1. Reference Essay #4
Lesson Overview
- Rhetorical techniques are actions performed in a specific order, following prescribed guidelines for argumentative activities.
- Common rhetorical techniques include analysis, deduction, induction, synthesis, and comparison.
- Each technique has its strengths and weaknesses, so they should be applied appropriately to achieve the best results.
I. Definitions
1. Example: opening and closing doors, turning the TV on and off...
- A rhetorical action refers to performing a task in a specific order, following established procedures and technical requirements.
2. Comparison
- Similarity: Rhetorical techniques are also a type of technique, so they too include strict rules regarding the actions, order, and technical requirements involved.
- Difference: In rhetorical activities, the actions are cognitive tasks performed with the goal of persuasion.
II. Specific Rhetorical Techniques
1. Review analysis, synthesis, deduction, and induction
a. The correct sequence of terms is: synthesis, analysis, induction, deduction.
b. The author employs analysis here, as the issue is divided into four sections for consideration.
- This division clarifies the reasons why poetry may not be passed down through generations.
- Evaluating the use of rhetorical techniques:
+ From the first to the second sentence, the author uses analysis to examine the relationship between intellect and the nation.
+ From the first two sentences to the third, the author shifts from analysis to deduction.
c. The introduction to the "Diem Thi Collection" uses synthesis.
- In "The General's Speech", the author employs induction.
d. The first assertion is correct because for deduction to work, the premises must be true, and the reasoning must be accurate.
- The second assertion is inaccurate.
- The third assertion is correct.
2. Comparison Techniques
a. The author uses a comparison technique here.
- The sentence emphasizes the similarities between the two items being compared.
b. The passage uses a comparison technique, highlighting the differences between the two items.
- Comparison techniques fall into two types: those that identify similarities and those that identify differences.
c. A valid point is made when comparisons require that the objects being compared are either fully analogous or contrasting. However, this does not diminish the value of comparisons, as they help us gain a clearer, more profound understanding of the subject.
- The second answer is incorrect, while the remaining responses are accurate.
Essay Guidelines
Question 1 (page 134, Literature 10, Volume 2):
- The author aims to demonstrate that Nguyễn Trãi's Nôm poetry has absorbed many aspects of folk culture and literature.
- The primary rhetorical techniques used are analysis and induction.
+ The author divides the main argument into smaller parts (folk materials, folk language, etc.).
+ The final sentence of the excerpt uses induction.
- The effectiveness of using rhetorical techniques:
+ Analysis allows for a thorough examination of the issue.
+ Induction elevates the overall message of the excerpt.
Question 2 (page 134, Literature 10, Volume 2):
Sample Passage:
Drowning is a critical issue in Vietnam. In the past, 3,500 children died from drowning annually out of over 7,000 total child injury fatalities. However, after more than 10 years of implementing national programs, safety interventions, and public awareness campaigns, the number of child drowning deaths has decreased to about 2,000 each year. This demonstrates the success of our public awareness efforts, reaching communities, families, and schools. Therefore, further promotion is needed to ensure that even more people, especially children, are informed, reducing the number of drowning incidents.

2. Sample Lesson Plan 5
ARGUMENTATIVE METHODS
1. Review the methods of analysis, synthesis, deduction, and induction
a. The correct order is: synthesis, analysis, induction, deduction.
b.
- The author used the method of analysis rather than deduction because the issue is divided into four parts for examination, not derived from a general premise to explain specific instances.
- The use of analysis helps break down a statement into its components, clarifying the reasons why poetry doesn't always last throughout history.
- From the first to the second sentence, the author uses analysis to examine the two sides of the relationship between talent and the nation.
- From the first two sentences to the third, the author transitions from analysis to deduction.
c.
- Example from the introduction to the 'Trích diễm thi tập': The author uses synthesis.
- Example from 'Hịch tướng sĩ': The author uses induction.
d.
- The first statement is correct if the premise for deduction is true and the reasoning is valid.
- The second statement is inaccurate.
- The third statement is correct.
2. Comparison technique
a.
- The author uses comparison.
- The sentence is crafted to emphasize similarities.
b.
- The passage by Lê Văn Hưu uses comparison.
- From (a) and (b), we conclude: comparison involves two main types: one recognizing similarities and the other differences.
c.
- The statement “all comparisons are flawed” holds some truth, as comparison requires the subjects to be closely related or contrasted. However, this shouldn't undermine the value of comparison, as it helps us understand the subjects more clearly and deeply.
- Among the four examples provided by the textbook, the second answer is incorrect, while the others are correct.
Practice
Question 1 (Page 134, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 2)
- The author aims to prove: "Nguyễn Trãi's Nôm poetry absorbed many achievements from folk culture and literature"
- The main argumentative method used to support this is analysis. The author breaks the central idea into smaller sections, each further divided for detailed examination.
