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Composing Reading Comprehension Exercise: Journey along Nghệ province (by Sơn Tùng), Literary Studies Grade 7 - Kite Flying
Crafting a journey through the lands of Nghệ
I. Preparation
1.1. Author Sơn Tùng
- Sơn Tùng (1928 - 2021) hails from Nghệ An.
- A prominent Vietnamese writer with numerous works on Ho Chi Minh and Vietnamese cultural and revolutionary figures.
- Some notable works: 'By the Window Frame' (1974), 'Remembering the Source' (1975), 'Green Lotus Bud' (1981), 'Sunshine Garden' (1997),...
1.2. Excerpt from 'Journey along the Nghệ Province'
- The excerpt from 'Journey along the Nghệ Province' is taken from the novel 'Green Lotus Bud' by writer Sơn Tùng. 'Green Lotus Bud' is a historical novel depicting the life of President Hồ Chí Minh.
- Excerpt recounting Uncle Ho's childhood. When he was still young as Nguyen Sinh Con, he accompanied his older brother Nguyen Sinh Khiem with their father to the capital city of Hue. After passing the Assistant Protectorate exam, Mr. Sac returned home in glory. The following excerpt tells the story of the father visiting friends, with both father and son accompanying him.
II. Reading Comprehension
2.1. While Reading
1. Pay attention to the observations, questions of young Con in section (1).
- Observations of young Con: 'the distant mountain range presents a multitude of shapes and forms, the longer I gaze, the more the mountains transform into various images according to Con's imagination. The closest rock, situated amidst the gate, with its deep green hue, resembles a decapitated figure standing proudly against the sky'.
=> These observations depict Con as a child with a refined soul, perceiving nature deeply
- Questions posed by the young boy: 'Father, I wish for you to enlighten us about the legend of the pagoda, about the names of those peculiar mountains, they look quite intriguing father', 'Where is the Ancient Citadel of Cổ Loa, father?', 'People of old must have fabricated tales, how could Lady Mỵ Châu gather enough goose feathers to scatter along that long road, father?'.
=> Through these inquiries, Con appears as a child eager to learn about the nation's history
2. What does the boy Con criticize and what value does he hold in esteem in the character of King Thục?
- The boy criticizes the lack of vigilance against enemy deceit 'But our king fails to guard against the treachery of the enemy, the ambition of the Triệu dynasty'.
- Young Con esteems An Dương Vương:
+ He values honesty and sincerity 'Meanwhile, King Thục values honesty, sincerity, desiring harmony between neighboring nations for peaceful and prosperous living,'.
+ Demonstrating wisdom 'However, the story highlights the truly profound aspect, the admirable trait of King Thục: He was willing to execute his own daughter and face his own judgment by jumping into the sea to atone for his sins rather than surrendering to the enemy'.
Sample Composition: Crafting a Journey along the Nghệ Province (by Sơn Tùng), Literary Studies Grade 7, Kite Flying, Reading Comprehension Practice
3. What is the significance of the mentioned landmarks here?
- The mentioned landmarks: Twin Shoulder Mountain, Yên Thành region, Mã Phục Mountain, Yên Mã village, Trống Thủng rock, Cờ Rách mountain 'As the old lady finished speaking, the general's head fell to the ground. He transformed into Twin Shoulder Mountain. His horse galloped a further stretch towards Yên Thành, transforming into Mã Phục Mountain, near Yên Mã village. The drum, flag also turned into Trống Thủng rock, Cờ Rách mountain...'.
- Meaning: The landmarks associated with the transformation of the general, in the battle to defend the nation against foreign invaders, that general fought valiantly and was 'beheaded' but still flew his horse back to Diễn Châu. He embodied the shape of Vietnamese mountains and rivers and became historical landmarks. The mentioned landmarks contribute to explaining to readers the origins of historical landmarks, reflecting the aspirations of people 'The form of our homeland's mountains often reflects the aspirations of people'.
2.2. After Reading
1. What narrative point of view is the story told in? Describe the effect of using that narrative point of view in the story.
- The story is told in the third person point of view.
- Purpose: The third person narrative allows the storyteller to narrate the story flexibly, enabling readers to have a more objective view of the story being mentioned.
2. What do the questions and explanations about historical events reveal about Con's character and thoughts? Do you have any comments on this character?
The questions and explanations about historical events reveal that Con is a boy with a patriotic soul, thoughtful, and mature. Through the stories, the boy consistently provides his own perspective and relatively accurate evaluations of the characters and the story.
=> Con is a boy with a calm, intelligent demeanor, possessing knowledge and a desire to explore the history of the nation.
3. In the excerpt, how did Mr. Phó bảng educate the children to cultivate their character? What do you think about the character of Mr. Phó bảng?
- In the excerpt, Mr. Phó bảng educated by taking the children to various places and teaching them to be good people through the nation's history lessons.
- Character of Mr. Phó bảng: Through his method of educating the children, it can be seen that Mr. Phó bảng is calm, gentle, and knowledgeable about the nation's history.
4. What thoughts does the story 'Journey along the Nghệ Province' evoke in you?
The story 'Journey along the Nghệ Province' evokes profound thoughts about the nation's history. The storytelling and teaching approach of Mr. Phó bảng help me understand the hardships, sacrifices, and achievements of our ancestors in history, making me more grateful for the previous generations, proud of our national heritage. It prompts reflections on cultivating morals to become useful citizens, preserving, inheriting, and promoting the noble traditional values of our nation for generations to come.
Surely through the exemplary composition above, you have gained a proper understanding of the importance of national history. Hopefully, you will grow to love and cherish the beautiful traditional values passed down through generations. Wishing you all the best in your studies!
Other exemplary literary compositions for Grade 7 are included in the Kite Flying program:
- Compose a narrative essay recounting a real-life event related to a historical figure or event, Literary Studies Grade 7, Kite Flying
- Express opinions on a life issue, Literary Studies Grade 7, Kite Flying, Speaking and Listening
