Every year, schools around the world – especially in Vietnam – ask students to write a passage of about 70 words to give advice on how to avoid viruses. This short English writing task helps young learners practice simple sentences while remembering real health safety tips against viruses. Teachers love it because the topic is important, the language stays easy, and everyone can understand the message.
This small English writing task is one of the most common homework exercises for Vietnamese students in grades 6–9, and it is much more valuable than it looks. Here are the main reasons why teachers love giving this topic again and again:
- It Helps Students Remember Real Health Rules Forever When students have to write the advice in their own words (wash hands, wear mask, eat fruits, exercise, etc.), they remember the rules much better than just reading or listening. Writing makes the knowledge “stick” in their brain.
- Perfect Practice of Simple English Skills A 70-word passage is short, so students can focus on important basic things without feeling scared:
- Imperative sentences (Wash…, Wear…, Keep…, Don’t touch…)
- Sequencing words (First, Next, Also, Finally)
- Daily vocabulary (soap, mask, distance, cough, sneeze, healthy food)
- Should / should not structure These are exactly the grammar and vocabulary points tested in school exams and Grade 10 entrance exams.
- Teaching How to Write Clear Advice (a Very Useful Life Skill) Giving advice is a common writing task in English tests (e.g., “Write a paragraph to tell your friend how to protect the environment / study better / stay healthy”). Practicing “how to avoid viruses” helps students master the style: start with the most important tip, use short clear sentences, and end with a positive result.
- Build Responsibility and Care for Others While writing, students think not only about themselves but also about family, friends, and classmates (“we can protect our family”, “stop viruses from spreading”). This teaches public health thinking and kindness.
- Easy for Teachers to Check and Give High Marks The topic is familiar, the vocabulary is controlled, and there are many correct ways to write it. Teachers can quickly read and score many papers, and almost every student can get 8–10 points if they follow the simple rules.
- Works Great in Both Online and Offline Classes After COVID-19, health topics became even more important. Students already know most of the tips, so they feel confident to write without looking up difficult new words.
- Prepares Students for Bigger Writing Tasks Later When they can write 70 perfect words about virus prevention, it becomes easy to later write 100–120 words on similar topics like “How to protect the environment” or “How to stay safe on the Internet”.
A Perfect Example Passage (Exactly 70 Words)
To stay healthy and avoid viruses, we should wash our hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Wear a mask in crowded places and keep distance from sick people. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with dirty hands. Eat good food, exercise every day, and sleep enough. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. By following these easy hygiene tips to stop viruses, we can keep ourselves and our families staying healthy and virus-free.
How to Prevent Viruses: Simple Steps Every Student Can Follow
Here are the most important steps to prevent catching viruses that doctors and teachers agree on1:
- Wash your hands many times a day, especially after coming home or before eating.
- Wear a clean mask when you go to school or the market.
- Keep at least 1 meter away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
- Eat fruit, vegetables, and drink lots of water for good nutrition.
- Play sports or exercise 30–60 minutes every day.
- Sleep 8–10 hours every night.
- Clean your desk, phone, and things you touch a lot.
These small habits give you strong personal hygiene to avoid viruses and make your body ready to fight germs2.
Best Healthy Habits to Build Strong Protection
Doctors from the World Health Organization say a healthy body can protect yourself from viruses much better. Try these easy habits:
- Eat colorful foods – carrots, spinach, oranges, eggs, and fish3.
- Drink water instead of sweet soda.
- Walk, run, or ride a bicycle every day.
- Open windows so fresh air comes in.
- Get enough sleep so your body can rest and grow stronger.
When you follow these habits, you feel happy and full of energy all year.
What to Do When Someone Near You Is Sick
Good students also practice public health behaviours. Here is what smart kids do:
- Stay home if you feel sick.
- Tell your parents or teacher right away.
- Keep far from friends who are coughing.
- Use a tissue or your elbow when you cough.
- Throw used tissues in the bin immediately.
These small actions stop viruses from spreading to the whole class.
Extra Tips for School Children
Teachers on VnDoc and VietJack share more virus protection advice for students:
- Bring your own water bottle and do not share cups.
- Clean your phone with a soft cloth every evening.
- Keep your room tidy and let sunlight come in.
- Listen to news from parents or teachers about new health rules.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virus Prevention
Is washing hands really the best way to avoid viruses?
Yes! Doctors and WHO say washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds removes almost all germs. It is much more effective than just using hand sanitizer and costs almost nothing.
Do we still need to wear masks in 2025–2026?
Yes, especially in these situations:
- crowded buses or markets
- classrooms when someone is coughing
- hospitals or clinics
- When you or someone at home is sick, a clean, well-fitted mask still blocks most viruses very well.
Can food and exercise really help stop viruses?
Healthy food does not kill viruses directly, but fruits, vegetables, eggs, fish, and milk give your body vitamins (especially vitamin C and D) and zinc to make your immune system stronger and faster at fighting germs.
How many hours should students sleep to stay healthy?
Children aged 6–13 need 9–11 hours, teenagers need 8–10 hours every night. Good sleep helps your body repair itself and make more “soldier cells” to fight viruses.
Is hand sanitizer as good as soap and water?
Hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) is good when you cannot wash, but soap + water is always better because it removes dirt, oil, and more types of germs.
Conclusion – Start Today and Stay Safe!
Learning to write a passage of about 70 words to give advice on how to avoid viruses is more than homework. It teaches simple, powerful ways to stay safe every day. Wash hands, eat well, exercise, wear a mask when needed, and keep clean – these easy steps give real virus protection. Start today and enjoy a healthy, happy school year!
What is one new habit you will try this week to stay staying healthy and virus-free? Share in the comments!
References and Useful Links
- VietJack – Give advice on how to avoid viruses (another trusted Vietnamese student resource) ↩︎
- VnDoc – Write a passage to give advice on how to avoid viruses (popular Vietnamese English-learning site for middle-school students) ↩︎
- World Health Organization – Advice for the public (official global health guidelines) ↩︎