1. Descriptive Essay on Corn, Part 4
When it comes to staple crops, people often mention rice because it is the primary crop providing rice for humanity. However, there is another important staple that is equally essential: the corn plant. While we don't consume corn daily as we do rice, corn is indispensable in our everyday life.
The origins of corn are debated, with many sources suggesting that it originated in Central America before spreading throughout the Americas. During the late 15th and early 16th centuries, when Europeans discovered the Americas, corn began to spread worldwide. In South America, Central America, and particularly the Caribbean islands, corn is a staple crop. A Vietnamese legend mentions that Phùng Khắc Khoan brought back corn seeds from his diplomatic mission to the North. At that time, the seeds were called "ngọc mễ," meaning "gem rice".
Corn plants grow up to 2 - 3 meters tall. Their stems resemble bamboo: straight and sturdy. When fully grown, the corn stalk is segmented, with nodes between the joints, and ends in a tassel. The leaves consist of a sheath, blade, and ligule. The long, pointed leaves resemble sword blades. Corn has a fibrous root system, with three types of roots: the seminal roots, nodal roots, and brace roots. During the corn's flowering season, the ears of corn appear as clusters of female flowers, surrounded by numerous layers of husks. As the plant matures, corn silk appears. This silk is golden and long, resembling a tangle of hair. The kernels inside the cob vary in color—white, yellow, red, grayish-green, or black—depending on the corn variety. Corn reproduces through cross-pollination, with male and female flowers being pollinated by the wind.
Each corn kernel is packed with nutrients beneficial to humans. From these kernels, products such as cornmeal and popcorn can be made. During wartime, corn sustained many Vietnamese people. The cob, kernels, and even the husk can be used as animal feed, or for making alcohol and ethanol. Even the corn silk is used to brew a drink. While corn is grown around the world, it is rare in Europe. The United States is the largest producer of corn, followed by China, India, South Africa, and Indonesia.
Corn is grown from seeds. Farmers typically plant them in the spring since corn does not tolerate cold well. Corn is easy to cultivate, thriving in various soil types as long as it receives enough water. Modern farming techniques ensure that corn reaches high yields. Popular varieties include sweet corn, field corn, and sticky corn. Thanks to advanced cultivation methods, today's corn crops produce impressive yields.
Despite the variety of food available today, it is unlikely that any other crop will replace the role and significance of corn in the coming years. Therefore, we must appreciate even the smallest corn kernels to help increase its value in human life.


2. Descriptive Essay on Corn, Part 5
For those living in an agricultural nation like Vietnam, the corn plant is well-known. Corn is a common and essential crop that plays a significant role in the national economy, a staple food that is deeply rooted in various regions of the country.
Corn, also known as maize, originated in Mexico and Peru. According to researchers, corn has been around for more than 60,000 years. Corn has been intertwined with human development and evolution, becoming a crucial food source. In Vietnam, corn was introduced from China and was originally called "lúa ngô". The corn stalk is relatively small, strong, and firm, resembling a miniature bamboo stalk, with nodes spaced 20-30 cm apart. The roots are fibrous but shallow, making it easy to uproot. The leaves are large, long, and wide, with a sharp, sword-like shape, and dark green in color. The lower leaves tend to spread out more. Additionally, corn has husk leaves that are light green and protect the ears from insects. The ears of corn, which are the female flowers, are initially hidden inside the husk. It is only when the corn silk begins to emerge that the ears become visible. The corn silk, or pistil, is long and initially green, later turning yellow or reddish-brown. The male flowers of corn are the tassels, which grow in clusters at the top of the plant.
Corn comes in many varieties, each with its own unique features while still sharing common characteristics. The most common varieties are sticky corn, known for its soft texture and fragrance, and field corn, which is primarily used as animal feed. Other varieties include sweet corn, popcorn, flour corn, and flint corn. Corn is relatively easy to cultivate, though it is essential to space the plants appropriately and plant them in rows. To ensure the best growth, basic agricultural practices such as fertilization, watering, and soil cultivation must be observed. Corn requires long nights for optimal growth; if the days are too long, the plant may grow too tall without flowering.
Corn is rich in nutrients, which is why it is grown so extensively. During times of famine, corn and cornmeal were staple foods. Today, corn remains one of the top crops, second only to rice and wheat. Its diverse nutritional content makes it highly beneficial for the body. Corn can be used to prepare a variety of dishes, such as boiled corn, which is a common food, or corn in salads. Recently, young corn is used for its unique flavor and visual appeal. Corn can also be turned into nourishing milk. From an economic standpoint, for an agricultural nation like Vietnam, the value of a staple crop like corn is significant. Corn is widely exported, generating substantial profits and contributing to the country's national brand in international markets.
