Top 10 argumentative essays on praise and criticism (Grade 9)

Tuân Tử xưa có dạy: “Người chê ta mà chê phải là thầy ta, người khen ta mà khen phải thì là bạn ta, những kẻ vuốt ve, nịnh bợ là kẻ thù của ta”. Bàn luận về lời dạy này thì xưa nay cũng nhiều người làm (lên Google tìm phát ra ngay) nhưng áp dụng nó trong thực tế cuộc sống mà cụ thể hơn là ứng xử trong cộng đồng mạng là cả một vấn đề mà không phải ai cũng để ý.

Đại đa số người tham gia trên các mạng cộng đồng ảo đều đang thuộc lứa tuổi trẻ – những người đang khao khát được thể hiện bản thân và trải nghiệm, học hỏi những điều hay trong cuộc sống, có lẽ chính những đặc tính đó xúc tác cho sự phát triển của những cộng đồng ảo, nhưng mặt trái của nó cũng gây nên những điều phiền phức.

“Khôn đâu đến trẻ”, chính vì chưa khôn nên chúng ta mới cần phải học hỏi nhiều, và cũng bởi vì chưa khôn, nên đôi khi chúng ta cũng chưa đủ bản lĩnh và bình tĩnh để xem xét thấu đáo vấn đề. Vì tự ái cá nhân, vì hiếu thắng mà trên các diễn đàn đôi lúc có những cuộc tranh luận dài vô thiên lủng, với đủ loại ngôn từ, lý luận. Cãi lý không được thì xoay sang cãi chầy cãi cối, rồi điên quá thì lăng mạ, xúc vào chỗ phạm của nhau. Biết làm sao được, ta đâu đã già đời và uyên thâm như Nguyễn Trãi để mà: “Lành dữ âu chi thế nghị khen” cho được. Máu nóng nổi lên là chiến thôi nhất là khi bao tâm huyết bỏ ra lại nhận được những câu chê bai vô trách nhiệm.

Khi nói về đặc điểm người Việt nhà mình, cụ Trần Trọng Kim viết: “…hay có tính tinh vặt, cũng có khi quỷ quyệt và hay bài bác, chế nhạo…”. Mình là dân Việt xịn, nên ngẫm cũng đúng. Rồi theo dõi cách ứng xử của mọi người trong trang GS Xoay cũng dễ nhận ra những comment mang nội dung chế nhạo và bài bác người khác chiếm số lượng không nhỏ. Vậy tại sao chúng ta thích chê nhau vậy?

Quay lại lời dạy của Tuân Tử ở đầu bài đề cập, trong số các hành động như “chê”, “khen” và “vuốt ve, nịnh bợ” thì té ra có mỗi hành động “chê” là đem lại cho người ta “cơ hội” được làm thầy người khác. Càng chê những cái tưởng như hoàn hảo thì càng giỏi, càng chê những người giỏi thì càng siêu. (Chuyện, làm thầy thằng giỏi chả siêu hơn làm thầy thằng dại còn gì). Thế nên ở nước ta, hoạt động “phê bình” diễn ra khá sôi động. Có nhiều giáo sư, nhà văn, nhạc sỹ… cả đời chả có một công trình nào tự tay xây dựng, sáng tác… chỉ nhăm nhăm đợi các công trình và tác phẩm của các đồng nghiệp khác ra đời là nhảy vào bới lỗi ra mà chê để được làm thầy người ta, để đứng trên công lao của người khác mà làm công trình, làm tác phẩm cho mình.

Cái cảm giác làm thầy hấp dẫn đến mức số lượng các nhà phê bình không ngừng tăng lên, có khi còn đông hơn cả số công trình được làm ra, nên chuyện vài ba nhà phê bình cùng nhảy vào xâu xé một công trình mới cũng là chuyện thường, (giang hồ gọi là “chém tơi tả”). Thế nhưng nên nhớ, anh chỉ được làm THẦY người ta khi anh CHÊ ĐÚNG mà thôi. Vậy thế nào là CHÊ ĐÚNG???

