Part 2: Describe a person who is good at making people feel welcome in his/her home
You should say:
Who this person is
When and how you met him/her
How he/she welcomes visitors
And explain why you think he/she is good at welcoming visitors
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Bài mẫu
The person who immediately comes to mind when I think of someone who excels at making others feel welcome is my friend Claire. I met Claire during my Master’s degree program, where we shared several modules. Initially, she didn’t strike me as particularly friendly; in fact, my first impression was that she was rather aloof and perhaps a bit arrogant. However, as we spent more time together in class, I quickly realized that I had misjudged her. She turned out to be warm, approachable, and incredibly affable. This experience taught me that first impressions can often be misleading.
One memorable occasion that truly showcased her welcoming nature was when a group of us classmates were working on a collaborative project. Since Claire’s house was close to the university, she generously invited us to work at her place. While the library could have sufficed, Claire insisted that we meet at her home, where she created an environment that was not only productive but also remarkably comfortable and inviting.
From the moment we arrived, Claire’s hospitality shone through. She greeted us with a friendly smile and immediately offered refreshments, including coffee and a selection of homemade treats. But what truly stood out was her attention to detail—she even provided pillows for us to hold while we worked, creating a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Her thoughtfulness transformed what could have been a simple study session into a truly enjoyable experience.
After that day, we visited Claire’s home several more times, and every time, the warm reception was the same. Claire has a natural ability to make people feel at ease, and her home exudes the same welcoming energy that she does. Her kindness and hospitality were especially meaningful to me, as they helped alleviate my homesickness during that time.
Vocabulary
- Aloof: /əˈluːf/Distant, reserved, or unapproachable.
Vietnamese: Lạnh lùng, xa cách - Approachable: /əˈproʊʧəbl/: Friendly and easy to talk to or deal with.
Vietnamese: Dễ gần, dễ tiếp cận - Misleading: /mɪsˈliːdɪŋ/: Giving the wrong idea or impression; deceptive.
Vietnamese: Gây hiểu lầm, đánh lạc hướng
- Affable/ˈæfəbl/: Friendly, easy to talk to.
Vietnamese: Thân thiện - Generously /ˈʤɛnərəsli/: In a way that shows a readiness to give more than is necessary or expected.
Vietnamese: Hào phóng, rộng rãi - Hospitality /ˌhɑːspɪˈtælɪti/: The friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests.
Vietnamese: Lòng hiếu khách - Thoughtfulness: /ˈθɔːtflnəs/: The quality of being kind and thinking about others’ needs.
Vietnamese: Sự chu đáo - Alleviate /əˈliːvieɪt/: To make something less severe, such as stress or homesickness.
Vietnamese: Làm dịu bớt, giảm bớt - Welcoming energy: /ˈwɛlkəmɪŋ ˈɛnərʤi/: A positive and inviting atmosphere that makes others feel comfortable.
Vietnamese: Sự thân thiện và chào đón - Suffice: /səˈfaɪs/To be enough or adequate for a particular purpose.
Vietnamese: Đủ, đáp ứng đủ - Exude: /ɪɡˈzuːd/: To display (an emotion or quality) strongly and openly; to radiate.
Vietnamese: Tỏa ra, thể hiện (một cảm xúc hoặc phẩm chất)
Part 3:
- Why is it important for people to make visitors feel welcome in their homes?
It’s essential to make visitors feel welcome because it fosters a sense of comfort and belonging. When hosts are approachable and make an effort to create a warm atmosphere, it not only strengthens relationships but also reflects their generosity and thoughtfulness. Feeling welcome encourages social interactions and helps guests feel at ease, even in unfamiliar surroundings. In many cultures, the ability to be hospitable is seen as a key virtue.
2. What are some common ways people can show hospitality to visitors?
Common ways to show hospitality include offering food or drinks, providing a comfortable seating area, and engaging guests in meaningful conversation. Small gestures like ensuring the room is tidy, or offering something as simple as a blanket or pillow, can make a huge difference. Being attentive to the guest’s needs, whether through food preferences or dietary restrictions, is another effective way to make visitors feel valued. Ultimately, hospitality is about creating an environment where the guest feels cared for.
3. Do you think hospitality varies from culture to culture?
Absolutely, hospitality practices do vary widely across different cultures. In some cultures, it’s customary to offer elaborate meals and gifts to guests as a sign of respect and honor. In others, a simple cup of tea and conversation will suffice. For instance, in many Asian countries, hosts often go out of their way to make sure visitors feel pampered and well-taken care of, while in Western cultures, the focus might be more on personal interaction and making the guest feel relaxed. However, no matter the cultural differences, the fundamental aim of making the guest feel welcome remains universal.
4. How has the concept of hospitality changed in modern times?
In modern times, the concept of hospitality has evolved, largely due to changes in lifestyle and technology. While traditional forms of hospitality involve face-to-face interactions and elaborate preparations, today’s hosts may embrace a more casual approach. For example, hosting virtual gatherings or simply ordering food delivery for guests has become more common. The essence of hospitality, however, remains the same—creating a warm and welcoming environment where people feel at ease. What has changed is the method, but not the purpose.
5. What challenges might someone face when trying to make guests feel welcome?
One challenge could be misleading body language or facial expressions that unintentionally make guests feel unwelcome. A host may be genuinely caring, but if they appear too tired or distracted, it could create a misconception that they’re not happy to have guests. Another issue could be cultural differences. What is considered warm and friendly in one culture may be seen as intrusive in another. Additionally, if the home environment is stressful or chaotic, it might be difficult to create a welcoming atmosphere despite the host’s best intentions.
Vocabulary
- Approachable: /əˈproʊʧəbl/ Friendly and easy to talk to or deal with.
Vietnamese: Dễ gần, dễ tiếp cận - Attentive: /əˈtɛntɪv/: Paying close attention to something or someone.
Vietnamese: Chú ý, chu đáo - Virtue: /ˈvɜrʧu/ A good or admirable quality; moral excellence or goodness.
Vietnamese: Đức hạnh, phẩm chất tốt
- Pamper: /ˈpæmpər/: Treat with excessive care and attention.
Vietnamese: Chiều chuộng, chăm sóc kỹ lưỡng - Suffice: /səˈfaɪs/: To be enough or adequate.
Vietnamese: Đủ, đáp ứng đủ - Essence: /ˈɛsəns/: The most important quality or element of something.
Vietnamese: Bản chất, tinh hoa - Misleading: /mɪsˈliːdɪŋ/: Giving the wrong idea or impression.
Vietnamese: Gây hiểu lầm, sai lệch - Misconception: /ˌmɪskənˈsɛpʃən/: A view or opinion that is incorrect based on faulty thinking.
Vietnamese: Hiểu sai, ngộ nhận - Elaborate: /ɪˈlæbəˌreɪt/ (as a verb), /ɪˈlæbrɪt/ (as an adjective) Involving many careful details or complicated parts; detailed and complex in design or planning.
Vietnamese: Tỉ mỉ, công phu, chi tiết