Top 5 Best Essays on 'Plague, Cigarettes' by Nguyễn Khắc Viện

Question 1: What is the significance of using a comma in the title of the text?

Suggestion:

- The use of a comma in the title emphasizes the expression:

▪ It creates an impression on the reader.

▪ The issue of cigarettes is as dangerous as a plague.

▪ The title is concise yet emphasizes the level of danger from smoking.

▪ It highlights the hatred and condemnation towards this 'plague'.

- The title could be revised as 'Cigarettes are a Plague' or 'Cigarettes are a form of Plague,' but it would reduce the expressive impact of the title.

Question 2: Why does the author quote Trần Hưng Đạo's words about fighting invaders before discussing the harmful effects of cigarettes? What is the effect of this in the argument?

Suggestion:

- The author quotes Trần Hưng Đạo's words about fighting invaders before discussing cigarettes because:

▪ The great military strategist's comparison highlights the cigarette issue.

▪ It creates a connection using sharp reasoning.

▪ Cigarettes are also an 'invader' that needs to be fought.

▪ The cigarette invader doesn't strike like a storm but 'devours like a silkworm eating mulberry leaves.'

▪ The harm of cigarettes isn't immediately visible, making it even more dangerous.

➜ This is a creative comparison that strengthens the argument and provides an interesting connection.

Question 3: Why does the author present the hypothetical statement 'I smoke; I get sick, it's my problem!' before discussing the social impact of cigarette smoking?

Suggestion:

- The hypothetical statement 'I smoke, I get sick, it's my problem!' is presented to refute and deny this reasoning:

▪ In reality, many people disregard the health of their loved ones and those around them, so they continue smoking.

▪ They justify their actions by invoking personal freedom, claiming responsibility for their own actions.

▪ The author refutes this because smoking not only harms the smoker but also harms those around them.

▪ Smoking is a personal right, but it should not negatively affect others' environment.

➜ The author uses legitimate authority to counter the invalid personal rights argument of smokers.

Question 4: Why does the author compare the smoking situation in Vietnam with that in European and American countries before suggesting that it's time to take action against this plague?

Suggestion:

- The author compares the smoking situation in Vietnam with that in major European and American cities:

▪ Although Vietnam is poorer than these countries, the smoking rates are similar, which is alarming.

▪ European and American countries have strict anti-smoking campaigns, while Vietnam lacks such measures.

▪ Vietnam still faces many health crises, yet we continue to import dangerous and costly diseases like smoking.

- This comparison is necessary because it strongly warns that smoking is becoming more widespread in Vietnam, and measures need to be taken.

Guidelines for Preparing the Essay on Plague and Cigarettes: Exercise

Exercise 1: Smoking habits of your friends or relatives.

Suggestion:
- Number of people close to you: Ages 11-15: 25%; Ages 16-20: 15%
- Peer pressure: Ages 11-15: 60%; Ages 16-20: 40%
- Imitation: Ages 11-15: 30%; Ages 16-20: 50%
- Acting grown-up: Ages 11-15: 15%; Ages 16-20: 10%
- Stress relief: Ages 11-15: 5%; Ages 16-20: 10%

Exercise 2: Write five lines reflecting your thoughts after reading the article from the Saigon Marketing Newspaper, printed in Additional Reading 2.

Suggestion:

The article in the Saigon Marketing Newspaper vividly records the death of young billionaire Rốt-sin due to an overdose of heroin. This serves as a serious warning to the younger generation, urging them to be aware of their actions and firmly say 'no' to social vices. Parents must also take steps to educate and raise awareness about life skills to prevent unfortunate incidents. As life advances, it brings new temptations that can lead people astray. Today's youth must recognize their life purpose and avoid falling into harmful habits to live meaningful lives.

Question 1: Analyze the significance of the comma in the title of the text: "Epidemic, Tobacco". Could it be rewritten as "Epidemic Tobacco" or "Tobacco is a kind of epidemic"? Why or why not?

Answer:

Tobacco itself is not inherently guilty, so it’s essential to first understand that tobacco here refers to the shorthand for "tobacco addiction" or "the vice of smoking".

