1. Reference Composition No. 4
Part I
I. Political Texts and Rhetorical Language
1. Exploring Political Texts
a. Manifesto
- Text type: Manifesto, a declaration by a political party or a head of state.
- Purpose: Declaring national independence.
- The writer's attitude toward the issue: Affirming the right to life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness.
b. News Bulletin
- Type: Current affairs commentary
- Purpose: Identifying the enemy as the Japanese fascists.
- Attitude: Affirming that the enemy is the Japanese fascists, and the French colonialists are no longer our allies against Japan.
c. Editorial
- Type: Editorial
- Purpose: Analyzing achievements in various fields and Vietnam's international standing.
- Affirming Vietnam's vibrant vitality, the energy of spring, rising in all areas, with achievements across multiple sectors, conveyed in an enthusiastic and dynamic tone.
2. General Observations on Political Texts and Rhetorical Language
Rhetorical language is used in political texts or in speeches (oral discourse) at meetings, conferences, talks, news programs, etc., to present, evaluate, and comment on political, social, cultural, and ideological issues from a particular political perspective.
Practice
Question 1 (page 99, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 2)
* Differentiate between rhetoric and political rhetoric:
- Rhetoric
+ A method of thought (exposition, reasoning, discussion). A form of writing in school (literary rhetoric, social rhetoric).
+ Used in all fields when expression is needed.
- Political Rhetoric.
+ A distinct language style apart from others.
+ Focused solely on presenting views on political issues.
Question 2 (page 99, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 2)
- This excerpt follows the style of political rhetoric because:
+ The purpose of the excerpt: to present and evaluate an issue of political relevance: the national pride of our people.
+ Uses rhetorical language: numerous political terms: Our people, homeland, patriotism, invasion, betrayal, occupation...
+ The sentences are concise, coherent, and persuasive.
+ Logical and well-structured argumentation, vivid comparisons, leading to captivating and inspiring content.
+ The excerpt clearly presents a political stance on national patriotism.
Question 3 (page 99, Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 2)
- Clearly demonstrates the justified stance of the resistance against French colonialism, with a strong call for national determination to fight.
- Clear argument points, strong reasoning, credible, logical, and scientific support, with great persuasive power:
+ Describes our situation: “We desire peace, we have been lenient. But the more we yield, the more the French colonialists press forward, determined to occupy our land again.”
“No! We would rather sacrifice everything than lose our country, than become slaves.”
+ What weapons do we fight with? Guns, swords, hoes, shovels, sticks—proving it is a people's war.
+ The unyielding determination to protect our land: “Any Vietnamese, with any available means, must stand up against the French” (simple words: men, women, elderly, youth; weapons: guns, swords, hoes, shovels, sticks...).
+ Demonstrates confidence in victory: “Victory is certain, independence, and unity. We affirm our belief in victory.”
- Uses logic and evidence to expose the enemy’s imperialist agenda.
- Explains and persuades the necessity of everyone participating in the struggle to save the nation.
- Clear, logical, and precise.
- The tone is passionate, forceful, and deeply inspiring.

2. Reference Assignment No. 5
Part I
RHETORICAL TEXTS AND RHETORICAL LANGUAGE
Question 1 (page 96 of Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2)
Read the excerpts in the textbook and analyze:
- The genre of the text
- The purpose of writing the text
- The attitude and viewpoint of the author towards the topics addressed
Solution:
a. The Declaration of Independence
- Genre: declaration
- Purpose: to present political and national viewpoints on a significant event
- The introduction of the Declaration of Independence also serves as the argument of the text
+ The author uses many political terms: human rights, civil rights, equality, freedom...
- Viewpoint: clear and decisive
b. The Anti-Japanese Uprising for National Salvation
- Genre: current affairs commentary
- Purpose: Trường Chinh points out that the enemy of the people at this moment is the fascist Japanese, and firmly asserts this position
- Attitude: Denial of France's role as an ally and assertion that Japan is the enemy.
c. Vietnam Moving Forward
- Genre: editorial in a newspaper
- Purpose: To analyze the country's new achievements in various fields, its position in the international arena, and prospects for the revolution in the near future
- Attitude, viewpoint: enthusiastic, lively, encouraging...
Practice
Question 1 (page 99 of Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2)
Differentiate between the concepts of argumentative writing and political writing
- Argumentation is a mode of thought, a means of expression. Political writing is a functional style of language.
- The argumentative (method) technique is applied across all areas, including literature (literary criticism), while political writing is restricted to presenting viewpoints on political issues.
Question 2 (page 99 of Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2)
Why can it be said that the following passage belongs to the political writing style?
Our people have a deep love for the nation. This is a sacred tradition of ours. Since ancient times, whenever the Fatherland is invaded, this spirit rises again, forming a mighty and powerful wave that overcomes all dangers and difficulties, drowning all traitors and invaders.
