Top 3 Essay Samples: "Writing a Persuasive Essay to Convince Someone to Give Up a Habit or Belief" - Best Literature in Grade 10

Topic 1: The abuse of antibiotics is a widespread habit among many people today. Write an argumentative essay persuading others to abandon this habit.

Solution approach:

• Carefully read the task and identify the requirements to be addressed.
• State the goal, target audience, and persuasion method.

Detailed solution:

The invention of antibiotics is considered a major milestone in medical science, helping to treat many health problems effectively. However, many people are not fully informed about this type of medication and tend to misuse it. People need to stop abusing antibiotics because this habit poses several risks in the treatment of diseases.

So, what exactly are antibiotics, and what constitutes their abuse? Antibiotics are drugs that kill bacteria responsible for causing infectious diseases or are used to treat various other medical conditions. Misusing antibiotics means using them indiscriminately, regardless of the illness—whether it's a cold, a cough, or any other condition—without following proper dosage guidelines. The situation of antibiotic abuse is widespread. For example: "The erythromycin resistance rate in Vietnam is 92.1%", "According to data from 15 hospitals under the Ministry of Health, hospitals in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Hue, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, etc., regarding antibiotic use and resistance during 2008-2009: In 2009, 30-70% of gram-negative bacteria were resistant to third and fourth-generation cephalosporins, and nearly 40-60% were resistant to aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones", and "The Department of Medical Examination Management (Ministry of Health) conducted surveys showing that 88% of people in urban areas and 91% in rural areas use antibiotics without a prescription." Why do people use antibiotics so freely? First, due to the patients: Many people mistakenly believe antibiotics can cure any disease, so they take them at the first sign of illness, largely due to the ease with which antibiotics can be purchased. The trend of self-medicating and self-diagnosing is becoming more common, leading to antibiotic misuse. Secondly, due to healthcare providers: In practice, antibiotics are also prescribed widely. For instance, when the specific bacteria responsible for an infection are unknown, some doctors might still prescribe antibiotics based on patient demand, even if it's not entirely appropriate. This is also a form of abuse. Misusing antibiotics not only wastes resources but also harms health, as antibiotics cannot cure viral infections, yet they are still used unnecessarily. It also complicates diagnosis: for example, when a patient has appendicitis but is given antibiotics, it can obscure the symptoms, making diagnosis more difficult. Sometimes, antibiotics may have side effects, including allergic reactions, sensitivity, and even life-threatening conditions. High doses of antibiotics can damage bone marrow, especially with drugs like chloramphenicol. Some antibiotics, like streptomycin and kanamycin, can lead to hearing loss and kidney failure when used in large doses. Misuse of antibiotics also contributes to the growing issue of bacterial resistance, making future treatment more difficult. Today, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasingly resistant to cephalosporins. Other bacteria are also becoming resistant, reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics. Many people choose antibiotics because they seem convenient and affordable, but the consequences can be severe. So, what can we do to limit or stop antibiotic misuse? The key principle to remember when using antibiotics is that they should only be used for bacterial infections and only when necessary, as prescribed by a doctor. Take the full prescribed dose: When a doctor prescribes antibiotics, always complete the entire course of treatment, even if you start feeling better. Follow the instructions: Do not use leftover antibiotics from previous treatments; do not share antibiotics with others, even if they are close family members. Sharing medication can lead to incomplete dosages, allowing bacteria to develop resistance and making future treatment harder. This is dangerous for you, your family, and the community.

We must raise awareness starting with each individual, by adhering to prescribed treatments and avoiding the misuse of antibiotics in animals or for non-medical purposes. Encourage others to stop misusing antibiotics.

Abusing antibiotics is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly. It is best for everyone to use medication responsibly, according to medical advice. If you don't see results after a period of treatment, return to your doctor for a check-up and seek professional guidance. "Use antibiotics correctly for the sake of our future," as the saying goes.

Topic 2

A friend of yours always believes in the saying "Silence is golden" and lives by it. Write an argumentative essay convincing your friend to consider a more well-rounded perspective.

Solution approach:

• Carefully read the task and identify the requirements to be addressed.
• State the goal, target audience, and persuasion method.

Detailed solution:

Gold is considered a precious and rare metal, which is why people have often compared valuable things to gold, such as "Time is gold" or "Silence is golden," emphasizing the importance of silence at the right time. But is it always good to choose silence?

