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Prompt: Describe a visit to a historical landmark
I. Outline Write a narrative essay recounting a visit to a historical landmark for 8th grade
Create an outline for my 8th-grade field trip:
1. Introduction
- Provide an overview of a historical landmark I know about: What is the location? When did I visit? During what occasion?
2. Body
- Describe my feelings while on the bus, when getting off the bus, and upon arrival at the destination.
- Combine narration with descriptions of the scenery at the historical site.
- Recount the things I witnessed and heard about the historical landmark.
3. Conclusion
- Conclude the excursion by expressing my thoughts and feelings about the place.
II. Sample Essay: A Visit to a Historical Landmark
1. Narrate a visit to the latest historical landmark, Hỏa Lò Prison
Last summer, I had the opportunity to visit my sister studying at a university in Hanoi. As I am known to be a diligent student, my sister decided to take me to Hoa Lo Prison as a reward for my year-long effort.
Hoa Lo Prison is an extremely famous historical landmark on social media. I had known about it for a long time but only got the chance to visit now. It is where the French colonists imprisoned revolutionaries and political prisoners they deemed dangerous. Later, during the Vietnam War, it housed American prisoners of war. However, my knowledge of it was only from the media, so I was still excited to visit the prison.
That day, the weather was pleasantly sunny, with a gentle breeze, making it extremely cool and comfortable. While waiting for my sister to buy tickets, I admired the surrounding scenery. The exterior walls of the prison were painted in an old yellow color, standing out amidst lush green trees. Upon entering, I was truly surprised and moved by what was displayed here. Initially, I thought it was just an ordinary prison, but it was not. When I entered the tiger cages and saw the leg irons used to restrain prisoners, saw the statue depicting a prisoner lying in it, tears welled up in my eyes. The imprisonment here was excessively cruel and dictatorial, undermining the morale of many. In contrast, I also read and heard stories of the resilience of political prisoners here. They shared love, shared every meal, and united against the harsh regime in the dark prison. I secretly admired and felt proud that Vietnam has given birth to truly resilient and brave people. The final point of the visit was the memorial monument for the fallen heroes. My sister and I both offered incense to show our gratitude and thank them for safeguarding the independence of the country, providing us with the free and happy life we have today.
The gentle breeze blew, and I left Hoa Lo Prison with a myriad of different emotions. After this tour, I learned a lot more about the history of our country and further cultivated my endless gratitude and appreciation for the soldiers who sacrificed themselves to protect the homeland.
3. Narrate a visit to a historical site - Hoan Kiem Lake (Standard):
Originating from Hanoi, my roots tie to the capital city, yet due to my parents' relocation to the South, revisiting my hometown was a rare occasion. However, attending my uncle's wedding brought me back, granting me the chance to explore the historical landmarks of Hanoi, resonating with the legacy of our ancestors. Among them, Hoan Kiem Lake, intertwined with the legend of Emperor Le Loi's returned sword, captivated my intrigue the most.
Accompanied by my father, we embarked on a tranquil autumn afternoon to visit Hoan Kiem Lake. The ambiance of Hanoi was soothing, with the gentle chill of the autumn breeze, the subtle scent of milk flowers wafting in the air, and the picturesque sight of bicycles adorned with white hibiscus flowers. These simple pleasures endeared Hanoi to my heart even more. Hoan Kiem Lake, situated at the heart of Hanoi, resembled a colossal mirror reflecting the surrounding bamboo, willow, and ancient trees lining its shores. The water, pristine and gleaming, mirrored the azure sky with wisps of cotton-like clouds floating serenely. The placid surface occasionally rippled as fish darted beneath, creating concentric circles that dispersed across the water. Golden leaves gently cascaded onto the lake's surface, creating a tranquil ambiance that evoked an unusual sense of tranquility. Gazing ahead, the Turtle Tower stood atop a mound amidst the calm waters, its French architectural design comprising four tiers exuding a solemn air, adorned with patches of light green moss, accentuating its significance amidst the tumultuous currents of history. To the north of the lake lay Ngoc Son Temple, connected by the scarlet Huc Bridge, resplendent under the sunlight. Towards the northeast stood the Pen Tower, its five tiers standing resolute like a quill reaching towards the heavens, adjacent to the Stele Pavilion, epitomizing the cultural beauty and scholarly spirit of our people throughout generations. During our stroll, we were fortunate to encounter an elderly local, a lifelong resident of Hanoi, who shared anecdotes of Hoan Kiem Lake's role as a military training ground during the Nguyen dynasty, also known as Thuy Quan Lake, comprising the areas of Tả Vọng and Hữu Vọng, which added another layer of fascination to our visit.
