Portray an historical incident you desire to explore | IELTS Speaking Parts 2 & 3

Part 2: Portray an historical incident you wish to delve into

Portray an historical incident you desire to delve into
You should specify:
Your area of interest
The time it occurred
Your knowledge about it
And why you are eager to learn more

Below is a sample for the topic “Portray an historical incident you desire to delve into“.

1. Sample 1 (Sample)

Vocabulary (Vocabulary)

• avid reader: ham đọc sách
• inadequate: không thỏa đáng
• rummaging: lục lọi

2. Sample 2 (Sample)

Lexicon (Vocabulary)

• Be deeply interested in sth (adj) 
• Be triggered by (v) (trận chiến) được châm ngòi bởi … 
• Be associated with (v) có liên hệ với, liên quan tới, gắn liền với 
• Economic downturn (n) suy thoái kinh tế 
• Mass unemployment (n) thất nghiệp hàng loạt 
• Poverty (n) nạn nghèo 
• Political unstability (n) (sự) bất ổn chính trị 
• Attempt (n) nỗ lực 
• The outbreak of (a war) (n) sự bùng nổ (chiến tranh) 
• Resilience (n) sự dẻo dai 

Part 3: Historical Perspective

In addition to Part 2, please also refer to Part 3 for this topic

1. Should everyone know history?2. In what ways can children learn history?3. What are the differences between learning history from books and from videos?4. Is it difficult to protect and preserve historic buildings?5. Who should be responsible for protecting historic buildings?6. Who should pay for the preservation of historic buildings?

1. Is it essential for everyone to have knowledge of history?

Model 1: It’s clear, isn’t it? We definitely should.

There’s a famous saying, “Those who don’t learn history are bound to repeat it.” It’s obvious that people should study history. What's more important, they should have the chance to do so. There are various methods, even historical artifacts can be beneficial.

• historical pieces: phim sử thi, cổ trang

Model 2: Absolutely. History gives us valuable insights into the past and how our ancestors lived centuries ago, providing us with practical knowledge. Additionally, studying history helps us understand current events. For instance, the world is split into two political systems, one based on capitalism and the other on socialism. Understanding this division requires a knowledge of history.

• To lead one’s life (v) = live (v) sống 
• Political regime (n) chế độ chính trị 

2. How can children be introduced to history?

Model 1: In my view, traditional history classes in schools aren’t effective. In fact, they often discourage interest in the subject. This leaves us with options like field trips, visits to museums, and educational TV programs.

Model 2: Children can learn history in various ways. One common method is through classroom lessons where they study textbooks and listen to their teacher’s lectures. Another approach is watching movies set in a bygone era, which often depict life centuries ago. However, it’s crucial for children to experience their ancestors’ lives and historical events firsthand by visiting places like heritage sites and historic landmarks. 

• Bygone period/ bygone era (n) thời kỳ đã qua 
• Get exposed to (v) tiếp cận với 
• Historical site (n) di tích lịch sử 

3. How does learning history from books differ from learning through videos?

Model 1: I find videos to be more impactful. Seeing events unfold on screen can evoke emotions, like Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon.  

That said, with a captivating narrative, history books can also be incredibly engaging. Consider Harari's Sapiens, which captivated readers with its gripping storytelling. 

Model 2: Learning history from books and videos is markedly distinct. Books often provide deeper insights and details about events or historical periods, while videos tend to offer brief summaries without detailed analysis. However, reading history books can be laborious, especially for young readers who may find them less interactive. Videos, on the other hand, offer a more immersive way to absorb historical knowledge. 

• Be radically different (adj) khác nhau lớn 
• Offer (great) insights into sth (v) cung cấp những hiểu biết sâu sắc (về cái gì đó) 
• In-depth analysis (n) phân tích chuyên sâu 

4. Is it a challenge to safeguard and maintain historical structures?

Example 1: Unfortunately, protecting them is quite a task. Firstly, the historical significance of certain places isn't readily apparent or visible to those involved. Consequently, they remain unprotected and easily replaced with newer, more glamorous buildings. Such tragedies have occurred, like the sudden disappearance of one of Vietnam's oldest clothing factories. It's a shame because it could have been a remarkable museum, you know.

Another issue is that these buildings are likely falling into disrepair due to age and extensive use, making it nearly impossible to restore them to their former glory. However, when we see Mozart's childhood home still standing strong, one wonders why it's so challenging.

Example 2: Preserving historically significant buildings can indeed be daunting. Many of these structures are now open to the public, inviting them to delve into history. Unfortunately, a significant number of visitors fail to recognize the value of these edifices and end up vandalizing them. Addressing this behavior seems quite challenging, which is concerning.

• Vandalize (v) phá hoại 

5. Who bears the responsibility for safeguarding historical buildings?

Example 1: Naturally, it falls on the government's shoulders. There should be, and indeed there is, a collaboration between their departments to identify buildings that witnessed historical events and are worthy of our attention. Where I'm from, such initiatives require expertise from various fields, and who else carries the authority to regulate them?

Example 2: It's commonly agreed that the responsibility for safeguarding ancient buildings, just like other heritage sites, primarily rests with the government, especially at the local level. This encompasses their upkeep, occasional refurbishment, and importantly, renovations. The public also plays a vital role in protecting historic buildings by avoiding any damage and contributing financially through ticket purchases and taxes.

• Be in charge of sth: chịu trách nhiệm cho (cái gì đó) 
• Renovation (n) sự tu sửa 
• Do damage to sth (v) gây hư hại cho (cái gì đó) 

6. Who should bear the cost of preserving historic buildings?

Example 1: Local authorities should oversee the expenses for restoration or refurbishment. Ultimately, they are managing funds contributed by their citizens through taxes. Hopefully, there are philanthropists with generous hearts who can contribute significantly to these initiatives.

Example 2: In my view, preserving historic buildings often requires a partnership between public and private entities, depending on factors like ownership, significance, and local regulations. For instance, if a building is privately owned, the responsibility typically falls on the owners for maintenance. Conversely, if it's a public asset, citizens should participate in its operation and preservation funding.

• Upkeep and maintenance (n) (sự) bảo trì