The saying suggests that we should know when to remain silent and avoid interfering too much in others' business. Speaking without knowledge only reveals one's ignorance, and silence in heated arguments often prevents further escalation. However, does silence always hold value? Should we remain silent in the face of evil, injustice, or when we have well-formed, objective thoughts on an issue? In such situations, silence can be seen as acquiescence to wrongdoings, and failing to speak out is to compromise with evil. So, when is it appropriate to remain silent? Pythagoras once said: “Silence is the highest wisdom. He who does not know how to remain silent does not know how to speak.” Meanwhile, Martin Luther King Jr. stated: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Therefore, we must be mindful of when to speak and when to stay silent. We cannot remain passive when evil is rampant, or when moral integrity is at risk. Silence in such instances can be seen as complicity, cowardice. For instance, if a person sees an elderly individual struggling to cross the street, and while hesitating, another person steps in to help, remaining silent in that moment means losing the opportunity to do a good deed. Similarly, in class, if a teacher asks a question and you remain silent, you lose the chance to express yourself. Opportunities, once missed, are gone forever. Thus, silence can be foolish and immature at times. In group discussions, remaining silent to avoid voicing your opinion can reveal a lack of perspective. Silence, in such cases, makes one a conformist without a clear stance. Therefore, it is crucial to know when to break the silence and speak up at the right moment.

Thus, in life, we must strike a balance between knowing when to remain silent and when to break the silence. Silence is not always golden; it requires careful judgment depending on the context. Take Martin Luther King's words as a lesson and take action starting today, beginning with the smallest of tasks that we can do. I believe that anyone can make a difference, regardless of age, strength, or wealth. Never compromise or ignore evil. Stand up for what is right!

1. Orientation

a) In life, everyone often has repetitive actions or gestures that become habits over time. Some beliefs (ways of thinking, understanding, etc.) also become ingrained, making them hard to change. Many habits are good, and positive beliefs should be preserved and promoted. However, there are also bad habits and outdated beliefs that need to be changed or discarded because they negatively affect individuals or society. For example: the habit of littering, wasting time, depending on others, overusing antibiotics... or beliefs such as avoiding friends who perform poorly in school, believing money can buy everything... In such cases, we need to persuade those with bad habits or incorrect beliefs to abandon them.

Writing a persuasive essay means presenting opinions, using reasoning and evidence to convince someone with bad habits or incorrect beliefs to change towards more positive and correct perspectives.

* Study the sample essay:

Question (pages 81-82, Literature 10, Volume 1 – Cánh diều):

• The writer persuades their father to quit smoking
• Reason: the harmful effects of smoking on human health and the country's economy
• Evidence: Every year, 890,000 people die from smoking, more than the combined total of deaths from accidents, tuberculosis, and AIDS. Two-thirds of these deaths occur in developing countries. There are 7,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, more than 200 of which are harmful to health...
• Emotional appeal of love, respect, empathy, and the persuasive attitude

b) To write an essay persuading someone to quit a habit or belief, you need to:

• Understand the topic (read the prompt carefully, identify the target audience for the essay, and clarify the purpose of persuading someone to abandon a particular habit or belief)
• State the reasons and analyze the negative impacts or harms of the habit or belief that needs to be changed or abandoned
• Provide specific and vivid examples of the negative impacts or harms caused by the habit or belief
• Predict the responses and counterarguments of the person you aim to persuade, then present your counterpoints.

2. Practice

Exercise (page 83, Literature 10, Volume 1 – Cánh diều): Choose one of the following topics to write a persuasive essay to convince someone to change or abandon a habit or belief:

Topic 1: Overuse of antibiotics is a common habit among many people today: Write a persuasive essay to convince everyone to abandon this habit.

Topic 2: A friend of yours always believes in and acts according to the saying “Silence is golden.” Write a persuasive essay to convince your friend to see the issue more holistically.

a) Preparation

Choose Topic 2: A friend of yours always believes in and acts according to the saying “Silence is golden.” Write a persuasive essay to convince your friend to see the issue more holistically.

* Read the exercise carefully, select and identify the following requirements:

• Target audience: people who tend to stay silent about issues
• Purpose: help these individuals abandon a bad habit
• Content: the issue of the habit of silence in response to problems
• Form: persuasive essay

b) Find ideas and draft an outline

- Generate ideas by asking and answering the following questions:

• What does “silence is golden” mean? Is this habit good?
• Why should the habit of believing in and acting according to “silence is golden” be changed?
• How can this habit be changed?