Hồi bé, mình có thói quen hay quan sát xung quanh, thấy cái gì chưa đúng “chuẩn” của mình là mình buông lời chê ngay. Chẳng biết đúng sai, nhưng mẹ chỉ nhẹ nhàng nhắc: “Trước khi con chê ai, hãy đưa tay sờ lên gáy của mình trước”. Mình chẳng hiểu lắm ý mẹ nhắc nhở gì nhưng vẫn nghe lời. Vẫn chê đều, còn giải thích với mẹ là con sờ tay lên gáy mình rồi mới chê. Rất đúng quy trình. Thế rồi được mẹ giải thích cho mới hiểu, đại khái là nên xem lại mình trước khi buông lời chê bai ai đó. Lần sau, mình cũng xem lại mình ghê lắm, nhưng vẫn thấy mình ngon, nên vẫn chê người khác đều. Mình nghĩ chê ai đó thật là dễ, thật là sướng và thật là oai nữa.

Càng lớn khôn, càng đi nhiều, gặp nhiều. Được khen, bị chê nhiều, không ít lần cũng vướng vào thị phi, mình mới càng thấy chê ai đó điều gì thật khó. Có lẽ bởi càng biết nhiều thì mình càng hiểu là mình kém cỏi, nên khi xem lại mình, mình thấy chẳng đủ trình làm thầy ai để mà buông lời chê đúng. Thế nên có một thời kỳ, mình sống bình thản, hài hòa, tròn trịa như một viên bi mài nhẵn. Ban đầu cứ nghĩ chắc mình đã nắm chắc thuật “Đắc nhân tâm”, nhưng về sau thấy cuộc sống như vậy thật nhạt nhẽo. Càng thấm hơn câu nói: “Kẻ được lòng tất cả mọi người thường là kẻ chẳng được việc gì”. Tại vì một đám đông, một cộng đồng, một xã hội luôn có người này người nọ, người tốt kẻ xấu. Giờ mà đi làm hài lòng tất cả thì rồi rốt cuộc cũng chẳng làm nên cái gì, có khi còn mất luôn cả người tốt, kẻ xấu xung quanh đó.

Té ra lúc này mới biết là mỗi người trước tiên cần có chính kiến của mình, còn việc chính kiến đó biến thành khen hay chê, khen chê đó là sai hay đúng thì hậu xét. Có chính kiến làm mỗi chúng ta có thêm nhiều góc cạnh, tuy không tròn đẹp như viên bi mài nhẵn, nhưng được cái hay là chẳng lăn mãi vào hư vô như bi mà sẽ đứng lại ở vị trí nào đó. Tiếp theo là trách nhiệm với chính kiến của mình, tức là anh khen, hay chê ai đó, anh phải chịu trách nhiệm về ý kiến của mình bằng cách phải cân nhắc khi khen chê người khác.

Cộng đồng ảo cho ta đến với nhau nhanh hơn, nhưng chính tính ảo của các mối quan hệ mà vai trò của chính kiến và trách nhiệm trong khen chê dường như cũng giảm đi nhiều. Đơn giản do ta có tâm lý: “Chúng nó đâu biết mình là ai mà chửi lại”. Trước một ý kiến, một bài viết, chúng ta thoải mái comment, thông thường là chọn cách chê, chê càng bạo mồm, càng mới mẻ, độc đáo càng chứng tỏ là mình “trình cao” và là người có chính kiến. Thế nên nhiều bạn cũng lạm dụng cái việc chê bai này để xây dựng chính kiến, thấy chỗ nào cũng chê, việc gì cũng chê, như thể là mình khắt khe khó tính lắm. Thậm chí có bạn kiệm lời, vào phán mỗi chữ “Nhạt” rồi bỏ đó cắp đít đi. Vừa tiết kiệm thời gian, vừa ra vẻ là người sâu sắc, biết cách ăn nói nửa chừng cho thiên hạ tha hồ mà do tâm đoán ý. Nhưng thực ra đó là những cách chê vô trách nhiệm nhất. Vô trách nhiệm với người làm ra sản phẩm đó, và vô trách nhiệm với chính cái chính kiến của mình.

