow older. (chịu trách nhiệm làm gì)

The black sheep of the family

Someone may become ___ simply because their personality or ambitions differ from traditional expectations. I don’t think being different is necessarily negative, as long as the person respects others and takes responsibility for their choices. (phá gia chi tử / nghịch tử)

Tidy up

Yes, I usually ___ my personal space because a messy environment makes it harder for me to concentrate. I don’t need everything to be perfectly organised, but I prefer having a clear and comfortable space for studying. (dọn gọn gàng)

Mess up

When I’m busy or rushing between different tasks, I sometimes ___ my room without noticing. Usually, I clean it once I finish studying because I find it easier to relax in an organised environment. (làm cho lộn xộn)

Under pressure

Young people are often ___ because they have to balance academic expectations, future career plans and personal development. Some pressure can be motivating, but excessive expectations may negatively affect their confidence and make them afraid of failure. (chịu áp lực)