In today's world, there are many diverse and nutritious foods made from both animals and plants, offering a wide array of healthy dishes. However, the corn plant, as an essential staple, has never lost its place of importance.


3. Descriptive Essay on Corn, Part 6
As an agricultural country, Vietnam is blessed with favorable natural conditions and weather. These advantages have allowed the Vietnamese people to cultivate various staple crops for both local consumption and export, helping to boost the nation's economy. Alongside rice and cassava, corn is an essential crop that brings significant value to daily life.
According to researchers, corn is a staple food plant originally from Central America, which gradually spread across the Americas. Corn reached farmers worldwide when Europeans first encountered the Americas in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Corn was introduced to Vietnam from China. Today, the Americas are the leading producers of corn globally.
Corn's roots are fibrous and shallow, not deeply embedded in the soil. The stalk of the corn plant is small but sturdy and firm. Corn stalks are cylindrical, straight, and solid, growing to a height of 2 to 3 meters depending on care and variety, with a diameter of approximately 4 cm. The stalks resemble bamboo and are segmented. The husks radiate from the joints along the stalk. At the top, a tassel-shaped inflorescence, which contains male flowers, is known as the corn flag. The leaves are green, large, long, and wide, becoming shorter towards the base. Corn also has husk leaves, which tightly wrap around the ear to protect it from insects. The ears of corn are the female flowers, which develop into cobs. These flowers typically grow in the axils of the leaves and become ears at a certain point. At the tip of each ear, you can see long brown or yellow-brown strands, called corn silk. The ears are covered in green leaves, and you must peel these away to reveal the cob inside. There are many varieties of corn: sticky corn, which has chewy kernels; field corn and flint corn, which are primarily used for animal feed; and sweet corn, a popular vegetable.
Corn is a high-starch crop, second only to rice and cassava. It contains many important nutrients for the human body. Dishes made from corn are common in many famous restaurants. Corn kernels, once removed from the cob, are often stir-fried with vegetables to create visually appealing meals. Corn soup and corn juice are popular sweet treats for those with a refined palate. Of course, who hasn't been captivated by the irresistible aroma of popcorn in movie theaters? Moreover, corn contributes greatly to the economy. In many countries, including Vietnam, corn is a crucial crop in agriculture, often exported abroad, bringing substantial income to farmers and helping to improve their quality of life.
Today, scientists have developed genetically modified corn varieties that are resistant to pests and herbicides, resulting in higher yields for farmers. With its nutritional and economic value, it is essential to use proper planting and care techniques, including crop rotation, to maximize production and ensure the best outcomes. As the world progresses and people enjoy better food and a more comfortable life, corn remains a faithful companion that has been with humanity through difficult times. Thus, people must appreciate what nature has given them and fully utilize the benefits that corn provides to improve their quality of life.


4. Explanatory writing about the corn plant, lesson 7
Corn is a widely grown food crop in Vietnam and many countries across the world. Currently, corn not only meets domestic food demands but also holds significant economic potential, contributing notably to the development of the nation's agricultural economy.
Corn has been cultivated for a long time. According to the research of Russian botanist Nikolai Vavilov, corn first appeared 60,000 years ago in Central America, specifically in the areas of Mexico and Peru, before spreading throughout the Americas in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. It is believed that corn was introduced to Vietnam in the 16th century, brought back from China by the scholar Trạng Bùng Phùng Khắc Khoan after a diplomatic mission, using his cleverness to bring the corn seeds into the country. At that time, corn was also called "hạt ngọc mễ" (precious rice seeds).
The corn plant has a cylindrical, upright stem with numerous joints spaced about 15-20 cm apart. A mature corn plant typically reaches a height of 1-2 meters, depending on the variety. The corn leaves are long and lance-shaped. In addition to the long leaves growing from the top of the plant, corn also has smaller leaves known as "lá bi". These smaller leaves wrap around the ears of corn, helping protect the corn from insects. Corn roots are fibrous and do not penetrate deeply into the soil, making it easy for farmers to pull up the plant when harvesting.
The ears of corn grow from the corn flowers, and they are covered by several layers of smaller leaves. The ear length ranges from 10-20 cm, with many small, neatly arranged kernels on each ear. The color of the corn kernels varies depending on the variety—white for glutinous corn and bright yellow for sweet corn.
