Travel Health Tips: Be safe on Your Trip!
Let's look at what you can do to stay safe while traveling abroad.
● Facts and figures:
Traveling abroad helps you understand (1) _______ cultures and meet other people with different lifestyles. However, to have a safe trip, follow some tips below.
● Positive action!
1. Do your research: Read travelers' reviews and check with locals for information to find out the best spots in the area. Try to (2) _______ some of the local language before you go.
2. Don't attract too much attention: Try not to look like a tourist. Be (3) _______ when taking out money to buy things, especially on the street.
3. Don't carry too much cash: (4) _______ using notes, try to use credit cards as much as you can on your trip. It's good to carry a small (5) _______ of local currency for everyday items.
4. Be aware of your (6) _______ : If someone near you is acting strange, leave the area immediately.
(Adapted from I-learn smart world)

PROTECTING OUR WILDLIFE
"Why should we care about the (7) _______ of wildlife conservation? Isn't it just another issue?" Are these the thoughts that cross your mind when you hear about endangered species? But that's all going to change! A global initiative has launched an inspiring campaign (8) _______ 'Wildlife Heroes,' allowing you to be part of the solution! Join dedicated local communities in vital conservation projects and appreciate working together to improve ecosystems. By volunteering your time and skills, you can help (9) _______ endangered animals and restore their natural habitats.
You'll also have the chance to (10) _______ awareness about the importance of biodiversity and its role in our lives. Whether you're passionate about reducing human-wildlife conflict or promoting habitat restoration, there's a place for you in this (11) _______. Let's ensure a future where nature thrives alongside us and creates a positive impact (12) _______ our planet. Together, we can truly make a difference!
(Adapted from Daily news)

BACK TO BASICS
Employees these days, who are expected to meet higher demands from their employers compared to the past, (18) _______. This drive stems from a society increasingly focused on consumption and material wealth. And even when we don't have the physical cash to pay for our purchases, we can satisfy our desire to have the latest products by virtue of our trusty credit cards, (19) _______.
However, the only problem with this is that many people are being driven into serious debt by an over-reliance on credit. The Internet has made it even easier for us to purchase expensive goods from the comfort of our sitting-room sofa. Driven by such convenience, (20) _______. Banks and other financial institutions also facilitate our spending urges, and for doing this, they are very much at fault. Getting credit has become remarkably easy for consumers in today's market. (21) _______.
Once you've fallen into the trap of indebtedness, it is incredibly difficult to extract yourself from this unpleasant financial situation. It is not only banks and credit card companies to blame; we engage in self-destructive behavior. Working long hours and accumulating debt is not a path to happiness. (22) _______. People need to evaluate their actions and shift their focus from materialism to the values of the past. What truly matters is not material possessions but our relationships with family and friends. In the end, it's not material things but the love of family and friends that defines real wealth.
(Adapted from Succeed in IELTS reading and vocabulary)

Counter-urbanisation, the process of people migrating from urban areas to live in rural ones, has become increasingly common in Vietnam in recent years. To illustrate, a number of people have decided to leave bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for rural areas. Counter-urbanisation is a new phenomenon with several benefits and potential problems for the whole nation.
Counter-urbanisation can bring positive effects on a country. Moving away from major cities can help to alleviate issues such as overcrowding, traffic congestion and pollution in those urban areas. What's more, it can even create opportunities for rural development as an increase in the rural population can encourage significant investment in businesses and infrastructure in the countryside. For instance, the growth of small enterprises and the improvement of transportation networks in rural areas are often direct outcomes of this demographic shift. Additionally, local communities may benefit from greater access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities as public and private sectors respond to rising demand.
However, counter-urbanisation has also brought challenges to rural areas in some cases. Many rural areas lack basic amenities such as medical facilities, schools and public transportation, making it difficult for newcomers to settle in. This puts a strain on rural infrastructure and services. At the same time, there is a real risk of environmental damage as more people move into previously undeveloped areas. Deforestation, pollution, and other environmental issues can arise as a result of increased human activities in these areas.
In conclusion, counter-urbanisation is a new trend that comes with advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, local governments and communities will need to work together to effectively manage public services, energy supplies and natural resources in order to promote economic extension and sustainable development.
(Adapted from Bright 12)

[I] There has, in recent years, been an outpouring of information about the impact of buildings on the natural environment. [II] Information that explains and promotes green and sustainable construction design strives to convince others of its efficacy and warns of the dangers of ignoring the issue. [III] However, these documents hardly offer any practical advice to practitioners, such as those designing mechanical and electrical systems for a building, on how to utilize this knowledge effectively in their work. [IV]
While the terms green and sustainable are often viewed as synonymous, they represent different concepts. Sustainability is defined as minimizing the negative impacts of human activities on the natural environment, particularly those that have long-term and permanent effects. Some elements of green design may also be sustainable, such as those that reduce energy usage and pollution, while others, like ensuring indoor air quality, may be considered green even if they have no direct influence.
Although many advocates promote green construction within the architectural industry and can cite numerous reasons for why buildings should be designed sustainably, this is not enough to bring green construction to fruition. The driving force behind whether a building is constructed with minimal environmental impact ultimately comes down to the owner; that is, the individual financing the project. If the owner considers green design unimportant or of secondary importance, it is highly likely that it will not be integrated into the design process.
The commissioning process is a key factor in ensuring that the building meets the owner's expectations regarding design, budget, and risk management. At the predesign stage, the owner's objectives, criteria, and the type of design they envision are discussed and documented, providing a solid foundation for the design team. Owners who skip this process or overlook green issues often encounter significant challenges once their building is operational. Although materials and equipment are installed as planned, the owner may later realize that operational and maintenance costs are higher than necessary, and that occupants are dissatisfied. These factors ultimately lead to increased ownership costs as well as a greater environmental impact.
(Adapted from TOEFL Reading Tests)