Cuộc sống luôn có 2 mặt tốt và xấu. Để vươn lên Chân – Thiện – Mỹ, đương nhiên chúng ta phải có những lời CHÊ, để giảm đi những cái xấu và thêm nhiều hơn nữa những cái tốt. Một lời CHÊ ĐÚNG còn quý giá hơn cả những lời khen, do đó mỗi người vẫn phải biết CHÊ khi thấy những điều không ổn. Nhưng quan trọng nhất vẫn là chính kiến và trách nhiệm của những lời CHÊ đó. Hãy CHÊ khi mình đã cân nhắc, và đã CHÊ thì cho đến nơi đến chốn, để người làm sai nhận thức đầy đủ mà có cơ hội sửa sai

Chúng ta sống giữa một cuộc sống vây quanh bởi khen chê. Nếu có ai khen, đừng vội mừng, nếu có ai chê, đừng vội buồn bởi đơn giản chẳng ai hoàn hảo. Thậm chí có ai đó khen sai hay chê sai đi chăng nữa thì lại càng không đáng để mà buồn hay vui. Tóm lại, dù là bạn bè trong một thế giới ảo, nhưng hãy luôn cố gắng dành cho nhau những gì mình cho là tốt đẹp nhất, trách nhiệm nhất. Bất kể đó là một lời khen hay một lời chê.

In daily life, we often exchange promises, jokes, or even reproaches. There are always words of encouragement that lift people's spirits, but this world also has individuals who seem ready to bring us down with harsh words. This is why we have the saying, “Those who criticize us correctly are our teachers, those who praise us properly are our friends, and those who flatter are our enemies.”

As the saying goes, “Words don’t cost money, choose words that please one another,” which is absolutely true. These words can either be invaluable encouragement or words that make us want to improve ourselves. They can also be the kind of words that can destroy everything after a single night. The saying above falls into three categories of speech: “praise, criticism, and flattery.”

Those who offer us words of appreciation for our actions are the ones praising us. These individuals recognize something admirable in us that others may not see. A kind word can not only make us happy but can also encourage us to keep moving forward. For example, consider a student who once neglected their studies but later made unexpected progress. Their peers and teachers praised them, and this praise fueled the student to continue overcoming challenges and advancing.

Those who criticize us or scold us can help us recognize our weaknesses and reflect on what we could improve. Criticism, in this case, is a way of seeing the truth. For instance, someone with low self-esteem may hide in their shell, irritating others with their behavior. But the feedback from others can help them break free from the trap of self-doubt and contribute to society as a better person.

Finally, those who give insincere praise or excessive flattery can lead us to ruin. Their words make us overly confident in our actions and decisions, potentially leading to our downfall. Arrogance is often one of the reasons why people grow smaller in a world that demands results based on one's own efforts.

From these analyses and clear examples, it becomes evident that in facing the world's harsh judgments, we must be able to distinguish right from wrong and learn valuable lessons, not only for ourselves but also for those around us.

Thomas Fuller once said, “Praise costs nothing, but many are willing to pay a high price for it.” Indeed, praise is a compliment or acknowledgment given by others when we achieve something admirable or noble. However, a father warns, “Be cautious with praise.” This is because there are two kinds of praise: good praise and bad praise.

Good praise comes from genuine admiration and respect, and it serves as a positive reinforcement, motivating us and affirming the good we’ve accomplished. Bad praise, on the other hand, is not born out of respect or recognition of someone’s ability but may be mocking, sarcastic, flattering, or come from selfishness, jealousy, or insincerity.

We will encounter various people with different attitudes and opinions about our lives, and others' praise can sometimes influence us and make us reflect. In contrast, a criticism or reproach is an evaluation or judgment about the way we handled a task or achieved a result.