(Ho Chi Minh - The Spirit of National Love)
Answer:
- The passage uses many political terms: love for the nation, tradition, invasion...
- The sentences are clear and cohesive; combining short and long sentences (the third sentence).
- The passage clearly reflects a political stance on national love. In the passage, Ho Chi Minh praises the love and tradition of the people for the nation. This is a profound source of pride.
- The writing is compelling and emotional: thanks to tight reasoning, supported by vivid, relatable comparisons (... this spirit rises again, forming a mighty and powerful wave that overcomes all dangers, drowning all traitors and invaders).
Question 3 (page 99 of Literature Textbook 11, Volume 2)
Analyze the text "Call to the Whole Nation to Resist the Invaders" by President Ho Chi Minh (Literature 10, Volume 1, page 23) to demonstrate: the writing is simple, easy to understand, concise but conveys rich content with strong arguments.
Answer:
To demonstrate that "Call to the Whole Nation to Resist the Invaders" by Ho Chi Minh (Literature 10, Volume 1) has simple, understandable, concise language yet conveys rich content with solid reasoning, we need to analyze it according to the three points (the three parts of the article):
- The situation forces us to fight: our side, the enemy side..
- We fight with whatever we have in hand.
- Confidence in the inevitable victory of the resistance movement.

3. Reference Assignment No. 1
I. Political and Rhetorical Texts and Their Language
Argumentation is a cognitive process, a means of expression. Rhetoric refers to the functional style of language
a, Excerpt from the Declaration of Independence
- Genre: declaration
- Purpose: to present the political views of a political party or a nation during a significant event
- The introduction of the Declaration of Independence also serves as the argumentation of the text
+ The author uses numerous political terms: human rights, civil rights, equality, freedom...
- The sentence structure in the passage is coherent in presenting the supporting statements: Among these rights, broadly speaking, it means. The concluding sentence transitions the idea forcefully and decisively, affirming: an argument no one can dispute
b, Excerpt from: The Peak of the Anti-Japanese Resistance
- Genre: current affairs commentary
- In this excerpt from the textbook, Truong Chinh identifies the Japanese fascists as the enemy of our people and firmly asserts this point
- The author employs numerous terms with various connotations to describe the 'French forces in Indochina'
Comments are organized logically and systematically, in an inductive manner
c, Vietnam Moving Forward
- Genre: editorial article
- Analyzes the recent achievements in various fields of the country, the position of Vietnam on the international stage, and projects the prospects for the Revolution moving forward
c, Text: Vietnam Moving Forward
Genre: Editorial
- Analyzes the recent accomplishments in various sectors of the nation, the nation's international standing, and the promising future of the revolution
- The tone is powerful, assertive, using repetition and parallel structures...
2. General commentary on political texts and their language style
EXERCISES
Question 1 (page 99 of the 11th-grade Vietnamese Language textbook, volume 2):
- Argumentation: refers to a cognitive operation and a type of text in academic settings
- Rhetoric: refers to a style of language used to express political views of the nation or organization...
Question 2 (page 99 of the 11th-grade Vietnamese Language textbook, volume 2):
It affirms “Our people have a deep love for the country... it drowns all traitors and invaders” as part of the rhetorical style.
- This excerpt is from a work by Ho Chi Minh that aims to present and assess a
- Rhetorical language: political terms (patriotism, tradition, nation, homeland, invasion, traitors...) sentences present opinions and judgments
- Reason is combined with emotional expression: deep, precious, passionate, strong waves, drowning...
Question 3 (page 99 of the 11th-grade Vietnamese Language textbook, volume 2):
The call to the nation to resist the occupation is expressed through key arguments:
- The situation compels us to resist. We have made concessions, but the French colonists continue to push forward with their intention to rob our country
- The determination to fight for the homeland: every Vietnamese person, with any tool, can stand up as a weapon (men, women, the elderly, the youth, weapons, guns, swords, hoes, spades, sticks...)
- Belief in the strength of national unity

4. Sample Composition No. 2
I. Political Texts and the Language of Politics
1. Understanding Political Texts
a. Declaration
- Genre: declaration, a formal statement made by a political party or a national leader.
- Purpose: to proclaim national independence.
- Attitude and perspective of the writer on the discussed issue: affirming the right to life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness.
b. News Bulletin
- Genre: political commentary
- Purpose: to identify the enemy as the Japanese fascists.
- Attitude: affirming that the enemy is the Japanese fascists, and the French colonialists are no longer our allies against Japan.
c. Editorial
- Genre: editorial
- Purpose: to analyze the achievements in various fields and the international position of our country.
- Affirming that Vietnam is vibrant and full of life, with this vitality reflected in every corner, in every person, and through achievements in many areas, conveyed in an enthusiastic and dynamic tone.
2. General Observations on Political Texts and Political Language
Refer to the textbook page 98.
