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1. Sample Essay 4
Lesson Overview
- Argumentation involves presenting reasoning and evidence to guide the reader or listener toward a conclusion drawn by the writer.
- To construct a solid argument in an essay:
+ clearly define the main argument
+ gather persuasive supporting evidence
+ apply logical argumentation methods effectively
I. Understanding Argumentation in Literary Criticism
a. The purpose of an argument is to show that those who fail to understand the situation, or who are deceitful, cannot 'speak to the army'.
b. Key arguments and evidence provided by the author:
+ A skilled general understands the current circumstances
+ With the right timing, small forces can become mighty
+ Without understanding the situation, strength turns to weakness
Conclusion: The general fails to understand the circumstances, thus leading to inevitable defeat.
c. Argumentation aims to lead the listener to a conclusion that the speaker intends to communicate.
II. Building an Argument
1. Defining the Main Point
a. This text discusses the importance of respect for one's native language (our language).
- The author critiques the careless use of foreign words in everyday speech.
b. The text contains two main points:
- The increasing dominance of foreign languages, especially English, in signs and advertisements in Vietnam.
- The unnecessary use of foreign words in the media.
2. Supporting Evidence
a. Evidence for the first argument:
- Foreign words, particularly English, appear in small fonts under larger Korean text on signs.
- In some cities, English signs dominate, making it seem like you're in a foreign country.
b. Evidence from the text 'Letter to Wang Thong' by Nguyễn Trãi serves as supporting evidence.
3. Choosing the Argumentative Method
a. Nguyễn Trãi's passage employs deductive reasoning and cause-and-effect relationships.
- The author's essay uses inductive reasoning and contrastive comparisons.
b. Other common argumentative methods include analogy, counter-argument, and fallacy.
How to Prepare the Lesson
Question 1:
- Main argument: The humanistic ideals in classical literature are rich and diverse.
- Supporting evidence:
+ Reasoning: Humanism is expressed through empathy and condemning inhumanity.
+ Examples: Works with strong humanistic themes in Vietnamese literature from the Ly Dynasty to the 19th century.
- Argumentative method: Inductive reasoning.
Question 2:
a. Reading books provides numerous benefits:
- Books enhance our understanding of nature, society, and life.
- Reading helps us explore ourselves.
- Books spark creativity and inspire new ideas.
- Reading improves communication skills.
b. Environmental pollution is a growing crisis:
- Soil erosion and desertification are rampant.
- Air and water pollution are widespread, harming both health and the ecosystem.
- Urgent action is needed to tackle environmental destruction.
c. Folk literature is passed down through oral tradition:
- Folk literature includes oral artistic expressions shared within communities.
- These works are deeply embedded in the culture and language.
- Folk literature survives as an oral tradition.
Question 3:
Example passage:
Environmental pollution has become an increasingly serious issue. The main cause is human behavior and disregard for nature. Pollution is particularly harmful to sensitive areas like soil, water, and air. Industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust are major pollutants. These toxins include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which gradually destroy the environment. Addressing environmental pollution is an urgent task to ensure a better quality of life for all.
2. Sample Essay 5
I - CONCEPT OF ARGUMENTATION IN ESSAYS
Read the argumentative text (section I, page 109 of the textbook) and answer the questions:
a. What is the conclusion (purpose) of the argument?
b. What reasoning or evidence (arguments) does the author provide to reach that conclusion?
c. What is an argumentation?
Detailed explanation:
a.
- The conclusion (purpose) of the argument is to show that if one does not understand the current situation and is deceitful (a cowardly person), they cannot "speak with the soldiers" -
=> This persuades the opponent to understand the situation and make the right choice, abandoning the idea of invasion.
b.
To lead to that conclusion, the author has used the following arguments:
(1) The person who commands the army...
(2) In favorable times, one can...
(3) When time is lost, the strong turn weak...
Finally, the conclusion is: Now you... how can you compete in war. These arguments are all logical reasoning. Starting from the general truth "A good military commander is someone who understands the times...", the author draws two consequences: "In favorable times, one can turn weakness into strength, and in unfavorable times, strength turns into weakness, peace turns into danger." This is the foundation to assert that the invaders do not understand the times and are deceitful, hence they are "cowards" doomed to fail.
c.