Thanks to advancements in seed technology, there are now various types of corn. The most common include: Field corn – with hard, yellow kernels, typically used as animal feed; Glutinous corn – with soft, white kernels, sweet and chewy; and Sweet corn – popular today for its sweet, crunchy kernels, which are yellow.
Alongside rice and wheat, corn is a vital food source with high nutritional value. Corn's natural nutrients are beneficial for health. Nowadays, corn is not only a daily food item but also plays an essential role in food production. It is used in the making of snacks, candy, milk, soups, and beverages. Corn is also an important export product, providing a high economic return. Both the corn kernels and the plant itself—its stalks and leaves—can be used as feed for livestock.
The tropical monsoon climate in Vietnam is ideal for growing and cultivating corn. Corn is easy to grow as long as basic conditions such as fertile soil, sufficient water, and proper cultivation methods are met, ensuring high yields.
Today, the increasing availability of a wide range of food products has improved the quality of life and meals for people. However, corn has maintained its vital role due to its natural flavor and practical uses.


5. Explanation about Corn Plant, Lesson 1
The corn plant, also known as corn, is a highly valuable food crop and a very unique plant. It is widely grown by the people of Vietnam because of favorable weather and natural conditions.
It is believed that corn originated in Central America before spreading across the entire Americas. Corn expanded worldwide after Europeans arrived in the Americas in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Corn is a staple food in many countries of Central and South America and the Caribbean. According to legend, Phung Khac Khoan, a historical figure from the time of the Le Dynasty and Trinh Lords, was the first to bring corn seeds from the North to Vietnam. At that time, corn was called “ngoc me,” meaning “pearl rice.” Besides being a staple food, corn also produces a very special fruit.
The corn stalk is solid and strong, growing from 2 to 3 meters in height, resembling bamboo with multiple nodes, each about 10-15 cm long. The leaves are made up of the leaf sheath, blade, and ligule. Corn leaves are long, sharp, and typically have a central vein. Corn has a fibrous root system, which is typical for the grass family. There are three main types of roots in corn: the seminal roots, nodal roots, and brace roots. The corn cob is wrapped in leaves, resembling a banana flower. These leaves tightly encase the cob, and only when the corn silk, golden-brown in color, emerges from the leaves at the end of the cob. The corn silk looks like a tuft of hair, initially green but turning red or golden brown over time. The kernels are the size of peas and are tightly arranged in rows around a white core to form the cob. Each cob typically measures 10-25 cm long and contains about 200-400 kernels. The kernels come in various colors such as black, gray, red, white, and yellow.
Corn is capable of thriving in diverse environments due to its adaptability and productivity. This plant holds great economic and nutritional value. Some popular corn-based foods include popcorn, corn on the cob, boiled corn, and grilled corn. Because corn kernels are sweet, they can be used in desserts like sweet soup or to enhance the flavor of broth. Corn can also replace rice as it has a similar starch content. Apart from the plant itself, corn kernels and leaves can also be used as animal feed.
The corn plant is an important and valuable food crop. When consuming corn, people do not experience any discomfort or allergic reactions, and its value should be fully utilized.


6. An Explanation of the Corn Plant - Essay 2
Among the various cereal crops, alongside rice, which is a staple providing starch for people, corn is another crucial crop. While corn may not be as prevalent in daily life, its importance is irreplaceable.
It is believed that corn originated in Central America and spread throughout the Americas. Corn then spread globally after European explorers arrived in the Americas in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Corn became a staple food in many countries across Central and South America and the Caribbean. According to popular legend, Phung Khac Khoan, a historical figure from the Le dynasty during the reign of the Trinh lords, was the first to cleverly overcome all obstacles and brought corn seeds from the north into Vietnam. Back then, corn was called 'ngoc mễ', meaning 'precious rice'.
Stem of the corn resembles that of bamboo. The stem is straight, solid, and quite sturdy, growing between 2 to 3 meters tall. The mature corn stalk consists of multiple segments with nodes, culminating in a tassel. Corn leaves are made up of leaf sheaths, leaf blades, and leaf tongues. The leaves are long, sharp, and sword-like, spreading from each node with smooth sheaths. Corn has a fibrous root system typical of grass species. It features three main types of roots: primary roots, nodal roots, and brace roots. The corn ears (corn husks) are clusters of female flowers encased in several layers of leaves, tightly wrapped around the stem until the corn silk, golden-brown in color, emerges from between the leaves at the top of the ear. The corn silk is long and hair-like, initially green but later turning brown or yellowish. Corn kernels are available in various colors, including black, blue-gray, red, white, and yellow. Corn reproduces through cross-pollination, with male and female flowers pollinated by the wind.