When we are criticized and don't receive praise, it can leave us feeling disheartened and frustrated. You might feel that your efforts went unnoticed or unappreciated, and the criticism feels unjust. This is disappointing, but it shouldn’t lead to discouragement. Many successful people have used such criticism as motivation, a stepping stone to strive harder, rather than seeking praise that is easily given.

At times, honest or even harsh criticism may point out flaws in our actions, and we must be open to self-improvement. Praise and criticism push us to take responsibility for our actions, making us more self-aware, and helping us grow. By carefully listening to others’ feedback and adopting a positive attitude, we can gain others' trust. The more we listen to others, the more they are likely to contribute to our growth, which gives us the chance to refine ideas and find new motivation.

Therefore, let’s embrace both praise and criticism, listen attentively, and offer feedback in the most constructive way possible.

Praise and criticism are two essential tools that encourage personal and societal growth. However, their proper and thoughtful use is crucial, especially for 9th-grade students. In this essay, we will explore the role of praise and criticism and effective methods for applying them.

Firstly, let's examine the role of praise. When given sincerely and fairly, praise boosts confidence and provides motivation. It enhances self-esteem and encourages further development and success. For 9th-grade students, praise from teachers, friends, and family can be a powerful source of encouragement to persist in their academic and personal endeavors.

Nevertheless, the importance of criticism cannot be overlooked. When criticism is constructive and aimed at improvement, it offers individuals the opportunity to recognize and amend their shortcomings. It helps them understand their weaknesses, leading to self-improvement. This is particularly vital for 9th-grade students, who are in the process of developing and shaping their character.

However, the use of praise and criticism must be carried out thoughtfully and prudently. When praising, ensure sincerity and fairness, avoiding excessive or unjust praise. On the other hand, when criticizing, it should be gentle and respectful, steering clear of harsh or judgmental remarks.

In conclusion, both praise and criticism play pivotal roles in fostering personal and societal development. For 9th-grade students, understanding and applying praise and criticism effectively can help them build self-confidence, self-management, and positive personal growth. Remember, praise and criticism are tools, and how we use them determines their impact on our lives.

In daily life, praise and criticism play a significant role in shaping and developing individuals. These two elements are not only expressions of personal emotions and thoughts but also an art form and a skill that requires careful cultivation and appropriate application.

Firstly, praise has a powerful impact on the person receiving it. When praised, individuals feel encouraged, confident, and motivated to keep striving for success. Praise also reflects the sincerity and respect of the one giving it, creating a positive and supportive environment for personal growth and teamwork.

However, criticism is also an essential part of the growth process. When delivered constructively and with the intention to improve, criticism helps others recognize and correct their mistakes. It is a necessary form of feedback that allows individuals to better understand their weaknesses and evolve from them. However, it is crucial to express criticism respectfully and constructively, avoiding unrestrained judgment.

Therefore, praise and criticism are not merely natural expressions of emotion but also an art form, a skill that can be learned and refined. For both the giver and the receiver of praise, it serves as a source of motivation and encouragement. For both the giver and the receiver of criticism, it becomes an opportunity for learning and growth. Thus, we should use praise and criticism thoughtfully and wisely, so that we can cultivate a positive and meaningful environment for living and working.

In our busy lives, it's easy to feel exhausted, and during such times, we often need encouragement or compliments from others. Alongside praise, constructive criticism is also essential to help us recognize our flaws and improve. Indeed, listening to feedback plays a significant role in personal growth and development.

Praise and criticism are evaluations made by others about you regarding a specific matter. Positive feedback might come when you perform well at work, but there could also be critical comments about how you handle tasks or your results.

Comments can have a substantial impact on the listener, so it's important for the evaluator to be mindful of their delivery, ensuring that it’s received without causing offense. If praised, naturally, one feels happy and recognized for their efforts. However, when criticized and not complimented, it can lead to discouragement and frustration. You might feel that despite your efforts, your results fall short of expectations, but instead of despairing, use the criticism as motivation to do better and achieve success next time.