Argumentation is the presentation of reasoning and evidence to guide the reader (or listener) to a conclusion that the writer (or speaker) wants to achieve.
II - BUILDING ARGUMENTATION
1. Identifying the main points
Read the text "Our Language" (page 110 of the textbook) and answer the following questions:
a. What is the issue discussed in the essay? What is the author's viewpoint on that issue?
b. How many main points does the essay have? What are these points?
Answer:
a. The text discusses the importance of self-respect in using the national language (our language). The author believes that foreign languages should only be used when absolutely necessary. This ensures that the audience can fully understand the information presented to them.
b. The essay has two main points:
- Foreign languages are dominating Vietnamese in signs and advertisements in our country.
- In some cases, foreign languages are unnecessarily included in the press, causing disadvantages to the readers.
2. Identifying the evidence
Read again the passage from "Letter to Vương Thông" by Nguyễn Trãi and the text "Our Language" to answer the following questions:
a. Find the arguments for each main point.
b. Identify which arguments are logical reasoning and which are real-life evidence.
Answer:
a.
- Identify the main points and arguments in the excerpt from "Letter to Vương Thông" (refer to section I.b).
- In "Our Language", there are 2 main points and 6 arguments:
* Main point 1: "Everywhere there are advertisements, but... historical sites".
Arguments:
+ "Foreign language... on top"
+ "Wherever you go, you see... Korean words"
+ "Meanwhile... you feel like you're in another country"
* Main point 2: "Isn't it... something we should reflect on?"
Arguments:
+ "I don't know the language... but the print is very beautiful".
+ "But some newspapers... for readers to understand".
+ "Meanwhile... on the informational pages".
b.
- The arguments in Nguyễn Trãi's "Letter to Vương Thông" are all logical reasoning.
- The arguments in both main points of the "Our Language" essay are real-life evidence, drawn from the author's own experience in Korea and upon returning to Vietnam.
3. Choosing the method of argumentation
a. Identify and analyze the methods of argumentation used in the excerpts from "Letter to Vương Thông" and "Our Language".
b. Name other commonly used methods of argumentation in argumentative texts.
Answer:
a.
The two texts use different methods of argumentation:
- Nguyễn Trãi's passage uses a deductive method and a cause-and-effect relationship: it first presents a general statement "A good military commander understands the times", then develops this statement with arguments (which also serve as causes), and finally concludes with the evaluation based on these arguments (which are the effects).
- The essay by Hữu Thọ uses an inductive method and contrasting comparison. To reach the conclusion on "the self-respect of a nation", the author has built two main points. In each, the author compares the situation in Korea with that in Vietnam regarding the use of foreign language on advertisements and in the media.
b.
Argumentation methods are strategies to organize and present main points and evidence so that the reasoning is clear and convincing.
- The argumentation methods we have learned include: deductive, inductive; contrasting comparison; cause-and-effect relationship;...
- Other common methods of argumentation in argumentative essays include:
+ Analogy method: By comparing two objects, we can find common properties that allow us to infer they share another property as well.
Example: A chicken is a poultry, has feathers, lays eggs...
An duck is also poultry, has feathers, lays eggs, can fly short distances... Conclusion: Chickens can also fly short distances.
+ Counter-argument method: This method starts from an existing conclusion (whether true or false) and draws another conclusion from it (which may be true or false). The general conclusion may be correct, or it may not.
Example: Premise 1: All plants flower before bearing fruit. Conclusion: Even the peach flowers during the Lunar New Year (incorrect).
Premise 2: Not all plants flower before bearing fruit. Conclusion: All peach trees do this (incorrect).
+ Fallacy method: This method uses an apparent obvious fact to draw conclusions that may be subjective and aimed at refuting the opponent's view. The conclusion can be correct on the surface but wrong when examined more deeply.
Example: Premise: A grain of sand is not a desert, several grains of sand are not a desert, and infinitely many grains of sand are still not a desert.
Conclusion: There is no desert on this planet.
Practice
Question 1 (page 111 of the textbook, Literature 10, volume 2)
Find and analyze the main points, arguments, and methods of argumentation in the passage from "Overview of Vietnamese Literature from the 10th to the 19th Century" (in the textbook).
