Analyzing the Text: Preparing for the New Century

Assignment: Analysis of the Text: Preparing for the New Century

Analyzing the Document: Equipping for the New Century

I. Outline Analyzing the Document: Equipping for the New Century

1. Introduction

- The document Equipping for the New Century represents the heartfelt and sincere words of Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan.
- It points out to our people, especially the younger generation, the strengths and weaknesses of the Vietnamese people, with a candid and realistic attitude, who will steer the nation in the future.

2. Body of the Text

* Brief overview of the author and the work:
- Vu Khoan is a political figure, who served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for many years, Minister of Trade, and Deputy Prime Minister of our country.
- The document Equipping for the New Century was written in 2000, published in the magazine Tia sáng (2001), and in the collection A Perspective on Knowledge (2002).

* The role of individuals in preparing for the new century:
- The most important role is...(Continued)

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II. Sample Essay Analyzing the Document: Equipping for the New Century

After the country achieved full independence on April 30, 1975, it took many years for our nation to rebuild and recover from the serious consequences of the war. It was a challenging and arduous journey that required the collective efforts of the entire nation. The document Equipping for the New Century represents the heartfelt and sincere words of Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan on the eve of a new century, a new millennium beginning, amidst major changes in the future of a country emerging from war. The article has pointed out to our people, especially the younger generation, the strengths and weaknesses of the Vietnamese people, urging them to cultivate good habits, and prepare a strong human resource pool for the nation-building process, to stand shoulder to shoulder with the great powers of the world.

Vu Khoan is a political figure, who served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for many years, Minister of Trade, and Deputy Prime Minister of our country. The document Equipping for the New Century was written in 2000, published in the magazine Tia sáng (2001), and in the collection A Perspective on Knowledge (2002). This was a transitional period between two centuries, ready for the new changes of the country and the people.

Vu Khoan delves into the role of individuals in the journey towards the new century, stating that 'Perhaps the most important preparation in those provisions is human preparation,' emphasizing the role of individuals in nation-building. This is said because, from ancient times to the present, 'humans have been the driving force of historical development,' especially in modern society where the knowledge economy is increasingly developing, the role of humans becomes more prominent. Because it is the human mind, intellect, that will build that economy, not any other species.

Next, the author delves into analyzing the global situation and setting forth the tasks for the country in the new century. We also know that globally, the advancement of science and technology has made significant strides in the last 100 years, especially in Western countries. Additionally, alongside development, the policies of openness and integration have been implemented very early on, leading to profound intersections of economies, mutual learning, and rapid development. Faced with such global circumstances, demanding rapid advancements like these, Vietnam must set its goals and tasks, and by all means, accomplish them to quickly catch up with developed countries. The tasks outlined by Vu Khoan include: Promoting industrialization, modernization, gradually approaching and developing the knowledge economy, while quickly breaking away from poverty and backwardness. These are the most urgent and essential tasks in the transitional period between two centuries for our country.

After delineating the role of individuals and the most urgent tasks for the country's development in the new century, Vu Khoan delves into analyzing the characteristics of the Vietnamese people, to draw lessons aimed at improving the human resources for the country. For each quality and characteristic, he categorizes them into strengths and weaknesses, daring to face the truth, openly revealing new perceptions about our nation, which few have discussed due to national pride.

Firstly, regarding intelligence, Vu Khoan acknowledges that the Vietnamese people are recognized worldwide as 'smart, receptive to new things,' which is extremely meaningful for a society that is developing and changing every day. However, we still have many weaknesses, mostly stemming from knowledge gaps, heavy on theory, weak in practice, which have restrained our creativity and adaptation to our dynamic social environment.

Regarding character, we stand out with diligence and creativity, which are essential for an economy that requires much perseverance, discipline, and sophisticated modern machinery. However, we lack meticulousness, calculation, always carrying the spirit of 'cross the river by feeling the stones', wherever we go. If things go smoothly, it's fine, but if we can't keep up, it leaves behind significant consequences. Moreover, we tend to be 'creative' where strict regulations are needed, influenced by the mindset of small-scale production, lacking sophistication.

In terms of emotions, Vietnamese people have a long-standing tradition of solidarity and mutual assistance, which has been demonstrated in the struggle to defend our country for thousands of years. However, it's saddening that these virtues seem shallow in business dealings, due to the 'petty bourgeois' mentality, jealousy, and suspicion. Although we may share hardships, prosperity is not necessarily guaranteed. This has made it difficult for us to connect with each other on the internet, which is a highly potential environment for development.

Finally, Vu Khoan addresses the habits of the Vietnamese people. One of our strengths is the ability to adapt quickly, making it easy to socialize and integrate well, coping with the complex development processes of the world. Alongside this strength, Vu Khoan also points out that we have some extremely negative habits, such as being overly jealous, calculating, and lacking in trustworthiness. These are major hindrances to cooperation and pose significant obstacles in the integration and development process of our country.

After highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the Vietnamese people, Vu Khoan offers advice and calls for changes in the essence of human resources to 'stand shoulder to shoulder with the great powers of the world.' We must 'fill our luggage with strengths, discard weaknesses,' and to achieve this, he emphasizes the importance and decisive significance of change and education for the youth class, 'let's make the youth - the true owners of the country in the coming century - recognize that, gradually become accustomed to good habits from the smallest things.' He says this because the youth are the largest and most abundant human resource, with the ability, health, intelligence, and a high capacity for creative learning. When gradually changing small habits for the better, it's certain that with the level of intelligence, and effort of the Vietnamese people, we will soon shine alongside the great powers of the five continents, as expected by Uncle Ho.

Equipping for the New Century is a practical argumentative document. Vu Khoan did not hesitate to candidly address the strengths and weaknesses of the Vietnamese people. From there, he offers encouraging words and advice, not making the reader feel ashamed, but instead helping each person to recognize and consider improving themselves to contribute to the betterment of the nation's future.