People need evaluations and feedback to improve, but not all feedback is accurate. Some may flatter you to serve their own interests, inflating your abilities while you are just average. If you fail to recognize such manipulative praise, you might develop an inflated sense of self and lose sight of the need for genuine effort. In this complex world full of gossip, there are also those who spread false rumors behind your back. Such people, driven by jealousy, seek to drag others down to their level. Recognizing and staying cautious of such individuals is key to avoiding becoming a puppet in their hands.

With so many varying opinions, it's important to stand firm in your beliefs and maintain a positive attitude. Avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and disputes. Some people may speak the truth, while others may speak lies. Therefore, be mindful of your self-awareness. Don’t be stubborn in your views, and don't assume that all gossip about you is false. If there's truth in it, acknowledge your shortcomings and work to improve, so others won’t have anything negative left to say.

To truly improve, one must continuously learn and be open to feedback. In fact, you can gain valuable insights from both praise and criticism. On the other hand, when you evaluate others, you also learn the skill of analysis and personal judgment. It’s important to remain objective when evaluating others and avoid making biased judgments based on personal feelings. A fair and holistic perspective is crucial when offering feedback.

When criticizing others, avoid harshness and be open to their explanations. It's unfair to claim someone lacks talent without considering their perspective. Avoid being overly judgmental, especially when you yourself are not perfect. Respect others and their contributions, whether they are good or not, as failing to do so could stifle emerging talent and harm the person’s confidence.

Life is not easy, and sometimes, we should be cautious with our critiques. Instead of saying someone’s work is unacceptable, it's better to express that they could improve and need more effort. A kind word from you can go a long way in motivating them to try harder. This approach is especially effective when dealing with children or students. Rather than scolding them, encourage them with praise to spark their interest in learning. A few encouraging words can yield surprising results, so why not try it?

Praise and criticism push individuals to take greater responsibility for their work and provide clarity on how to improve. Listening to feedback, when done selectively, helps you build trust with others. Those who listen are more likely to receive valuable contributions from others, giving them the opportunity to develop new ideas and find motivation to continue striving for better results. So, embrace both praise and criticism, listen attentively, and offer constructive feedback to foster personal growth and assist others in doing the same.

China is one of the cradles of human civilization. Since ancient times, the Chinese people have taken pride in their scholars, distinguished teachers, and profound philosophers whose life philosophies have become timeless truths. Xunzi is one of these great figures. His saying: "Those who criticize me correctly are my teachers; those who praise me rightly are my friends; those who flatter are my enemies," is enough for future generations to ponder.

As human society continues to advance economically, philosophically, and in its understanding, it also witnesses increasing complexity in all aspects of life. "The tongues of the world" are unavoidable. Every person living among others must accept both praise and criticism. However, distinguishing between truth and falsehood in these remarks, and responding appropriately, is not simple. Xunzi's words provide us with a metaphorical lens to recognize who is a "teacher," who is a "friend," and who is an "enemy" in the complex life we live.

As human beings, even kings, emperors, and great people, it is impossible to avoid mistakes in life. In such times, we often receive various opinions from others. Naturally, each person will have their own perspective and attitude toward us. The key lies within ourselves: recognizing our own faults, and more importantly, among the many "praises" and "criticisms," knowing who is "my teacher," who is "my friend," and who is "my enemy."

Xunzi's teaching is indeed profound: "Those who criticize me correctly are my teachers; those who praise me rightly are my friends." When we make mistakes, it is not always easy for us to recognize them. Those who point out our errors and "criticize"—that is, who affirm our mistakes and help us understand them—must be people with greater knowledge and wisdom. They deserve to be our "teachers" in intellect. Furthermore, those who dare to show us our faults, so that we can improve and correct them, must have a noble heart: they wish for our rapid progress. In terms of attitude and feelings, we cannot help but respect such individuals as "teachers" of character, from whom we can learn.

Those who "praise me rightly"—meaning, those who not only do not harbor envy toward my strengths and good qualities, but also "praise" them and share in the joy and success—are undoubtedly good friends, true companions, and confidants. If we have many "teachers" and "friends" like this in our lives, how fortunate we would be.