Answer:
- Main point: Humanism in medieval Vietnamese literature is rich and diverse.
- Logical argument: Humanism is expressed through compassion for others, condemning oppressive forces that trample on human dignity, and affirming and elevating human values.
- Real-life evidence: Specific works rich in humanist spirit in medieval Vietnamese literature, from Buddhist literature during the Lý Dynasty to the 16th to mid-19th century ("The illness report", "Tell everyone" by the monk Mãn Giác; "Expressing feelings" by monk Không Lộ; "Great Proclamation to Pacify the Ngô", "Spring scene" of Nguyễn Trãi; "The Story of the Girl Nam Xương" by Nguyễn Dữ, "The Cursed Oath" by Nguyễn Gia Thiều; "The Tale of Kiều" by Nguyễn Du...).
- Method of argumentation: Primarily the inductive method.
Question 2 (page 111 of the textbook, Literature 10, volume 2)
Find evidence to support the following points:
a. Reading books provides many benefits.
b. The environment is severely polluted.
c. Folk literature consists of orally transmitted artistic works.
Answer:
a. Reading books provides many benefits
- Books help increase our knowledge about nature, society, and all aspects of life.
- Reading helps us explore ourselves.
- Books spark dreams and creativity.
- Books improve our speaking and writing skills.
b. The environment is severely polluted
- The land is eroded, landslides, and desertification occurs.
- The air is polluted.
- Clean water sources are contaminated with toxins.
c. Folk literature consists of orally transmitted artistic works
- Folk literature is oral artistic works.
- Folk literature consists of linguistic artistic works.
- Folk literature consists of works transmitted orally.
Note: Most of the evidence listed above are logical arguments. Each argument can be further supported by examples.
Question 3 (page 111 of the textbook, Literature 10, volume 2)
Choose one of the arguments you created in Question 2 and write it into a paragraph.
Answer:
Students can refer to the following paragraph:
Books provide the reader with new insights into the surrounding world, the vast universe, and distant countries and cultures. Scientific books can help readers explore the endless universe and its laws, understand how the Earth is round and holds different countries, each with its own natural conditions. Social books help us understand the human life in those regions, with their distinct economic, historical, and cultural features, traditions, and aspirations.
(According to Literature 10, Educational Publishing House, Hanoi, 2000)
3. Sample Essay 1
I. The Concept of Argumentation in an Argumentative Essay
The letter of Vương Thông once again:
a. The conclusion of the argument highlights that if the enemy does not understand the times, is deceitful, and is a cowardly, inferior person, they cannot engage in military affairs.
b. The reasons and evidence presented by the author are:
+ A skilled military leader knows how to assess the times
+ When the time is right, small forces can achieve great victories, while weak forces become even weaker when the timing is wrong
+ A lack of understanding of the times turns strength into weakness, peace into danger
Conclusion: Vương Thông's ignorance of the times and his dishonesty make him a weak and inferior person, doomed to failure.
c. Argumentation involves presenting reasons and evidence to lead the listener to a conclusion that the speaker intends to achieve.
II. Building an Argument
1. Identifying the Thesis
The essay 'Our Script' by Hữu Thọ:
a. The essay discusses: preserving the cultural identity of language during the period of opening up.
+ Criticizing the careless use of foreign words
b. Thesis Statement:
+ Foreign languages are dominating Vietnamese in signs and advertisements in our country
+ The overuse of foreign languages in the media
2. Supporting Evidence
Thesis 1, corresponding evidence:
+ Foreign words, mainly English, appear in small print under large Korean text in advertisements
+ Everywhere you go, you see prominent Korean language signs
+ In some of our cities, English is everywhere... it feels like being in another country.
Thesis 2, corresponding evidence:
In Korea, there are some newspapers and magazines published in foreign languages, printed beautifully
+ Meanwhile, in our country, many newspapers fail to provide sufficient information.
3. Choosing Argumentation Methods
a. Methods of Argumentation used:
Text 1: Deductive reasoning, causal argumentation
Text 2: Inductive reasoning and comparative analysis
b. Other methods: presenting counterarguments, analogy, comparative similarities...