- The final sentence in the passage is inductive, as it elevates a specific example from Nguyễn Trãi to a broader philosophical perspective on literature’s noble function. Through induction, the passage’s ideological scope is significantly broadened.
Question 2 (Page 134, Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 2)
Students should pay attention to:
- Current urgent issues in society, such as traffic safety, anti-social issues, and the ideals of today's youth;
- Writers need to research one of the suggested topics thoroughly to form solid and convincing arguments.
- The writing assignment only requires one paragraph, so focus should be on a few key points.
Example paragraph:
Each year, more than 4.8 million tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans. This waste mainly includes plastic bags, balloons, bottle caps, lighters, and synthetic materials from clothing. Specifically, about 580,000 plastic items float on every square kilometer of ocean, and this number continues to increase exponentially. In 1960, only about 5% of birds were found to have plastic in their stomachs, but by 2010, this number rose to 80%. Plastic waste is particularly dangerous to marine life, as they cannot distinguish food from trash, consuming these harmful materials, which then poison them. Therefore, we must all act now to protect the environment by making small, everyday changes:
- Bring your own shopping bag.
- Use paper bags instead of plastic ones.
- Avoid using straws.
- Switch to drinking water from glass bottles instead of plastic ones.
- Sort your waste and dispose of it properly.

3. Sample Lesson Plan 1

4. Reference Lesson Plan No. 2
I. Concept Overview.
- This refers to the process of performing actions in a specific sequence and following required techniques.
- The argumentative technique is a cognitive activity, consisting of actions performed in a prescribed sequence and method as defined in the context of argumentation.
II. Specific Argumentative Techniques.
1. Review of the techniques of analysis, synthesis, deduction, and induction.
a. The correct answers are listed in sequence:
- Synthesis
- Analysis
- Induction
- Deduction
b.
- In the example from the anthology, the author used the technique of analysis to break down a general statement into its distinct components, clarifying the reasons why ancient literature failed to be preserved completely.
- In the passage from 'The Talented Are the Nation’s Essence,' the author uses a shift from analysis to deduction, arguing that the talented are the nation’s essence.
c. The author employs the synthesis technique: Combining various individual points into a general conclusion.
- In the text 'The Hero’s Call to Arms,' the author uses induction, where initial examples serve to support the conclusion that, from ancient times, wise rulers...
d.
- The first statement is correct when the premise is known to be true and the reasoning in deduction is accurate. In such cases, the conclusion must be inevitable and irrefutable.
- The second statement is incorrect because the induction process hasn't considered all possible individual cases, making the conclusion uncertain, with its validity pending real-world verification.
- The third statement is accurate because synthesis follows analysis, ensuring the full understanding and investigation of a subject or phenomenon is achieved.
2. The Technique of Comparison
a.
- In the article 'The Spirit of National Patriotism,' the author uses comparison to highlight the similarities between real-world phenomena.
- In the passage comparing the reigns of the Ly and Le Dynasties in 'The Annals of Đại Việt' by Lê Văn Hưu, the author employs comparison to point out the differences between the two.
b. Comparison techniques are divided into two types: comparing similarities and comparing differences.
c.
- The view that “all comparisons are flawed” may have some truth but is overly simplistic and negative in nature.
- To correctly execute a comparison, one must observe the following guidelines:
+ The objects of comparison must have a relevant connection in a specific aspect.
+ The comparison should rely on clear, specific criteria that are important for understanding the essence of the issue at hand.
+ The conclusions drawn from the comparison must be true, novel, and useful, enhancing our understanding of the subject matter.
III. Practice Exercises
Question 1 (page 134, Grade 10 Literature Textbook):
- The author aims to demonstrate that 'Nguyễn Trãi’s Nôm poetry has absorbed many aspects of folk culture and literature.'
- The primary argumentative technique used by the author is analysis. The author divides the main point into smaller parts (folk themes, language, etc.), each of which is further broken down (e.g., the folk language is divided into proverbs, idioms, folk songs, tones, etc.). This approach allows for a thorough and detailed examination of the topic.
- The final sentence of the excerpt applies the induction technique. From a specific case concerning Nguyễn Trãi, the author elevates the argument to a higher, universal level, illustrating the noble role of art and literature in society. Through induction, the intellectual depth of the passage is significantly enhanced.
Question 2 (page 134, Grade 10 Literature Textbook):
Write an argumentative paragraph that meets the following criteria:
- The paragraph addresses a pressing issue in contemporary life.
- It effectively uses one or more argumentative techniques learned in class.