- Create an outline for the essay by organizing the ideas into three sections:

1. Introduction

Introduce and state the issue: people need to abandon the belief in “silence is golden” because silence is not always the best choice.

2. Body

a. Explanation

• What does “silence” mean?
• What does “silence is golden” mean?

=> The belief “silence is golden” should be abandoned.

Prove it

- Why should the belief “silence is golden” be abandoned?

• If we stay silent, we lose the chance to express ourselves.
• We suffer many disadvantages and injustices.
• We become weak, disrespected by others.
• We fail to achieve our personal goals and ideals.
• We become indifferent and apathetic to everything.

Examples:

At just 10 years old, Malala Yousafzai dared to raise her voice.

“I raise my voice not to shout, but to let those who have no voice be heard.”

Those who have fought for their rights:

• The right to live in peace
• The right to be treated with respect
• The right to equal opportunities
• The right to education

Her fight earned her the Nobel Prize at the age of 17, making her the youngest Nobel laureate ever.

3. Conclusion: Restate the issue

c) Writing

• Write the essay based on the outline.
• Be sure to use appropriate language and tone to persuade others.

* Sample essay:

If you are in a debate, will you stay silent or speak out for your rights? If you witness an injustice, will you stay silent or speak up and fight for what's right? People often say “silence is golden.” But is this always true? Personally, I believe that silence is not always necessary for everyone. Therefore, I argue that we need to abandon the habit of trusting and acting according to the belief “silence is golden.”

First, we must understand what “silence” means. “Silence” refers to not speaking out, not expressing ourselves. Many believe that “silence is golden” because it helps to control emotions, avoid conflicts, and remain unaffected by negativity. They think that silence brings peace and allows more focus on work.

But is “silence” always golden? What if everyone remained silent? Like everything, silence has two sides. It brings benefits, but also significant consequences. First, silence causes us to lose our voice and gradually forget who we are. Imagine being in a discussion where you stay silent; no one will notice you, no one will care about you, and they will slowly forget who you are. If you silently accept things you disagree with, you will never achieve your goals. Opportunities only come once. Success belongs to those who can seize the moment and speak up for their rights. When we have a voice, we earn recognition. Silence gradually erodes our confidence. Can you follow your ideals if you are always too afraid to express your opinions? Regardless of whether your opinion is right or wrong, it reflects who you are, and we should never hesitate to demonstrate our abilities. Silence makes us weak, cowardly, and vulnerable to being disrespected, suffering losses and injustice. Therefore, speak up for yourself!

Sometimes, human silence becomes truly terrifying! Do you stay silent when witnessing an illegal act? Do you remain silent when passing by someone in need? Do you stay silent during a debate? Do you remain silent in the face of social issues? Life would be so dull in such a world! Silence not only takes away your voice, but it also makes you indifferent and apathetic. It's heartbreaking to see a society where people ignore evil, suffering, and injustices! If everyone is like this, our society will be ugly: everyone thinks only of themselves, ignoring the greater good, indifferent to the wrongs that are happening. If this happens, not only will your life be affected, but human civilization will not progress. Therefore, speak up; don't let your voice fade into silence. Thanks to speaking out, our great leader Ho Chi Minh was able to call for international aid and solidarity at international conferences. Thanks to speaking out, Malala Yousafzai became the youngest-ever Nobel laureate at the age of 17. Malala dared to raise her voice to demand rights for people, especially women:

“I raise my voice not to shout, but to let those who have no voice be heard.”

Therefore, speaking out is a way for us to affirm our value, assert our equality, and protect what is right. You may argue that speaking out causes conflicts and disrupts control. That may be true. But if you remain silent, will those conflicts resolve on their own, or will they silently escalate into full-blown conflicts? Therefore, you must speak up to resolve misunderstandings and disputes. Of course, we should not speak impulsively without thinking. So, depending on the situation, we must choose to speak out wisely.

d) Review and edit

Exercise: Choose one of the following topics to write a persuasive essay, convincing others to change or abandon a habit or a belief:

Topic 1: The overuse of antibiotics is a widespread habit among many people today. Write an essay convincing people to stop this habit.

Topic 2: A friend of yours always believes and acts according to the motto "Silence is golden". Write an essay persuading your friend to take a more comprehensive perspective.

ESSAY

Topic 1:

As medical science continues to advance, the development of antibiotics marked a major breakthrough, helping to treat a range of health issues effectively. However, many individuals have developed the habit of self-medicating and "copying" prescriptions, leading to excessive and improper use of antibiotics, which brings about several consequences. Even more alarming is the contribution to antibiotic resistance, weakening and gradually eliminating our “weapon” against bacterial infections.