Concluding our visit to Hoan Kiem Lake left me with profound memories of a historical site steeped in millennia-old legacies, bearing witness to Hanoi's myriad transformations over its 4000 years of civilization. If ever in Hanoi, do not miss the opportunity to visit Hoan Kiem Lake, to behold its timeless beauty, quietly nestled amidst the heart of the capital, brimming with nostalgia and heritage.
4. Recounting a visit to the historical site of the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam (Standard):
During my recent trip to Hanoi to visit my grandparents, I had the opportunity to explore the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, one of the architectural marvels showcasing the development of education in Vietnam since the 21st century. This site stands as a magnet for tourists visiting Hanoi.
It was a pleasant Saturday, with the gentle autumn breeze enveloping Hanoi. Renting a car for the journey, it took us about forty minutes to reach Quoc Tu Giam. Finally, we beheld the majestic and venerable aura of Vietnam's earliest educational institution. Excitement and joy filled our family as we stepped out of the car and gradually made our way inside, engaged in lively conversations. The first impression that struck me about the Temple of Literature was the massive brick wall surrounding its vast expanse. The Temple of Literature comprises four gates, dividing the area into five tiers of distinctive spaces. Following the guide, we entered through the main gate from the southern side. The first sight that greeted us was a serene, azure pond, surrounded by lush foliage, casting a tranquil and refreshing ambiance. Upon inquiry, we learned that this was Van Lake, also known as Minh Duong Lake or Scholar Pond. Moving past the lake area, we reached the Temple Gate, with its expansive arched entrance, adorned with four large pillars and two stone stelae. Though initially constructed with white-painted brick, the passage of time had bestowed upon it a venerable and antiquated appearance, with moss-covered walls and faded red brick roofs. Venturing further inside led us to the vast Temple Garden, shaded by verdant trees, exuding a serene and solemn atmosphere. Beyond this area stood the second gate, named the Great Middle Gate, leading straight to the Khue Van Pavilion, a unique architectural structure. With its image of an octagonal pavilion, adorned with four round doors, painted in red, and supported by four square brick pillars, it was hailed as the convergence of earthly and divine energies. I discovered that the Khue Van Pavilion's image is depicted on the polymer banknotes we encounter daily but rarely notice. Passing through the Khue Van Pavilion, we officially entered the area where the stelae of scholars are erected. Here, I was particularly impressed by a large square well in the center, known as the Thien Quang Well or Literary Pond. Flanking the well were large stone stelae of scholars, each mounted on the back of a stone turtle, facing towards the well. I counted a total of 82 large stone stelae, protected from the elements by two square pavilions, with wooden pillars and red-tiled roofs, known as the stela-worship pavilions. It is said that rubbing the turtle's head at the Temple of Literature brings academic success, so I made a round rubbing over 10 turtle heads, hoping for improved academic performance in the coming year. My father could only chuckle at my innocence.
Concluding our visit, my family explored several other landmarks, but perhaps the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, with its Khue Van Pavilion, stelae of scholars, and turtle heads left a more profound impression on me. I dreamt of a bygone era where countless scholars came and went, where numerous intellectuals were honored, leaving me with a sense of nostalgia and reverence.
5. Recounting a historical site visit in my hometown - Hoa Lu Ancient Capital:
My recent trip to Hoa Lu - Ninh Binh left me with profound impressions. I vividly remember the excitement, anticipation, and wonder that filled me during that journey.