Corn is a versatile food that provides essential nutrients. Typical corn-based foods include popcorn and corn cakes. During times of famine, corn helped save many lives in Vietnam. The corn kernels and cobs are also used as feed for livestock and poultry. Additionally, corn is utilized to produce alcohol. Moreover, corn serves as a raw material in biofuel production, such as ethanol. The corn silk is also used in herbal medicine and is often brewed into tea to cool the body. While corn is highly popular in the United States, it is nearly absent in Europe.
Corn is grown worldwide, with an annual yield greater than any other cereal crop. The United States accounts for nearly half of global corn production, while other leading producers include China, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, India, France, Indonesia, South Africa, and Italy. Corn grows from seeds. As corn is sensitive to cold, it is typically planted in the spring in temperate regions. It is a short-duration crop that thrives in various soil types but requires careful watering, especially during dry periods. To achieve high yields, various techniques are used to ensure corn pollinates itself. Common corn varieties include sweet corn, field corn, and popcorn. With advancements in science and technology, new high-yield corn varieties are being developed.
In modern times, as a variety of diverse foods have emerged to meet human needs, corn's position remains indispensable. Looking to the future, corn will continue to be a close companion at our dining tables.


7. An Exposition on Corn - Part 3
In everyday life, corn is a crucial and nutritious food that is irreplaceable. It offers humans high economic returns and is widely popular in Vietnam. Corn has long been a trusted companion in the lives of farmers.
According to scientific studies, corn, also known as maize, is a staple food that originated in Central America and later spread throughout the Americas. After the Europeans' contact with the Americas in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, corn spread worldwide. Hybrid corn varieties, favored by farmers over traditional types, have higher yields due to hybrid vigor. Today, corn is more widespread and has become a vital food crop in Vietnam. The corn kernel was once referred to as “ngọc mễ,” which means 'rice pearls.'
The corn stalk resembles the stems of bamboo, with segmented joints. The stalk is tall, straight, and sturdy, usually growing 2-3 meters in height. Corn's development pattern is quite unique; its leaves are lance-shaped, broad, 50-100 cm long, and 5-10 cm wide. The stalk has multiple nodes from which several sheaths radiate. At the top of the plant, there is a tassel of male flowers known as the corn flag. Corn leaves are green, lush, and occasionally covered in fine hairs. Corn has three main types of roots: seminal roots, nodal roots, and brace roots.
Below these leaves, and closely wrapped around the stalk, grow the ears of corn. When young, they can grow up to 3 cm per day. From the lower nodes, several roots emerge. Each corn silk can be pollinated to produce a kernel on the cob. Corn cobs are clusters of female flowers, covered by several layers of leaves, which tightly envelop the stalk until the corn silk emerges, changing from green to red or yellow as it matures. Today, corn comes in various colors like red, yellow, and off-white, with a variety of golden sweet corn.
Corn is a plant that requires long nights and grows best at temperatures above 10°C (50°F), in environments it is adapted to. Corn is not frost-tolerant, so in temperate zones, it is planted during spring. Corn is a short-growing crop that thrives in many types of soil but needs ample watering, especially during dry spells.
Corn is a primary food crop, providing essential nutrients in the diets of humans, particularly for the elderly. It is highly valuable economically. Corn can be harvested for animal feed, and its kernels are delicious when boiled. Corn kernels are also used to make refreshing summer corn soups, best enjoyed with lotus seeds. Additionally, corn kernels are often ground into corn milk. Corn can be fed to animals, with ground cornmeal being a common, nutritious animal food. Corn leaves are also used for animal feed. Various dishes can be made from corn, such as popcorn, roasted corn, and corn cakes. Even corn husks have medicinal properties.
Today, many hybrid varieties of corn are grown in the United States and Canada. Over half of the corn grown in the U.S. is genetically modified to exhibit traits like pest resistance and herbicide tolerance, made possible through biotechnology. Given its many uses, corn requires careful, scientific management to avoid pests and ensure high yields.
As life continues to progress, while many crops offer essential nutrients, corn remains an indispensable food source for every person. It is essential to nurture it carefully so it remains a loyal companion in our lives.