So, what exactly are antibiotics, and what does it mean to overuse them? Antibiotics are drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for infectious diseases, and are also used in treating various other conditions. Overusing antibiotics means taking them indiscriminately, using them even when unnecessary, such as for a simple cough, cold, or mild fever, without proper dosages. Many people, when experiencing symptoms like a cold, flu, or a sore throat caused by a virus, resort to antibiotics. However, antibiotics only target bacteria, not viruses. Therefore, they are ineffective against viral infections like the flu.

Furthermore, there are cases where patients purchase antibiotics on their own but choose to reduce the dosage or shorten the treatment period. After two to three days of feeling better, with symptoms gone, they stop taking the medicine, believing that continuing would be harmful or cause side effects. Some even switch to a different antibiotic when the initial one does not work as expected. Others extend their treatment beyond the prescribed period, thinking it will ensure complete recovery. However, a typical antibiotic course lasts 5-7 days, sometimes 10 days, depending on the patient. Some mistakenly believe that antibiotics are a cure-all, using them for any illness. In reality, antibiotics only combat bacterial infections, and they are effective on certain bacteria in specific parts of the body. Using one type of antibiotic for all types of infections is a mistake.

If we do not stop the misuse of antibiotics, we will face severe consequences. The most obvious is the waste and unnecessary expense when strong, expensive antibiotics are used inappropriately. Furthermore, self-medicating or following others' prescriptions can result in the persistence of illness, leading to complications and requiring more expensive medications. Many people, after using antibiotics without success, eventually visit the hospital, where doctors face difficulties diagnosing the illness because prior antibiotic use can obscure or alter the symptoms.

Antibiotics are often compared to a double-edged sword. While they can treat diseases, they can also have harmful side effects if used incorrectly. Improper use of antibiotics may not only fail to cure the illness but could also introduce new health issues. Antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria in the body, leading to issues such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and other side effects. More dangerously, misuse can result in severe reactions, such as allergies, nausea, and even life-threatening conditions like organ failure or anaphylactic shock. Additionally, overusing antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance, where bacteria evolve to resist treatment, and we may eventually face infections that no antibiotics can cure, potentially leading to death from previously treatable diseases.

To prevent these outcomes, it is essential to use antibiotics safely and correctly. When we are sick, we must consult a doctor to receive the proper medication. We should raise awareness by developing habits such as strictly following medical prescriptions and never buying antibiotics without a prescription. It is important to warn others if we see them misusing antibiotics.

Topic 2:

Gold is a precious substance, often referred to as "as precious as gold". The saying "Silence is golden" suggests that in communication, one should know when to remain silent, avoiding unnecessary self-revelation or interference in others' matters, as this is considered wise and mature. The validity of this perspective has been widely discussed, praised, and acknowledged. However, is silence always golden? Can silence always be the right choice?

The phrase "Silence is golden" advises that we should know when to stay silent, not intervene in others' affairs, avoid showing off our ignorance, and refrain from speaking out in disputes or arguments. Silence, in these cases, is seen as a wise and mature way of handling situations. The saying encourages us to act thoughtfully and discerningly in different contexts, demonstrating the maturity and wisdom of an individual who understands and reflects carefully.

However, in life, besides the good and right things, there are also wrong words, actions, and behaviors that need to be condemned and exposed. In workplaces, there are corrupt officials and bribery. On the streets and in markets, there are smugglers and thieves. In classrooms, there are dishonest actions during tests. In such cases, remaining silent means complicity in wrongdoing, condoning evil. Silence then becomes a form of cowardice and irresponsibility. At times, when we see an elderly person struggling to cross a busy street, we may hesitate, but someone else might step in to help. If we stay silent, we miss the opportunity to do good. In class, when a teacher asks a question and we remain silent, we lose the chance to speak up, express ourselves, or test our knowledge. Opportunities, once lost, may never come again. In such instances, silence is foolish and immature.

Thus, while the saying "Silence is golden" is valuable advice, it is only applicable in certain situations. It reminds us to keep quiet and control ourselves in situations where unnecessary conflicts can be avoided. It highlights the importance of thoughtful consideration before speaking or acting. However, if we remain silent when it is necessary to speak out, to expose wrongdoings or injustices, we become part of the problem, allowing evil to persist.