Communication
Giao tiếp - Everyday English: Comparing past and present lifestyles.
Communication - Everyday English
11. Everyday English: Comparing Past and Present
Useful expressions for comparing lifestyles:
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| In the past, ... | Ngày xưa, ... | In the past, people lived in rural areas. |
| Nowadays, ... | Ngày nay, ... | Nowadays, many people live in cities. |
| People used to + V | Từng thường làm | People used to walk to school. |
| Today, ... | Ngày nay, ... | Today, children ride bikes or take buses. |
| ... is different from ... | khác với | Life today is different from life in the past. |
22. Practice: Pair work
Situation 1: Talk about how people communicated in the past vs now.
You: How did people communicate in the past?
Friend: In the past, people used to write letters. Nowadays, they use smartphones and social media.
Situation 2: Discuss transportation differences.
You: What transportation did people use in the past?
Friend: People used to ride bicycles or walk. Today, many people own motorbikes and cars.
Situation 3: Talk about entertainment.
You: How did people entertain themselves in the past?
Friend: In the past, children played folk games. Now they play video games and watch YouTube.
33. Speaking: Group discussion
Work in groups of 3-4. Discuss the following questions:
- What are the biggest changes in Vietnamese lifestyles over the last 50 years?
- Do you think life is better now or in the past? Why?
- What traditional customs should we keep?
- What modern conveniences can't you live without?