III. PRACTICE
Question 1 (page 111, Literature 10, Volume 2):
Thesis: Humanism in medieval literature is rich and diverse.
- Evidence:
+ Reason: Humanism is shown through compassion, condemnation, and denunciation of cruel forces that trample on human rights.
+ Affirming and uplifting human qualities, talents, and legitimate aspirations such as the right to life, happiness, freedom, and justice.
+ Emphasizing ethical relationships.
Examples:
The author lists specific works rich in humanism from Vietnamese medieval literature, from the Lý Dynasty to the mid-19th century.
Question 2 (page 111, Literature 10, Volume 2): Three given theses:
a. Reading books brings numerous benefits
- It helps accumulate and expand knowledge about nature and society.
- It helps discover our true selves.
- It sparks dreams and creativity.
- It improves expression skills.
b. The environment is severely polluted
- Land is desertifying and eroding.
- Air and water are polluted.
- The environment and ecosystems are being destroyed and shrinking.
c. Folk literature consists of oral artistic works
- Folk literature includes various forms like legends, fairy tales, fables, proverbs, and folk songs.
- Folk literature is collective creation, passed down orally and through performance.
Question 3 (page 111, Literature 10, Volume 2):
Folk literature consists of oral artistic works. It includes various forms such as legends, fairy tales, fables, proverbs, and folk songs. These works are passed down through generations, maintaining their oral and performative transmission. As they are shared across different eras and societies, folk literature shows variations, reflecting the times and cultures of each period.
4. Reference Essay 2
I. The Concept of Argumentation in an Argumentative Essay
Argumentation involves presenting reasoning and evidence to persuade the reader.
II. How to Construct an Argument
1. Identify the Thesis
a.
- Discuss the issue: foreign languages, especially English, are overtaking Vietnamese in our country. The importance of preserving our native language (our mother tongue) is emphasized.
- The author’s viewpoint: Use foreign languages only when necessary; otherwise, the native language should be used.
b. There are two main arguments:
+ Foreign languages (mainly English) dominate signs and advertisements in our country.
+ In some instances, foreign languages are used unnecessarily in the media, which confuses readers.
2. Provide Evidence
a. Evidence for Argument 1 from the text "Our Language":
+ Foreign language signs, mainly English, dominate.
+ Everywhere you look, foreign scripts are visible.
+ Meanwhile, in other countries, the situation is different.
- Evidence for Argument 2 from the text "Our Language":
+ Some newspapers are aesthetically pleasing.
+ However, they often translate articles that are unnecessary for the readers to understand.
+ Meanwhile, in our country, there are various information platforms that could be better utilized.
b. All of this is based on the author's real-world observations.
3. Choose the Argumentation Method
a.
- The argumentation method used by Nguyễn Trãi in his text is deductive reasoning and causal relationships.
- The method used in “Our Language” is inductive reasoning and comparison, contrasting advertising and media practices in South Korea and Vietnam.
b. Some common argumentative methods used in essays include counter-arguments, analogy, and comparative analysis.
III. Practice
Question 1 (page 111, Textbook of Literature 10, Volume 2):
- Thesis of the argument: Humanism in medieval literature is very diverse. - Evidence for the argument:
+ Logical evidence: Humanism is expressed through empathy for others, condemning oppressive forces, and promoting the dignity of individuals.
+ Real-world evidence: Listing specific literary works that reflect humanism in medieval Vietnamese literature from Buddhist texts in the Lý dynasty to the works of the 18th and 19th centuries.
+ Argumentation method: Deductive reasoning.
Question 2 (page 111, Textbook of Literature 10, Volume 2): Provide evidence for the three arguments below
a. Reading books provides many benefits
- Books offer a wealth of knowledge about nature and society.
- Books help us discover our true selves.
- Books inspire dreams and creativity.
- Books teach life skills, improve work skills, and enhance our ability to express ourselves.
b. The environment is heavily polluted
- The land is eroding and turning into deserts.
- The air is contaminated.
- Water is polluted, making it unsafe for agriculture, consumption, and personal use.
- The environment is being destroyed and is on the brink of collapse.
c. Folk literature is an oral artistic expression passed down through generations.
- Folk literature consists of artistic verbal works.