Use the following example to guide your writing:
Environmental pollution is one of the most urgent global issues today, impacting not only the world as a whole but also Vietnam. A large portion of the environment is being destroyed due to human activities like resource extraction for industrial production and urbanization. Every year, millions of tons of non-biodegradable waste are discarded, clogging drainage systems and killing wildlife. The forests in the headwaters are disappearing, leading to more frequent and intense flooding and landslides. Industrialization also severely contaminates groundwater sources. Additionally, industries release smoke and dust into the air, polluting the atmosphere and contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer. Environmental pollution is a warning bell for humanity’s survival, and we must protect and work together to save our planet.

5. Reference Preparation Example 3
I. Concepts
1. The term 'operation' refers to performing specific actions in a set sequence and according to precise technical requirements, such as operating machinery, technical procedures, or design tasks.
2. Comparison between argumentative operations and other types of operations:
- Similarities: All involve strict rules about actions, sequence, and requirements.
- Differences: Argumentative operations are intellectual activities performed with the goal of persuasion, aiming to convince the audience to understand and accept a viewpoint.
II. Specific argumentative operations
1. Review of analysis, synthesis, deduction, and induction
a. Correct sequence: 1 – Synthesis; 2 – Analysis; 3 – Induction; 4 – Deduction.
b. - In the preface of the 'Trích Diễm Thi Tập,' the operation used is analysis. It breaks down a general statement into specific aspects to clarify the idea without merely paraphrasing it.
- In the excerpt 'Hiền tài là nguyên khí của quốc gia,' sentence 1 (analysis) explores the relationship between intellectuals and the nation (prosperity vs. decline). Sentence 1 to 2 (deduction): From the premise (Intellectuals are the country's vital force), a conclusion is drawn (valuing the development of talent).
c. - The conclusion 'Thus, the drafts...' synthesizes individual points into a unified conclusion, making it more convincing by encompassing all the supporting arguments.
- In the excerpt 'Hịch Tướng Sĩ,' induction is used. The evidence is presented first, followed by the conclusion: 'Since ancient times, loyal ministers…'
d. - Statement 1: Correct, as the premise of deduction is accurate and reasoning is precise.
- Statement 2: Incorrect, because if induction hasn't considered all cases, the relationship between the premise and conclusion remains uncertain, and the conclusion lacks full persuasive strength.
- Statement 3: Correct.
2. Comparison operation
a. The author uses comparison (comparing the patriotic spirit of our people in the past with that of today). The sentence: 'Noble gestures … deep love for the country' emphasizes the similarities.
b. - The historian Lê Văn Hưu's passage uses comparison to highlight the differences between Lý Thái Tổ and Lê Đại Hành in two aspects: 'striking down internal threats, defending against external invaders to strengthen Vietnam' and 'clear benevolence, the people's joy, ensuring the nation's lasting prosperity for future generations.'
- Comparison operations are of two main types: comparing similarities and comparing differences.
c. Disagree with the opinion. Comparison is an essential and necessary operation. While comparisons can be imperfect, without them, it’s difficult to clearly recognize the essence of objects, phenomena, or issues.
=> Select affirmations: 1, 3, 4.
Practice
Question 1 (page 134 of Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 2):
- The author aims to demonstrate: 'Nguyễn Trãi’s Nôm poetry absorbed many achievements of folk culture and literature.'
- The primary argumentative operations used are analysis and induction (analysis is dominant). The author breaks down the general argument into smaller components (folk literary materials, folk language, etc.). The final sentence of the excerpt employs induction. From Nguyễn Trãi’s specific example, the author elevates it to a noble mission and function of literature and art.
- The merit of these argumentative techniques: Detailed examination through analysis; the ideas in the excerpt are elevated through induction.
Question 2 (page 134 of Literature 10 Textbook, Volume 2): Write an argumentative paragraph that meets the following requirements:
Reference the following passage (inductive operation):
Every year, over 4.8 million tons of plastic waste are dumped into the seas and oceans. Most of this waste is made up of plastic bags, balloons, bottle caps, lighters, and synthetic plastic buttons from clothes... Specifically, about 580,000 pieces of plastic waste float in every square kilometer of the ocean, and this number is growing exponentially. In 1960, only about 5% of seabirds were found to have ingested plastic, but by 2010, this number had risen to 80%. Plastic waste is particularly harmful to marine life. These creatures cannot distinguish between food and plastic waste like bags, bottles, etc., so they consume the debris and are killed by the toxic substances in the plastic. Therefore, we must all act together to protect the environment with simple everyday actions:
- Carry a shopping bag.
- Use paper bags instead of plastic.
- Avoid using straws.
- Switch to drinking from glass bottles instead of plastic ones.
- Sort waste and dispose of it in the proper place.