On a late spring morning, as the sky was still veiled in mist at dawn, our school tour convoy began its journey. Laughter-filled vehicles smoothly crossed the bridge over the gentle Day River before continuing along Highway 1. In the distance, the Non Nuoc mountain range faintly appeared through the mist. We were all nervous with anticipation, as although we had heard about this 'capital of old dynasties,' none of us had ever set foot in this land of historical significance. Here we were, at Hoa Lu! The first capital of Dai Viet. The entire heritage site nestled in a valley, surrounded by majestic mountain ranges. Nature had artfully arranged this landscape, with mountains above and rivers below, resembling a picturesque painting.
Today, at Hoa Lu, although we no longer see grand palaces or towering citadels, every inch of this land, every mountain peak, bears the glorious imprint of a bygone era. There's the Côt Cờ mountain, over 200 meters tall, where Đinh Bo Linh raised the rebellion flag. There's the Sả Khê stream flowing through the Luon Cave, where our navy trained daily. Then there are the Salt and Coin Caves, adorned with glittering stalactites. Could this be the granary of our ancient army?
Amidst the Hoa Lu heritage site stands the temple of Đinh Tiên Hoàng. The temple, with its majestic curved roof, fish-scale tiles, and moss-covered surfaces, bears the weight of time. The supporting pillars, made of large timber, remain unyielding. The temple courtyard still retains traces of the royal throne. It's a large, flat stone slab intricately carved with beautiful flying dragons. Surrounding it are sturdy buffalo carvings and majestic phoenix sculptures symbolizing the authority of kings and queens. As we admired the stone altar, we silently admired the skilled craftsmanship of the artisans of yore.
Within the temple is the statue of Đinh Tiên Hoàng, sitting resolutely on his throne. The king wears embroidered dragon robes, a golden crown on his head, a sword hanging at his waist, exuding dignity and determination. Lighting a stick of incense in remembrance, my heart swelled with admiration for the one who built Hoa Lu into the capital of Dai Viet.
Bidding farewell to the temple of Đinh Tiên Hoàng, we visited the temple of King Lê on the left side of the heritage site. King Lê dons dragon robes, a golden crown, and carries a sword across his back, radiating grandeur. In the temple area stands a statue of a gracious woman, elegantly adorned. She is Queen Duong Van Nga, a heroic woman who shouldered the burden of both the Đinh and Lê dynasties. Those honored here are all exceptionally talented, worthy of being the pride of the Vietnamese people.
With insufficient time to climb the mountains, we stood in the valley, gazing around to fully appreciate the precarious position of the ancient capital. Some of us sketched in notebooks, capturing the moment. Many engaged in lively discussions about the historical movements of past dynasties.
The afternoon waned. Reluctantly, we headed back, regretful for not plucking a few palm leaves to make flags to adorn the car. Visiting Hoa Lu, we learned about another beautiful scene and gained deeper insights into the glorious history of our nation. This sightseeing trip became the topic of lively conversations in our class for days to come.
In addition to the above content, you can also explore the section Recounting the most exciting long-distance trip.
A composition about visiting the historical site of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - Ninh Binh
6. Let me tell you about a visit to a historical site - Co Loa Ancient Citadel
Ending the school year with many outstanding achievements, our class 6A1 was rewarded with a trip to explore a historical site, organized by our teacher and parents' association. This not only served as a reward for our efforts during the past year but also provided us with an opportunity to gain insight into our nation's precious historical traditions. It was both a leisure trip and a practical learning experience for us. It was a visit to the historical site of Co Loa Ancient Citadel.
After discussions and unanimous agreement, our homeroom teacher and the parents' association decided to take us to visit the historical site of Co Loa, where King An Duong Vuong and Princess My Chau were worshiped. This is a famous historical site of Vietnam, containing many stories about history, about the lessons of nation-building and defense by the Hung Kings. We had heard about Co Loa Ancient Citadel through legends about An Duong Vuong, My Chau - Trong Thuy, but this was the first time we set foot in this historical landmark, the site of mysterious and captivating historical stories.