Exercise
Question 1 (page 99, Literature 11, Volume 2):
Distinguish between the concepts of argumentation and political writing.
- Definitions:
+ Argumentation: refers to a type of cognitive operation, a means of expression.
+ Political writing: a functional style of language.
- Scope of use:
+ Argumentation is used in all fields, including literature (literary criticism).
+ Political writing is confined to presenting political viewpoints.
Question 2 (page 99, Literature 11, Volume 2):
- The passage contains many political terms: patriotism, tradition, invasion...
- The sentence structure alternates between short and long sentences, resulting in clarity.
- The argument is clear and cohesive, using comparisons: (... this spirit is passionate, it forms a powerful, huge wave, overcoming all dangers and difficulties, drowning all traitors and invaders...)
=> This passage is part of a political text.
Question 3 (page 99, Literature 11, Volume 2):
In the Call to National Resistance:
- The situation forces us to fight: we desire peace, but the enemy continues to advance.
- We fight with weapons, hoes, sticks, and tools—ranging from modern to primitive.
- Confidence in the inevitable victory of the resistance.
=> Observations:
- The language is concise, precise, and clear.
- The expression is straightforward and pure.
- The argument is solid and convincing.

5. Sample Preparation, Reference 3
Lesson Content
- The types and scope of political language usage.
+ Written form: Used in theoretical works and political documents.
+ Spoken form: Statements in meetings, discussions, debates... with a political nature.
- Distinguishing political language from language used in other texts.
+ Political language: Has a political and argumentative nature.
+ Language in other texts: Aimed at explaining, analyzing, commenting... on societal issues or literature.
Lesson Preparation Guide
a, Excerpt: The Declaration of Independence:
- Genre: Political writing: Declaration, statement.
- Purpose: Declaration of the nation's independence by the highest authority.
- Attitude, viewpoint:
+ Assert the rights to life, liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness for our people.
+ Bold, firm tone, sharp logic.
+ The author stands with the aspirations and interests of the nation.
+ Uses political terms: Human rights, people's rights, equality, freedom, independence...
+ The concluding sentence reinforces the argument with undeniable logic.
b, Excerpt: The anti-Japanese struggle:
- Genre: Political writing: Current affairs commentary.
- Purpose: Identify the enemy as Japanese fascists and summarize a revolutionary phase.
- Attitude, viewpoint:
+ Strong affirmation, standing on the standpoint of communists fighting for independence and freedom from imperialism and fascism.
+ Uses many politically-charged words.
+ The commentary is organized tightly, logically, in an inductive sequence.
c, Excerpt: Vietnam's Progress:
- Genre: Political writing: Editorial on the newspaper.
- Purpose:
+ Analyze the country's recent achievements in all fields.
+ Affirm the nation's position in the international arena.
+ Discuss the future prospects of the national revolution.
- Attitude, viewpoint:
+ Assert that Vietnam is rising with immense vitality.
+ The tone is excited, passionate, and proud.
Practice
Question 1 (Page 99, 11th Grade Textbook, Volume 2)
Distinguish between argumentative writing and political writing.
- Definitions:
+ Argumentative writing: A method of reasoning (explanation, argumentation, discussion).
+ Political writing: An independent style of language.
- Scope of use:
+ Argumentative writing:
Used across all fields, including literature.
A type of writing in schools (literary argumentation, social argumentation).
+ Political writing: Only in the context of presenting political viewpoints.
Question 2 (Page 99, 11th Grade Textbook, Volume 2)
This passage is from political writing because:
- Purpose: Evaluate a current political issue: the patriotic spirit of our nation.
- Argumentation:
+ Uses many political terms: Patriotism, tradition, invasion...
+ The sentences vary in length, yet remain coherent and logical.
+ Uses a vivid metaphor: "This spirit is strong, forming an enormous wave that overcomes all dangers, sinking all traitors and invaders.".
- Attitude, viewpoint: Political stance on the nation's patriotism.
Question 3 (Page 99, 11th Grade Textbook, Volume 2)
In the Call for National Resistance:
- Attitude, viewpoint: The righteous stance of the resistance movement, determined to fight French colonialism, calling upon the entire nation to stand against the invaders.
- Argumentation: Clear arguments, tight logic, convincing reasoning:
+ The situation demands that our people fight: "We want peace, we have been patient. But the more we yield, the more the French colonizers advance, as they are determined to steal our land again".
+ A firm refusal to surrender: “No! We would rather sacrifice everything than lose our nation, than become slaves."
+ We fight with everything at our disposal: guns, swords, hoes, sticks.
+ The determination to protect the country and the national resistance is a people's struggle: "Any Vietnamese, with any weapon, must rise up against the French."
+ Affirming the belief that the nation will win: "Victory is certain, independence and unity will prevail."
- The tone is powerful, assertive, and inspiring.

