Ielts Speaking An Important River part 2 3

Part 2: An important river in your country

Whenever I hear the word river, the first thing that springs to mind is the Mekong River, which is the longest river in Southeast Asia and the lifeblood of southwestern Vietnam. This mighty  river starts in the Himalayas and passes through China, Thailand and Cambodia before reaching Vietnam, which partly explains why its water is so murky. In Vietnam, the river splits into 9 tributaries and hence it’s locally referred to as the Nine Dragon River. (spring to mind: hiện ra trong đầu / lifeblood: mạch sống/ mighty: hùng vĩ / murky: đục / tributary: sông nhánh /  referred to as: được gọi là)

I first heard its name when I was studying in primary school. However, it was not until I got my first job as a travel consultant that I truly made an effort to get insights into this legendary river. It’s hard to overlook the significance of the Mekong River. More than half of Vietnam’s rice and fish comes from the fertile Mekong Delta, so you can see how vital the river is to the Vietnamese economy and diet. Besides, it has sustained remarkable biodiversity with plenty of fish, plant and bird species. (fertile: màu mỡ/ overlook: coi nhẹ / sustain: duy trì / biodiversity: đa dạng sinh học) 

Local life also revolves around its water. Mekong River is renowned for its fascinating floating markets where seasonal goods are traded. I’ve been to one and they're definitely well worth visiting. Unfortunately, dozens of hydroelectric dams have been constructed by China on the upstream part of the river, posing severe threats to the ecosystem and the livelihoods of residents in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. (*revolves around: xoay quanh/ hydroelectric dams: đập thuỷ điện / upstream: thượng nguồn / pose severe threats to: đặt ra mối đe dọa trầm trọng với / livelihood: kế sinh nhai)

 

Part 3: Sea - River - Water Transport - Water Sport

What are the benefits of rivers and lakes?

Without a doubt, water bodies play a crucial role in the environment we’re living in. To begin with, they are the lifeblood of agriculture, supplying water and nutrients for crops, vegetables and fish we feed on every day. Second, they help maintain a balanced and healthy environment as they provide vast open spaces that can absorb dirt and pollutants. Finally, they add charm to the landscape of an area, and such soothing, idyllic natural settings can boost the local tourism industry. 

Why do people like visiting famous rivers, lakes and seas? What do they do there?

As I mentioned, renowned rivers and lakes attract tourists because people love admiring spectacular scenery that’s rare to find. Besides, most travelers wish to escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a while and spending time on or near a river, a lake or a sea might be the ideal choice. In fact, it has been scientifically proven that being near water makes people happier because water and waves have soothing effects. Perhaps that’s why people are willing to pay extra for a lakeside or riverside hotel room.

What activities can people do when visiting them?

Of course, there is a wide range of activities people can enjoy when visiting a vast water body. They can take a scenic walk near the water and for those who are more energetic, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, rafting or surfing would be perfect.

What kinds of water sports are common in Vietnam?

I’d say that swimming and scuba diving are the most popular water sports in Vietnam. Additionally, people can also go kayaking in Halong Bay, snorkeling in Phu Quoc or kite surfing in Phan Thiet, a renowned coastal town in Southeast Vietnam. These sports were introduced into Vietnam by foreign tourists and now more and more locals are taking them up as a hobby despite costly training and gear.

Why do people like living near rivers and lakes?

I reckon that in the past, waterways used to be the most common method of transport so it was convenient to live near a water body. These days, the advancement of air travel and road transport has made waterways somewhat less important to the movement of goods and people.  However, riverside or lakeside accommodations are still sought after because of their health benefits and aesthetic values.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of water transport?

On the one hand, water transport, especially marine transport, is more cost-effective than other modes of transport. This is mainly because waterways require no construction and maintenance, except for the ports of course. Marine transport has drastically boosted international trades and still accounts for the majority of cargo shipping. On the other hand, this transport method is time-consuming and entails serious environmental consequences. Loud noise, exhaust fumes and possible oil spills might destroy the habitats of fish and other aquatic species. 

What kinds of jobs people living near a river or a sea often have?

Tourism and fishing are the largest economic sectors in these areas. If the river or the coast is spectacular like the Mekong River or the Halong Bay in Vietnam, then locals can have an abundance of employment opportunities. Tourism with its multiple sub sectors, including tours, hospitality, transport, entertainment and recreation can spur local economic growth and generate ample jobs in hotel management, food & beverage, tour operation and so on. Additionally, fishing and aquaculture can be major industries in seaside towns as seafood is always in high demand.

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