- Folk literature is an oral tradition.
Question 3 (page 111, Textbook of Literature 10, Volume 2):
Choose one of the arguments created in Exercise 2 to develop into a paragraph.
Reference paragraph:
Books help people explore their own nation, themselves, and fuel their dreams. All the customs, traditions, and cultural behaviors of a nation, passed down for generations, are preserved in books. Through books, readers learn countless fascinating facts about past times that are no longer present today. For example, the tradition of blackening women's teeth. Books also help people explore themselves, uncovering their ability to do good and gaining a deeper understanding of their own nature. When reading, one feels positive emotions and finds peace of mind. Books ignite dreams: they stimulate the imagination and lead people to distant lands, nurturing lofty ideals that contribute to society. People will praise beauty, goodness, and truth, while condemning cruelty and immorality.
5. Reference Essay 3
I. Concept of Argumentation in Persuasive Writing
a. The Conclusion (Purpose) of the Argument: The Vương Thông group fails to understand the times, being deceitful, which makes them weak and destined for inevitable failure in the future.
b. Arguments and Evidence Presented by the Author:
+ A skilled military leader is someone who understands the times.
+ When in favorable circumstances, they can transform and grow, from small to great.
+ In unfavorable times, strength turns to weakness, and safety turns to danger.
c. Argumentation involves presenting reasoning and evidence to guide the audience (readers or listeners) to a conclusion of the speaker (writer).
II. How to Construct an Argument
1. Identifying the Thesis
Refer to Hữu Thọ's essay 'Chữ Ta':
a. Topic for discussion: The attitude of self-respect in using one's native language.
- Author's viewpoint: Only use foreign languages when absolutely necessary.
b. Key Points:
Argument 1: Foreign languages are overtaking Vietnamese in signage and advertisements in our country.
Argument 2: English is unnecessarily introduced in newspapers, causing difficulties for local readers.
2. Finding Supporting Evidence
a. Evidence for the Arguments:
- Argument 1:
In South Korea, foreign languages, primarily English, are written smaller beneath the dominant Korean characters.
In South Korea, one can see large, prominent Korean text everywhere.
In contrast, in our country, the situation is like being in a foreign land.
- Argument 2:
Some newspapers and magazines are published in foreign languages and look excellent.
However, domestic newspapers often cause difficulties for the readers.
3. Choosing the Argumentation Method
a. Methods of Argumentation Employed:
- In the letter to Vương Thông: deduction and cause-effect relationships.
- In the essay 'Chữ Ta': induction and contrastive comparison.
b. Other methods: presenting counterarguments, analogy, comparison, fallacies...
Practice
Question 1 (Page 111, Literature Textbook 10, Volume 2):
- Thesis: Humanitarianism in medieval literature is rich and diverse.
- Supporting Evidence:
Reasoning: Patriotism, condemning those who oppress people, and celebrating humanity with qualities, talents, dreams, and the pursuit of happiness...
Examples: Listing works of literature from the Ly Dynasty to the mid-19th century that display strong humanitarian values.
- Argumentation Method: Deductive reasoning.
Question 2 (Page 111, Literature Textbook 10, Volume 2): Find supporting evidence for the following arguments:
a. Reading books offers many benefits:
- Enhances knowledge of nature and society.
- Helps us explore our inner selves.
- Fuels our dreams and creativity.
- Improves writing and communication skills.
b. The environment is facing severe pollution:
- Soil erosion and desertification.
- Air pollution.
- Water contamination, making it unsuitable for irrigation, consumption, and hygiene.
- Ecological destruction and degradation.
c. Folklore consists of orally transmitted artistic works:
- Folklore is made up of verbal works.
- It is passed down through oral tradition.
Question 3 (Page 111, Literature Textbook 10, Volume 2): Sample paragraph with deductive argumentation method:
Books introduce new insights into the world around us, the vast universe, distant countries, and various peoples. Scientific books help readers explore the endless universe with its laws, and understand that Earth is round and houses many different nations, each with its unique natural environment. Social science books help us understand human life across different lands, their economies, histories, cultures, communications, and aspirations.
(From 'Làm Văn 10', Education Publishing House, Hanoi, 2000)