To start the tour, we would gather at school, then our homeroom teacher and a representative of the parents' association would accompany us on this exciting journey. As Co Loa Ancient Citadel is quite far from our school, we would gather at school quite early in the morning. Our parents would bring us to school at six in the morning, and then after thirty minutes, the bus would begin its journey. It was the first time our entire class had a trip together, and it was a trip to such a famous historical site, so we were all extremely excited and eagerly anticipated it.
After two hours of traveling, we finally arrived at the Co Loa Ancient Citadel. Here, we were warmly welcomed by our tour guide and given an introduction to the itinerary, as well as information about the Co Loa Ancient Citadel. The Co Loa Citadel is located in Dong Anh district, on the outskirts of the capital city of Hanoi. This is where the stories of nation-building and defense by King Thuc Phan An Duong Vuong and the tragic love story of Princess My Chau and the Chinese nobleman Trong Thuy took place.
The space of the Co Loa Ancient Citadel is ancient, solemn, and reminiscent of folk tales, with red-tiled roofs, large banyan trees, and old fig trees, perhaps having lived for many years, bearing witness to historical events. The center of the Co Loa Ancient Citadel is the temple of King An Duong Vuong, which is the main temple, so it is very spacious and solemn. To enter the temple, you have to pass through a large courtyard, with many ancient banyan trees planted on both sides. I had the feeling that these ancient banyan trees were like guardian spirits, loyal to King An Duong Vuong.
The temple has a majestic curved roof in the shape of a dragon's head, and inside the temple, there are large couplets displayed, with Chinese characters that I didn't quite understand. In the center of the temple is a statue of King An Duong Vuong, majestic in royal attire, sitting high above, looking down. Our common emotion upon entering the temple of King An Duong Vuong was one of reverence and pride. On either side of the temple are statues of officials who contributed to the people and the country, virtuous men who helped King An Duong Vuong build the nation.
Next to the temple of King An Duong Vuong is a small temple dedicated to Princess My Chau. Princess My Chau is the daughter of King An Duong Vuong, and because of her innocence and trust, My Chau met a truly tragic end. The statue of Princess My Chau in the temple is a headless statue, which reminded me of the unfortunate incident where Princess My Chau was punished by her father upon hearing the false accusations of the Golden Turtle, looking at the headless statue made us feel extremely sorry for this princess. She was an innocent, overly trusting person who unintentionally revealed state secrets, leading to the loss of the country. In my opinion, My Nang is more deserving of pity than blame. Poet To Huu also expressed sympathy for Princess My Chau through verses like this: 'I tell the story of My Chau from the past, A heart mistaken for a head on top, The magic crossbow given to the enemy's hand, Leading to the depths of the abyss'. Behind the legend of An Duong Vuong, My Chau - Trong Thuy is a lesson about defending the nation, but we all sympathize with the naivety, loyalty of Princess My Chau and her unjust death.
The trip to the Co Loa Ancient Citadel was truly informative and fascinating, we learned more about historical stories, witnessed the places where those historical stories took place, through this trip, we also gained a deeper understanding of the lessons in class, it was an opportunity for us to broaden our knowledge.
7. Let me tell you about a visit to a historical site - Hung Kings Temple
Last summer, our school organized a trip to visit the Hung Kings Temple with the aim of helping students understand more about the country's history. The trip was very informative and helped me and my classmates learn a lot of new knowledge.
The Hung Kings Temple, a historical site dedicated to the Hung Kings, is located on Nghia Linh Mountain, Phu Ninh District, Phu Tho Province. Every year on the 10th day of the third lunar month, a large festival called Hung Kings Temple Festival is held here. Starting from the foot of the mountain, we encountered the Lower Temple, which is believed to be the place where Mother Au Co laid a hundred eggs. Continuing upwards, we reached the Middle Temple, an important location where the king and officials held state meetings. The highest is the Upper Temple, the highest position used to worship the gods according to ancient beliefs. Next to it is the Well Temple, built in the 18th century, according to folklore, this is where Princess Tien Dung and Princess Ngoc Hoa looked into the mirror. Before each scene inside, we walked slowly, excitedly before the ancient, sacred scenery.
