Repairing Things: Part 3 questions and answers

Band 7 answer

I'd say the quality of some products are worse than before, although good things can still stand the test of time. It depends on the company, because some manufacturers, or, I should say, some of them, use cheaper materials and make things that are hard to repair, and I wouldn't assume this is always deliberate. For example, cars and phone screens seem tougher to repair than twenty years ago, while older appliances could last ages. There are good modern products too, and technology has improved.

Make it longer Add a personal detail about a household item in Vietnam that your family has kept for many years and why it still works.

Band 7 answer

People usually like to fix simple household items themselves, especially when the problem doesn't seem dangerous or expensive. They may have a go at fixing a loose chair, a flat tyre, or a blocked sink because online videos make these jobs less difficult. In Vietnam, many older people are practical and repair fans or rice cookers at home, while younger adults usually stick to small fixes. I mean, they may try a bicycle, but they call a technician for electrical things.

Make it longer Add a new example about someone sewing a torn backpack strap because a tailor would charge nearly as much as a new bag.

Band 7 answer

It really depends on the object and the person's skills, but most people take expensive things or, um, complicated things to a repair shop. Before deciding, they often weigh up the cost of a repair shop and the risk of making it worse. For instance, a Vietnamese student might repair a bicycle chain at home, but take laptop to a specialist because important files could be lost. Convenience matters too, and people with busy jobs don't have much time for these things.

Make it longer Add a contrast between an older person who enjoys practical repairs and a younger office worker who prefers convenience.

Band 7 answer

No, refurbishing isn't always the best option, because an old product, or, I should say, some old products, can use too much power or be unsafe even after it's repaired. If a washing machine is badly damaged and starts to fall apart again, repairs may cost more than replacing it. However, refurbishing makes sense for good furniture or a quality phone with a replaceable part. In my country, people often keep using old appliances to save money, but that isn't sensible when energy use is high or the machine become dangerous.

Make it longer Add a new example of refurbishing an old wooden desk to reduce waste, then explain why a damaged electrical heater should be replaced.

Band 7 answer

Some people believe manufacturers make products less durable on purpose because they want customers to buy replacements more often, and they may be trying to increase sales. When a phone battery becomes difficult to replace or a cheap appliance stop working soon after its warranty runs out, people, I mean, many customers, become suspicious, and they may think companies cut corners to reduce costs as well. That said, not every failure is deliberate, since modern products can be more complicated and difficult to repair than older ones. People notice these things a lot.

Make it longer Add a counterpoint: some companies now sell spare parts and publish repair guides, which suggests not every brand wants its products to fail.

Band 7 answer

Consumers can protect themselves by researching the product carefully and checking the seller's return rules before paying. They should, I mean, careful buyers should do their homework by reading good customer reviews, comparing materials, and asking whether spare parts are available. For example, in Vietnam, a buyer might visit a trusted shop instead of choosing the cheapest online offer with no clear warranty. Still, reviews can be misleading, so people should looks for repeated complaints and test the product quickly. A good warranty helps too.

Make it longer Add a contrast: buying a well-known brand doesn't guarantee quality, so a buyer should still check the materials in person.