Question 2: Why does the author use Trần Hưng Đạo's words about the tactics of enemy attacks before discussing the specific harms of smoking tobacco?

Answer:

The author aims to create a strong impression by comparing tobacco’s impact on humanity to an external enemy invasion, subtly and destructively "devouring like silkworms eating mulberry leaves". The "mulberry" symbolizes people and human health, while the "silkworms" represent the cigarette smoke. Despite the silkworms’ slow process of devouring, it’s still visible. However, cigarette smoke destroys the body and human health in a covert, insidious manner that is difficult to detect and prevent. This emphasizes the danger of tobacco smoke and makes it more convincing for the reader through subsequent arguments.

Just like the title, here the author uses a simile, placing the destructive force of cigarette smoke ahead of the comparison to give a strong impression. Although the relationship between the compared objects (the attacking method of tobacco) and the comparison objects (the enemy’s tactics) seems tenuous (separated by a period), readers can deeply understand the aspects of this comparison: tobacco is also an enemy, but it’s a much more dangerous one as it doesn’t "attack with a storm" causing immediate death, but rather "devours like silkworms eating mulberry leaves".

Before fully explaining how tobacco "devours" the human body, the author emphasizes that this gradual, insidious process is particularly dangerous because it prevents people from being aware of the threat, making it hard to guard against.

Question 3: Read the excerpt below and answer the questions.

With the smoke from the cigarette I smoke, the smoker inhales over a thousand substances. Most of these, like ammonia, carbon monoxide, and tar, are harmful to health. The nicotine is even more dangerous. It is a type of drug. Many smokers become so addicted that they cannot quit. Therefore, they continue to smoke […]

The body is made up of billions of cells, all of which need oxygen. The air we breathe allows oxygen to pass through the lungs. The blood carries oxygen and transports it throughout the body. In smokers, some substances can interfere with the lung’s ability to function. The soot and tar from cigarette smoke clog the lungs and their airways. This often leads to throat diseases and coughing. If the cells are attacked, they will develop rapidly, which may eventually lead to cancer.

Carbon monoxide and nicotine in cigarette smoke harm the transport of oxygen throughout the body. They reach every part of the body through the blood. They can cause the blood to thicken considerably. Sometimes, the blood becomes so thick that blood flow is completely blocked. This can lead to a heart attack […]

When people start smoking, they don’t realize that nicotine is a drug, and once used, it is very hard to quit. Therefore, the best thing to do is to resist the curiosity and never start smoking.

(C. Luy-xác-đô - H. Pô-tơ-lê, French Class, Fifth Year, Ha-chi-ê Publishing House, Paris, 1998)

Questions:

a) What is the relationship between the three parts of the text, and what titles could be given to each part?

b) What is the meaning of the word "drug" as used in the text? How does this meaning compare and contrast with the meaning of the word "drug" commonly found in the media today?

c) Rewrite the third sentence of the first part without using a colon, while still maintaining the original meaning and the connection between the two clauses.

d) What methods of expression are used in the text? How do these methods relate to one another?

e) Compare this excerpt with the text "Epidemic, Tobacco" in terms of theme, content, and methods of expression.

Answer:

a) All three parts address the dangers of smoking tobacco and follow a pattern of generalization, analysis, and summarization. You may give your own title for the first and second parts. The last part could be titled "Never smoke the first cigarette".

b) The word "drug" in the text refers to: "A substance that induces a state of intoxication, drowsiness, or addiction, and can lead to dependency." (Vietnamese Dictionary, Hoàng Phê, Chief Editor, Từ điển tiếng Việt, p. 583). From this general meaning, you can explore how it differs from the common use of the word "drug" in the media today.

c) You could replace the colon with the word "because" or find other ways to rephrase it.

d) The second part primarily uses an expository method to explain the harmful effects of cigarette smoke on two vital organs: the lungs and heart. However, as a whole, the text is argumentative, with the main argument being "Do not smoke, not even the first cigarette."

e) Both texts share the theme of "Opposing smoking" but their content and methods of expression differ. The text "Epidemic, Tobacco" covers more ground, and in terms of expression, it uses not only argumentative and expository methods but also many emotional appeals. You can find examples to support this.