However, not everyone who praises or criticizes us is necessarily a "teacher" or a "friend." Xunzi once again teaches us how to recognize the true nature of those "treacherous" individuals. These are the "flatterers" who, according to Xunzi, are "my enemies." But distinguishing between genuine praise from a friend and flattery is not easy. First, flatterers praise us in order to seek their own benefit. Thus, while our accomplishments are singular, they exaggerate them to three, four, or even more times. Sometimes, they even justify our flaws and mistakes as "achievements." Such people, who rely on flattery to advance, make the praised person lose themselves and stray from the right path... It is unfortunate that such individuals exist in every era. History has recorded many kings who were led astray by sycophantic officials, resulting in the downfall of loyal ministers, the collapse of the court, and the ruin of the country. Xunzi’s teachings once again remind us to be discerning and recognize who is our true "friend," praising us sincerely, and who is a "flatterer" seeking their own gain.

This wisdom is not only true for ancient society but is also applicable today in all areas of life. As the market economy opens up, the number of people chasing profits, fame, and personal benefits increases. Employees flatter their bosses, subordinates constantly seek to please their superiors; lazy students cozy up to diligent peers to get "help" in exams and tests... The actions of these people may vary, but they share a common goal: to pursue selfish interests.

Yet, do not let such phenomena make you lose faith in life. For the good people, the ones who deserve to be "my teachers" and "friends," are always by our side. Xunzi’s words are a sincere reminder for each of us in how to interact with others. We must learn to value those who criticize us constructively, as Xunzi teaches, considering them "our teachers." Likewise, with friends and companions, we must live with sincerity and dare to point out their flaws in the hope that they will improve. We should share in the successes of our friends and celebrate their achievements as our own.

In our lives, praise plays a crucial role in encouraging, motivating, or appreciating someone. Praise makes people feel proud of what they've done and pushes them to strive for even better results. However, praise that is flattery is detrimental. As Tuân Tử once said: “The person who criticizes me must be my teacher, the one who praises me must be my friend, and those who flatter and fawn over me are my enemies.” This saying involves three groups: “The one who criticizes me,” “the one who praises me,” and “the one who flatters and fawns over me,” each with its role in our lives.

“The one who criticizes me must criticize me rightly.” Criticism, but right criticism. These are the people who see our mistakes and dare to point them out, helping us learn and correct our errors. Generally, we don't like being criticized. Yet, the wise person distinguishes between malicious criticism and constructive criticism. In life, there are always those who criticize others out of jealousy, but we should know how to ignore malicious criticism while accepting valid suggestions for our progress. Only those who can take others' advice can succeed. Stubbornness in only following one's own path will eventually lead to failure. Therefore, the role of “right criticism” and those who offer it is vital in our lives. They are akin to teachers, guiding us to understand and learn much from life.

The second group consists of those who praise us, but again, it must be “praise rightfully.” So, what is right praise? Right praise is sincere, with no self-interest, and without exaggerating to a point of sycophancy. Its purpose is merely to express admiration or encourage the praised person. People naturally crave praise, as it is often more pleasant than criticism. Praise helps people feel proud of their achievements, but we must be able to differentiate genuine praise from empty flattery. If we are excessively praised, we may mistakenly think we're perfect, which could lead to arrogance, lack of effort, and ultimately, failure. True friends are those who can genuinely praise us.

The last group, which also deals with praise, consists of “those who flatter and fawn” over us. As Tuân Tử said, these are “our enemies.” They offer praise purely for their own benefit, not from sincerity or admiration. Their flattery makes the recipient believe they are superior, leading them to stop striving, which will eventually cause them to fall behind. This is dangerous. These sycophants are like enemies. We must avoid and limit interactions with them in daily life, at school, or in the workplace.

Tuân Tử's saying remains a profound and timeless lesson for everyone in life. Always stay alert, distinguishing between friends and foes, to receive the most sincere praise and constructive criticism that will help us improve ourselves.