IELTS NGOC BACH 179
negative. For example, watching / viewing violent media content often enough can make it more likely that children will behave in an aggressive way and be less understanding of other people’s needs and feelings. On the other hand, teenagers who are exposed to and take an interest in the news are more likely to be interested in major social and political issues. This can help educate them and encourage them to become more involved as citizens in their communities.
15.9. Why is it hard for adults to change?
There can be numerous reasons why some grownups resist change. I think the primary reason lies with people’s fear of excessive uncertainty that is usually associated with change. Imagine yourself walking off a cliff blindfolded. Scary, isn’t it? Doing things for the first time or stepping into the unknown can be pretty frightening too. Most of the time, people only seek change when they get frustrated with their current situation and the only way out is to look for a positive way forward.
It would be a lot harder for people to change if they couldn’t find such motivation or courage to take those first steps to move out of their comfort zone.
15.10. How to help young people to develop good habits?
In my opinion, adults, first and foremost, must lead by setting a good example for children. As children grow and learn mostly from watching the people around them, the way adults handle the ups and downs of life can teach the young a lot about how to behave and get along with others. It’s also important to show respect for children and refrain from using the word “don’t” whenever possible. Furthermore, encouraging the kids with praise and giving them positive attention for good behaviors can motivate them to build and maintain more good habits.
VOCABULARY
IELTS NGOC BACH 180
ü Befriend (verb): to be friendly towards someone – kết bạn It is not advisable to befriend your boss, or your teacher.
ü To turn one’s back on sb: deny, reject; also abandon, forsake – bỏ rơi I can't turn my back on my own daughter, no matter what she's done.
ü Altercation (noun): verbal fight – cuộc đấu khẩu, cãi vã
According to witnesses, the altercation between the two men started inside the restaurant.
ü Stubborn (adj): having or showing dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position on something – cứng đầu
They have huge arguments because they're both so stubborn.
ü To get along: have a harmonious or friendly relationship – hoà thuận Those two just don't get along.
ü Compatible (adj): able to have a harmonious relationship – dung hoà, hoà hợp It was when we started living together that we found we just weren't compatible.
ü Complement (verb): add to (something) in a way that enhances or improves it – bổ sung
The music complements her voice perfectly.
ü To open one’s eyes: become or make someone aware of the truth of a situation – hiểu sâu sắc thêm về một điều gì; mở mang tầm mắt
The trip to Zimbabwe opened her eyes to the difficulties faced by developing nations.
ü Perspective (noun): a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view – góc nhìn, quan điểm
You're approaching the problem from a completely different perspective.
ü To stay/keep in touch: to maintain communications with someone – giữ liên lạc After my neighbor moved, we still kept in touch.
IELTS NGOC BACH 181
ü Instill (verb): gradually but firmly establish (an idea or attitude, especially a desirable one) in a person's mind – làm cho thấm nhuần
It is part of a teacher's job to instil confidence in/into his or her students.
ü Mind-set (noun): the established set of attitudes held by someone – tư duy
It's extraordinary how hard it is to change the mindset of the public and the press.
ü Gratitude (noun): the quality of being thankful – lòng biết ơn She sent them a present to show/express her gratitude.
ü Potential (noun): the possibility of something happening or of someone doing something in the future – tiềm năng
I don't feel I'm achieving my full potential in my present job.
ü To go far in life: be successful – thành công trong cuộc sống
Children should be encouraged to go far in life and to set their goals high and reach for them.
ü Delinquent (noun): a person, usually young, who behaves in a way that is illegal or not acceptable to most people – kẻ phạm tội
There are many ways that parents can do to help juvenile delinquents change.
ü To be/get up to no good: doing something bad – làm điều xấu I could tell from the look on Tom's face that he was up to no good.
ü Self-esteem (noun): confidence in one's own worth or abilities – lòng tự trọng She suffers from low self-esteem and it prevents her from pursuing her goals.
ü Reckless (adj): without thinking or caring about the consequences of an action – thiếu thận trọng, hấp tấp
These punks have a reckless disregard for the law.
ü To act up: misbehave – cư xử không đứng đắn
Sometimes kids act up because they just want attention.
IELTS NGOC BACH 182
ü Disobey (verb): fail to obey – không vâng lời He was punished for disobeying orders.
ü Vulnerability (noun): the quality of being weak and easily hurt physically or emotionally – sự dễ bị tổn thương; độ nhạy cảm
He was intensely aware of his own vulnerability.
ü Aggressive (adj): ready or likely to attack or confront – hung hăng He gets aggressive when he's drunk.
ü Blindfolded (adj): to cover someone’s eyes with a blindfold – bị bịt mắt She is challenged to solve the Rubik’s Cube blindfolded.
ü Frightening (adj): making someone afraid or anxious; terrifying – đáng sợ It is frightening to think what might happen if she left him.
ü Comfort zone (noun): a situation in which you feel comfortable and in which your ability and determination are not being tested – vùng thoải mái; giới hạn bản thân.
Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself.
ü Praise (noun): the expression of approval or admiration for someone or something – lời khen ngợi
They deserve praise for all their hard work.