Question 4: What is passive smoking (also called secondhand smoking)? Is passive smoking dangerous? What are some measures to prevent yourself, your friends, and your family from being exposed to passive smoking?

In your opinion, what should be done to limit and eventually eliminate the harmful effects of passive smoking?

Answer:

This is a central question as it concerns everyone, even those who do not smoke. To answer well, you should refer to the following information after carefully reading the text in your textbook:

Passive smoking, or secondhand smoking (in English, passive smoking, secondhand smoking, or exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, abbreviated ETS), is the inhalation of tobacco smoke from the air without directly smoking tobacco or smoking a pipe, and it causes indirect harm leading to risks like lung cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that there is no safe threshold for passive smoking.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified tobacco smoke as a Group 1 carcinogen. In this group, substances that can cause cancer even in very small amounts are included, meaning they are entirely harmful, even in small amounts, to both oneself and others.

Tobacco smoke is considered the most toxic in residential environments. When smoking, a person exhales two types of smoke: mainstream and sidestream. 20% of the smoke is inhaled in the mainstream smoke, while the remaining 80% is sidestream smoke. Sidestream smoke contains more harmful chemicals.

Cigarette smoke is a mixture of gases and particulates. According to WHO, tobacco smoke contains about 4000 chemicals, 40 of which are carcinogenic, such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and tar, affecting the entire nervous system, blood vessels, and endocrine system, causing heart disease, memory loss, and various cancers.

Cigarette smoke can remain in the air for over two hours, even when it is no longer visible or detectable by smell. Therefore, those who live or work near smokers can inhale an equivalent of five cigarettes per day. According to the American Cancer Society, spending an hour in a room with a smoker increases the risk of lung cancer by 100 times compared to living 20 years in a building contaminated with arsenic...

Question 5: Why did the author present statistics comparing smoking in Vietnam with that of Europe and America before recommending that "It is time for everyone to stand up and fight this epidemic"?

Answer:

- For the research target, one could consider age groups as in the additional reading in Lesson 1 (page 122 of the textbook). It can also be categorized by gender (male, female), occupation, or family circumstances (wealthy, disadvantaged, etc.).

- For psychological motivation, it could be based on reasons other than those mentioned in the additional reading. Multiple motivations might influence people.

Question 6: Since 2005, Vietnam has had Decree 45 regulating penalties for smoking in public places. In your opinion, why has this decree not been effectively enforced in daily life? What measures should be taken to improve this situation?

Answer:

This is an open-ended question, and you can offer your honest opinions, for example:

- Decree 45 has not been effective because it lacks clear penalties, and public awareness about the harmful effects of smoking (both active and passive) is still low.

- Regarding solutions, it is better not to propose large, unfeasible plans. Start with feasible measures within families, schools, and peer relationships...

Question 7:

Answer:

Your responses may vary, but the key points should be:

- Once someone is addicted to heroin, even the child of a billionaire cannot escape the tragic end of death.

- Wealthy families must be vigilant and avoid letting their privileged lives become an excuse for drugs to ruin their children.

1. Structure

The content is divided into three parts:

+ Part 1 (from the beginning ... worse than AIDS): The epidemic of cigarettes

+ Part 2 (continuing ... the path to crime): The harmful effects of smoking on health and the economy

+ Part 3 (the remaining part): A call to combat the problem.

Question 1 (page 121 of Literature 8, Volume 1)

- The use of a comma in the title serves to emphasize the expression:

+ It leaves a strong impression on the reader.

+ It conveys that smoking is as dangerous as an epidemic.

+ It is concise but still emphasizes the severity of the smoking issue.

+ It stresses the disgust and curse against this epidemic.

- The title could be changed to "Cigarette Plague" or "Cigarettes are an Epidemic", but this would diminish its expressive and emotional impact.

Question 2 (page 121 of Literature 8, Volume 1)

- The author quotes General Trần Hưng Đạo:

+ Using the military strategist’s analogy to address the cigarette issue.

+ The comparison sharpens the argument and creates a vivid connection.