The special thing that caught my attention the most was visiting the Hung Kings Museum, where artifacts, images, and documents about the Hung Kings are preserved and displayed. The tour guides introduced us to stories, artifacts, and images of many ethnic groups during the time of the Hung Kings, as well as valuable stories about the history of nation-building and defense by our ancestors. The most impressive to us was the image of Uncle Ho chatting with soldiers of the 'First Indomitable Battalion,' and his earnest advice to the soldiers, 'The Hung Kings have contributed to the establishment of the nation, our generation must together preserve the nation,' which was very meaningful and became a motivation to help the nation overcome foreign invaders in the 20th century. During the visit, we also learned about the important ritual in the Hung Kings Temple Festival, which is the procession of the king's palanquin with many flags, flowers, and traditional costumes. The offering of incense to the Hung Kings, first by state leaders and then by the people, lighting incense for the Hung Kings. Participating in traditional games such as archery, tug of war, and swimming...
A trip that lasted only one morning but left many profound lessons, helping us understand more about the history of nation-building and defense of our people. The Hung Kings Temple is a sacred place that every Vietnamese person remembers, it is the root of each of us
A short essay recounting the visit to the historical site of the Hung Kings Temple
8. Let me tell you about a visit to a historical site - Cham Towers
At the beginning of last month, our school organized a trip for students to visit the Cham Towers in My Son. It was a very enjoyable and interesting trip.
At six in the morning, all sixth-grade students were present at the school along with their homeroom teachers. Also participating in the tour were teachers from the Board of Directors. In just five minutes of command, six large buses were filled with students, everyone was excited, happy, their faces showing their eager anticipation.
The road was long, from Da Nang City we had to travel nearly seventy kilometers to reach the Mỹ Sơn historical site. Upon arriving at the foot of the mountain, we had to disembark and take the specialized vehicles provided by the site. The buses were too large, the road was narrow, and it was impossible to climb. We divided into small groups, with each group of ten people boarding one vehicle. The winding road led us through dense forests, with cliffs on either side, and the wind blew gently. About a kilometer from the site, we had to walk because the vehicles couldn't reach the destination.
My first impression upon setting foot in Mỹ Sơn was the desolation and ruins, steep and barren. The temples, statues, and stone blocks covered in moss lay silently in the solemn space. Earlier on the way in, everyone was laughing and chatting, but now they became silent. The tour guide's voice was solemn as she introduced. This is the temple complex of the ancient Champa people, which was present about 7 centuries ago. Through the vicissitudes of time, it has been abandoned and almost entirely ruined, but we still see that these are extremely unique architectural works, which the Champa people have built.
The temples here are built very uniquely, with the bottom wide and the top gradually narrowing, becoming smaller and smaller until closed. Each temple has an area of only about twenty square meters and is built of bricks. The unique thing is that we don't know what material the ancients used to stack the bricks on top of each other, and today we cannot detect it, in the places where it has collapsed, people have renovated, but it seems that the modern techniques of today are not as good as the primitive techniques of the ancients. The renovated brick layers become mossy and discolored after just a few months, while the brick layers from nearly ten centuries ago still remain as red as new. We wandered everywhere, while archaeologists were excavating and renovating, we were just standing outside admiring. When leaving, the whole group went to the assembly hall to enjoy the Cham ethnic dances, songs, which were lively and attractive.
Parting with Mỹ Sơn, my heart fluttered with memories of a past time, proud of what our ancestors had built. The Mỹ Sơn archaeological site has been recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. When it is fully restored, it will be an attractive tourist destination for domestic and foreign visitors. The bus drove away, I looked back at the fading towers, disappearing behind the trees. Oh Mỹ Sơn! Until we meet again.
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In addition to exploring historical sites, students should delve into other compositions found in the 5th-grade Vietnamese textbook, such as Recounting a trip to a beautiful local or distant destination or Recalling a memorable excursion to a scenic spot in their hometown or elsewhere. Reflect on that journey, as well as Recounting a true event involving a historical figure or event to solidify their understanding of Vietnamese language at the 5th-grade level.
