- Do you usually use a pen or pencil?
As a teacher, yes, I use both pens and pencils, but not as often as I did in the past. Nowadays, I rely more on digital tools for grading and note-taking, but pens and pencils still have their place in my daily routine, especially for quick notes or grading papers. There’s something quite satisfying about the tactile feel of writing with them.
2. Which do you use more often, pen or pencil?
I tend to use pens more often because pencils, though practical for drafts, are harder to write with for extended periods, and their marks can fade over time. Pens provide a sense of permanence, making them my go-to choice for most tasks, especially when I want my writing to be clearer and long-lasting.
3. When was the last time you bought a pen or pencil?
I can’t recall the exact date, but I believe it was several months ago on Shopee, a popular online shopping platform in Vietnam. I was buying some office supplies, including a few pens for work and personal use. It’s convenient to purchase stationery in bulk online these days, especially with how hectic life can get.
4. What do you think if someone sends you a pen or pencil as a gift?
I think it’s a thoughtful and practical gift, especially in Vietnam, where giving pens or pencils is a common gesture for teachers. It’s something we use frequently in our profession, so it’s both cute and functional. Although small, such gifts show an appreciation for the work teachers do, and I’d certainly appreciate receiving one.
Vocabulary
- Tactile /ˈtæk.taɪl/: Related to the sense of touch; something that can be felt physically.
Vietnamese: Thuộc xúc giác, có thể cảm nhận được bằng tay.
- Permanence /ˈpɜː.mə.nəns/: The state of lasting or remaining unchanged indefinitely.
Vietnamese: Tính lâu dài, sự bền vững.
- Practical /ˈpræk.tɪ.kəl/: Useful and sensible in real-life situations; efficient for everyday use.
Vietnamese: Thực tế, hữu dụng.
- Extend/ɪkˈsten.d/: Long or drawn-out in duration or scope.
Vietnamese: Kéo dài, mở rộng.
- Fades /feɪdz/: To gradually disappear or lose color/strength over time.
Vietnamese: Mờ dần, phai nhạt.
- Go-to /ˈɡəʊ tuː/ Someone or something that is regularly chosen for reliability or usefulness.
Vietnamese: Lựa chọn thường xuyên vì sự đáng tin cậy hoặc tiện ích.
- Hectic /ˈhek.tɪk/: Full of intense activity, often overwhelming or busy.
Vietnamese: Bận rộn, hối hả.
- Appreciation /əˌpriː.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən/: Recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something.
Vietnamese: Sự cảm kích, sự đánh giá cao.
- Gesture /ˈdʒes.tʃər/: A movement or action that conveys a feeling, meaning, or sentiment, often done as a sign of goodwill.
Vietnamese: Cử chỉ, hành động thể hiện thiện ý.