+ Cigarettes are also an enemy to fight against.

+ Cigarettes, unlike a storm, "nibble like a silkworm eating mulberry leaves".

+ The effects of cigarettes are not immediately visible, making them all the more dangerous.

=> This creative comparison strengthens the argument and creates a striking visual image.

Question 3 (page 121 of Literature 8, Volume 1)

- The phrase "If I smoke, I get sick, who cares!" is used to negate and reject this attitude.

+ In reality, many people disregard the health of those around them and continue smoking.

+ They justify their actions by claiming personal freedom and taking full responsibility for their actions.

+ The author refutes this claim because smoking harms not only the smoker’s health but also that of those around them.

+ Smoking is a personal right, but one cannot use this right to harm others.

=> The author uses legitimate authority to refute the unjustified claims of smokers.

Question 4 (page 121 of Literature 8, Volume 1)

- The situation of smoking in our country is compared to that of major cities in Europe and America.

+ Despite being poorer, the smoking rate in our country is similar to that of developed countries, which is alarming.

+ While developed countries have strict smoking bans and anti-smoking campaigns, our country has not yet implemented effective measures.

+ Our country still faces many epidemics, but we continue to import dangerous diseases, including the epidemic of smoking.

- This comparison is necessary as it strongly warns that the smoking epidemic is becoming widespread in our country, requiring urgent measures to combat it.

Exercise

Exercise 1 (page 122 of Literature 8, Volume 1)

Exercise 2 (page 122 of Literature 8, Volume 2)

The article from Saigon Marketing Journal reports the tragic death of young billionaire Rossin due to a heroin overdose. This serves as a serious warning for the younger generation to become more aware of themselves and firmly say "no" to social vices. Parents should also take measures to educate and improve the knowledge and life skills of their children to prevent unfortunate incidents. As life progresses, more temptations arise, leading people to easily go astray. Today's youth must understand their purpose in life, enrich their knowledge through experiences, and avoid social vices in order to live a meaningful life.

1. Summary:

Cigarette smoking poses a threat to human health and lives that is even more severe than AIDS. Cigarettes contain numerous toxic substances harmful to the body. Smoking not only affects the health of the smoker but also those who inhale second-hand smoke. The rate of teenage smokers is alarmingly high in our country, leading to severe consequences such as theft and crime. A nationwide anti-smoking campaign is urgently needed, with the participation of all citizens.

2. Structure:

- Part 1 (from the beginning … more dangerous than AIDS): announcing the cigarette epidemic.

- Part 2 (continuing … the road to crime): the harmful effects of smoking.

- Part 3 (the remainder): a call to action against smoking.

3. Main Ideas:
Smoking is a contagious addiction that causes massive harm to both health and life, affecting the family and society in many ways. Therefore, to fight against this epidemic, we must show stronger determination and implement more decisive measures for prevention.

Question 1 (page 121, 8th-grade Language Arts textbook, Volume 1):

- The significance of the comma in the title: it is a rhetorical device that places emphasis on the two words “the plague,” highlighting the writer’s strong disgust and anger.

- The title could be rephrased as “The Plague of Cigarettes” or “Cigarettes are a Plague.” However, this would weaken the emotional impact or make it unnecessarily long, thus losing its conciseness.

Question 2 (page 121, 8th-grade Language Arts textbook, Volume 1):

The author quotes Tran Hung Dao before discussing the harmful effects of smoking because it serves as a subtle comparison, creating a strong impression before the analysis. This approach strengthens the argument and makes it more persuasive.

Question 3 (page 121, 8th-grade Language Arts textbook, Volume 1):

The author presents a hypothetical situation before addressing the social consequences of smoking in order to emphasize that the damage from smoking affects not only the smoker but also those who breathe in the smoke. This reveals the author’s strict criticism.

Question 4 (page 122, 8th-grade Language Arts textbook, Volume 1):

The author provides comparative statistics about cigarette consumption in Vietnam and Western countries to illustrate the contrast: Although we are poorer, we consume as much tobacco as developed countries. These nations have carried out aggressive anti-smoking campaigns, and thus we should act as well.

