Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a moped
    • ex. Anna rides her moped to work every day because it is faster than walking and easy to park.
  2. a directive
    • ex. The government released a new directive to improve public health and safety in the city.
  3. curb
    • ex. The city planted more trees to help curb air pollution and make the environment cleaner.
  4. smog
    • ex. Due to the smog, people were advised to wear masks outside to protect their lungs.
  5. rely
    • ex. I rely on my alarm clock to wake me up every morning.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Vietnam will ban gas-powered motorcycles and mopeds in central Hanoi starting July 2026. This directive from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh aims to curb air pollution in the city. The ban will apply to the area inside and along the ring road around the city center. The local government is responsible for removing these vehicles by the deadline.

Motorcycles are the main way people travel in Hanoi, with nearly 7 million in use. Many people rely on them for work and transport. But the city often has bad air quality and thick smog, so the government wants cleaner air. However, some people are worried. A motorcycle taxi driver said the ban will hurt people who rely on their mopeds to earn money, such as through delivery work.

Vietnam hopes to replace gas-powered vehicles with electric ones. Local company VinFast is leading the change, but it still has a small influence in the moped market. A second phase of the plan will begin in 2028 and expand the ban. The government also plans to improve waste treatment and increase fines for pollution violations.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Motorcycles and Mopeds

  • Motorcycles are the main way people travel in Hanoi. In your city, what is the main type of transportation? Discuss.
  • In Vietnam, many people rely on motorcycles for work and transport, but Hanoi will ban them. What do you think will happen because of the ban? Discuss.
  • Vietnam hopes to replace gas-powered vehicles with electric ones. What do you think of this plan (ex. it’s great, it’s going to be difficult)? Discuss.

Air Quality

  • Do you think the air in your city/town is good? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What do you think are the main causes of air pollution in many cities? Discuss.
  • What can people do to help improve air quality (ex. plant more trees, use bicycles for transportation)? Discuss.