Prompt: Social Discourse: The Power of Articulation
II. Sample Essay
Social Discourse: Words, a Currency of Value Words are priceless commodities; it's the careful selection of our speech that resonates with others.
I. Outline of Social Discourse: Words, a Currency of Value (Standard)
1. Introduction
Leading into the proverb 'Words cost nothing, yet their worth is immeasurable; choose them wisely to nurture mutual understanding': Words, inherently a double-edged sword, can build beautiful relationships, but if spoken carelessly, can destroy them. Passed down through generations, our forebears have imparted wisdom encapsulated in proverbs such as 'Words cost nothing, yet their worth is immeasurable; choose them wisely to nurture mutual understanding.'
2. Body of the Essay
- Explanation of the proverb:
+ 'Words cost nothing': Speech is an innate human instinct, an inherent possession that no money can buy. Our words are our personal belongings, irreplaceable by anyone else...(Continued)
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II. Sample Essay Social Discourse: Words cost nothing, yet their worth is immeasurable (Standard)
Since childhood, as we grow up, each of us learns to speak because speech is the most common, easy, and simplest way to communicate with others. Therefore, in the important things we have to learn, we must learn to speak first; words are not only for communication, conveying thoughts, desires, and opinions, but also a tool for forming social relationships. The proverb from our ancestors about the use of words still holds true today: 'Words cost nothing, yet their worth is immeasurable; choose them wisely to nurture mutual understanding.'
In our daily lives, we always have to exchange and communicate with each other, often using speech, which carries various shades and meanings depending on the needs and purposes of the speaker. So how can we use words effectively? That's why our ancestors left us admonishing proverbs about using words wisely: 'Words cost nothing, yet their worth is immeasurable.' Speech is an innate human instinct, and those who can speak can create their own voices; 'words cost nothing' because speech is ours, created by ourselves, not something bought and sold. Words may cost nothing, but their value depends on how we speak. Therefore, we must 'choose our words wisely.'
Artfully using words, tactfully, in harmony with reason, will not only help us achieve communication goals but also be highly effective. 'Mutual understanding' is being suitable for each situation, each relationship, and each person, using words accurately, gracefully, and politely. Speech reflects one's cultural level and personality; therefore, we must know how to 'choose our words,' select appropriate language for the context, and think before speaking, which will help us maintain the value of our words and our character. There are pleasant, easy-to-hear words, but there are also rude, offensive, and uncultured words that make listeners uncomfortable. In a funeral, some people bring words of encouragement, timely consolation to soothe the pain of loss for those left behind, while others bring curses, blame, and insults. A word can be a source of encouragement, empowering others, but just one word can also crush the aspirations of others.
Thus, whether words bring good things or not depends on how we use them. We must constantly enrich our vocabulary, communicate frequently to gain more experience in using words. On one hand, always aiming for good words and beautiful meanings; on the other hand, we must realize that good words and good meanings do not necessarily have to be flowery, flattering, and empty. Those words may be beautiful, but they are only beautiful in form; their true nature is negative, not reflecting the reality and intentions of human beings. In addition, we must know how to use words of criticism, reproach, and feedback at the right time, in the right place, to create meaningful words, helping others recognize their mistakes and shortcomings to change. Words can help us affirm ourselves, build good relationships, but our words can also destroy our character, fracture relationships, and lose the trust of others.