Buổi 149: Thi thử cuối khóa – Writing (Task 1 + Task 2, 60 phút)

The maps illustrate how Westfield College campus changed between 2006 and 2026.

Overall, the campus became more focused on students living and studying on site, with less space given to cars and outdoor sport. The main entrance and the position of the main buildings, however, remained the same.

In 2006, the northern half of the campus contained a teaching block and a library, with a sports field occupying the entire eastern side. A large car park stretched across the centre of the site, directly behind the main entrance.

By 2026, the teaching block had been extended, and the library had been converted into a learning centre. The sports field was replaced by two new buildings: student housing in the north-east and a sports hall to the south of it. The most striking change, though, concerned the car park, which was removed altogether. Its western half was turned into a garden with seating, while the eastern half became a bicycle park and bus stop, suggesting a shift away from car use on campus.

Dear Mrs Lam,

Thank you for letting us know about your plans to renovate your apartment – I hope the work goes smoothly and that you're pleased with the result.

I'm writing because I'm a little concerned about the timing. You mentioned that the builders will start at seven in the morning and work on Saturdays as well. I often work from home, and my husband works night shifts at the hospital, which means he sleeps during the morning.

I'm worried that drilling and hammering early in the day, especially on the wall we share, might make it very difficult for him to rest, and for me to take calls with clients. Dust in the corridor could also be a problem, as I have a dust allergy.

Would it be possible to ask the builders to start the noisiest work after nine o'clock, and to avoid Saturdays if they can? It would also be very helpful if the corridor could be covered and cleaned at the end of each day. If you could let us know in advance which days will be the noisiest, we could plan around them.

Many thanks for your understanding.

Best wishes, Thu Ha

Advances in technology have made it possible for a growing number of people to work and study remotely, connecting to colleagues and teachers from home or even from another country. While this development raises genuine concerns, I believe it is largely positive, provided that it is treated as an option rather than a replacement for shared spaces.

The most obvious benefit is flexibility. People who no longer have to commute every day save time and money, and many find it easier to balance work with family responsibilities, such as caring for children or elderly relatives. Remote study, likewise, can open up courses to people who live far from universities or who cannot afford to move. For employers, the ability to recruit from a wider area may also make it easier to find staff with the right skills.

However, the disadvantages should not be underestimated. Working or studying alone can be isolating, and some people find it harder to stay motivated without the structure of a shared environment. Much learning, both in workplaces and in education, happens informally – through overheard conversations, quick questions and observing more experienced colleagues – and this is difficult to reproduce online. There is also a risk that the boundary between work and home becomes blurred, leading people to work longer hours rather than fewer.

In my view, these problems are reasons for designing remote arrangements carefully rather than for rejecting them. Combining a few days of remote work with regular time in a shared office, or blending online study with face-to-face sessions, can preserve the benefits of flexibility while reducing isolation. Clear expectations about working hours can also help to protect people's time.

In conclusion, the ability to work and study from anywhere offers substantial benefits, particularly for those with long commutes or caring responsibilities. As long as it complements rather than replaces shared spaces, it is a positive development.