Exercise

Question 1 (page 122, 8th-grade Language Arts textbook, Volume 1):

Classify the reasons behind smoking:

- External influences: social courtesy, peer pressure, imitation, indifference from those around them.

- Personal reasons: curiosity, lack of self-control, ignorance about the dangers of smoking.

Question 2 (page 122, 8th-grade Language Arts textbook, Volume 1): Thoughts after reading the additional passage No. 2:

The news excerpt from Saigon Marketing newspaper included in the additional reading highlights the downside of wealth and the harmful effects of stimulants. The young, rich man who dies prematurely due to reckless behavior and ignorance is partly a result of neglect from his family, where parents, busy earning money, overlook their familial duties and fail to provide proper education for their children.

I. About the Author Nguyễn Khắc Viện
- Nguyễn Khắc Viện: Born in 1913, passed away in 1997
- Hometown: Gôi Vị Village, now Sơn Hòa Commune, Hương Sơn District, Hà Tĩnh Province
- Life and Career:
+ A pediatrician, a scholar in the fields of culture and psychology-medical science
+ In 1937, he went to France to study at the University of Paris, but was diagnosed with tuberculosis and had to undergo treatment
+ In 1947, after recovering, he returned to Paris and became a key figure in promoting Vietnamese culture internationally
+ In 1997, the Vietnamese government awarded him the First-Class Independence Medal
+ Notable works: History of Vietnam, Vietnamese Experiences, The Tale of Kiều (translated into French)…
- Writing Style: He often wrote works introducing Vietnam and critiquing colonialism.

II. About the Work "Ôn dịch thuốc lá"
1. Creation Context
- "Ôn dịch thuốc lá" is an essay by Nguyễn Khắc Viện, excerpted from "From Tobacco to Drugs: The Addiction Disease" (Educational Publishing House, Hanoi, 1992)
2. Structure
- Part 1: (From the beginning to “more dangerous than AIDS”): introduces the problem and its seriousness: the tobacco addiction epidemic
- Part 2: (From the continuation to “the path to crime”): the harmful effects of tobacco
- Part 3: The remainder: a call to action against tobacco
3. Content Value
- The text addresses the tobacco addiction epidemic: Through thorough analysis, the author points out the many harms of tobacco to individual health and life. Tobacco addiction is even more terrifying than an epidemic, and to combat it, we must have greater determination and more effective measures than epidemic prevention.
4. Artistic Value
- The argumentation is logically structured and convincing, with a passionate writing style that strengthens the text's effectiveness.

Answer to Question 1 (page 121, Literature 8, Volume 1):

In the title of the text "Ôn dịch, thuốc lá", the author uses a comma to emphasize the seriousness and urgency of the issue.

Answer to Question 2 (page 121, Literature 8, Volume 1):

By comparing the fight against smoking to defending the country from foreign invaders, the author creates a strong impression before delving into the medical analysis of tobacco's harmful effects. The scientific findings become clear and persuasive evidence.

Answer to Question 3 (page 121, Literature 8, Volume 1):

With enthusiastic and passionate feelings, the author points out that smoking affects not only the smoker but everyone around them.

Answer to Question 4 (page 122, Literature 8, Volume 1):

The author compares the smoking situation in our country with Western countries before offering recommendations for several purposes:

- We are poorer, but we consume as much tobacco as those countries. This is unacceptable.

- The second purpose is to show that these countries have implemented strict anti-smoking campaigns and measures more effectively than we have.

- Thirdly, compared to their countries, we still face numerous epidemics that need to be eradicated.

III. PRACTICE

Answer to Question 1 (page 122, Literature 8, Volume 1):

- Age group 20–25 years.

- Peer pressure, respect for others: 30%.

- Imitation: 60%.

- Courtesy, social etiquette: 10%.

Answer to Question 2 (page 122, Literature 8, Volume 1):

The short news article about the death of a young man, the heir of a wealthy family in the U.S., leaves many reflections for the readers. The young man, Ra-pha-en, indulged in a life of excess, using the vast wealth inherited from his family. Thus, people only truly appreciate material wealth when they earn it themselves. It is a deep and meaningful message through this report.