Top 5 Best Lesson Plans for Practicing the Integration of Expressive Techniques in Argumentative Essays (Literature 12)

Lesson Overview

- In argumentative writing, the primary method of expression is argumentative reasoning, though narrative, descriptive, and emotional techniques can also be employed.

- These techniques should be applied based on the argumentative goal and context.

- Using descriptive and emotional elements skillfully can enhance the effectiveness of the argument.

I. In-Class Practice

1. Answering Questions

a. In argumentative writing, it is often necessary to integrate narrative, descriptive, and emotional methods. This is because:

- It mitigates the dryness and overly rational tone typical of argumentative writing.

- The narrative, descriptive, and emotional elements bring clarity and liveliness to the writing.

b. The requirements for integrating expressive methods in argumentative writing:

- Narration, description, and emotion should not overshadow the primary argumentative nature of the text.

- These elements must serve and align with the argumentative process.

2. Answering Questions

- In this passage, the writer emphasizes the importance of including GNP alongside GDP. The writer uses evidence-based methods, citing clear and precise GDP and GNP statistics from Vietnam.

- This statement is valid as the explanatory method:

+ Supports the author's argument effectively, providing the audience with valuable insights.

+ Helps readers visualize the issue and grasp its seriousness.

3. Reference Outline

A. Introduction: presenting the argumentative issue

B. Body:

- Who is the writer you admire?

- Name, age, hometown, era, major works...

- Why do you admire this writer?

- What are your wishes and aspirations for the writer you admire?

C. Conclusion: summarizing the argumentative issue

II. At-Home Practice

1. Both statements are correct because:

- An argumentative essay is only engaging if it skillfully integrates various expressive techniques; otherwise, it risks becoming abstract and dry.

- If an argumentative essay relies on just one technique, it will become monotonous, boring, and rigid.

2. Reference Outline: the issue of environmental pollution

A. Introduction: presenting the argumentative issue

B. Body

- Explanation:

+ Environmental pollution refers to the degradation of living environments for humans and other species on Earth.

+ It includes air pollution, soil pollution, water contamination, noise pollution, etc.

- Current Situation:

+ Soil pollution:

• Evidence from various regions and provinces

• Pollution caused by fertilizers, erosion, etc.

+ Water pollution:

• 9,000 deaths annually due to contaminated water

• Rising waterborne diseases

• 21% of the population consumes arsenic-contaminated water

• 80% of wastewater from society is directly released into nature

+ Air pollution:

• Fine particulate matter in Vietnam reaches high levels

• In 2016, particulate matter exceeded average standards at industrial zones

• Ozone layer depletion

- Consequences:

+ Threats to human health: lung diseases, cancer, mortality; children's health

+ Rising sea levels, encroaching land (e.g., Ho Chi Minh City)

+ Increased natural disasters like storms and floods

+ Soil erosion

- Causes:

+ Natural factors (minor)

+ Human factors (major)

- Solutions:

+ Raise awareness about environmental protection

+ Organize public education on pollution and related regulations

+ Strengthen enforcement of environmental violations

C. Conclusion: summarizing the argumentative issue

I - CLASSROOM EXERCISES

1. Utilize the knowledge gained from Grade 8 to answer the following questions:

a. Why is it necessary to combine different forms of expression, such as narration, description, and expression, in an argumentative essay?

b. What should we pay attention to in order to effectively use these forms of expression? Provide examples.

Answer:

a. In argumentative writing, combining forms like narration, description, and expression is important because:

- It helps overcome the dryness of pure reasoning, which can be hard to understand.

- These elements bring vividness and concreteness to the argument.

b. Guidelines for using these forms in argumentative writing:

- Narration, description, and expression should not overshadow the essence of the argument.

- These elements should serve to enhance the argumentative process.

2. Is combining narration, description, and expression sufficient, or is explanatory writing also necessary? Why? (Textbook)

Answer:

- Explanatory writing serves to clarify and provide knowledge about subjects in various fields, such as natural phenomena and societal issues.

- In the passage, the writer emphasizes the importance of GNP in addition to GDP. To strengthen the argument, the writer also uses factual evidence, such as GDP and GNP statistics in Vietnam.

- The benefits of using explanatory writing:

+ It supports the author’s argument, providing insightful knowledge.

+ It helps the reader visualize the issue and understand its seriousness.

3. Write an argumentative essay on the topic: "The Author I Admire".

Suggestion:

Read the instructions in the textbook and refer to the passage about Thạch Lam (written by Nguyễn Tuân) to outline the essay.

Suggested outline:

- Who is the author you admire? Name, age, hometown, era, notable works?

- Why do you admire this author? (What contributions or unique style do they have?)

- What are your wishes or thoughts for the admired author? (Summarize the knowledge from the textbook’s "Notes" section).

II - HOME EXERCISES

1. Are the following statements true or false? Why? (Textbook)

Suggested answer:

Both statements are true because:

- An argumentative essay only becomes engaging when different forms of expression are combined. Without this, it risks becoming abstract and dry.

- If only one method is used, the essay becomes monotonous, tedious, and rigid.

2. Write an argumentative essay on a current pressing issue, such as environmental pollution or traffic accidents.

Answer:

Today, environmental pollution is an increasingly serious issue in Vietnam. We frequently encounter news about pollution in the media. This ongoing problem is causing immense harm to human life.

The lack of proper waste management in urban planning leads to pollution in large cities, industrial zones, and residential areas. Of the 183 industrial zones nationwide, over 60% do not have centralized wastewater treatment systems. Cities only collect 60%–70% of solid waste, and infrastructure for wastewater and waste disposal is inadequate, failing to meet environmental protection standards. Much of the untreated wastewater is discharged directly into rivers and lakes, and by 2010, it was predicted that the volume of untreated waste would reach 510,000m3 per day. A heartbreaking example of waste discharge is the contamination of the Thị Vải River by chemicals from the Vê Đan MSG factory, which lasted for 14 years. This pollution severely affected the lives of people living nearby. Additionally, the pollution of Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, a national cultural symbol, is a disturbing example.

So, what are the causes of these events?

First, the lack of awareness among many citizens, especially young people, is a key factor. They often think their actions are insignificant and won’t harm the environment or believe that environmental protection is the responsibility of the government rather than themselves. Although one person’s environmental damage may seem small, when many people engage in such actions, it becomes a major issue. Environmental protection is a collective responsibility.

Another cause of environmental pollution is the irresponsibility of businesses. Many prioritize profit maximization, and some companies violate environmental regulations, worsening the situation. Furthermore, the government’s insufficient environmental protection policies and weak enforcement allow harmful activities to persist. Vietnam, in its pursuit of investment, often overlooks stringent environmental regulations, making it vulnerable to "dirty industries" like steel production, which consumes vast resources and emits hazardous waste. Additionally, the growing number of vehicles in the country contributes to air pollution.

What consequences have these issues caused?

Many people have become victims of environmental pollution, such as the case of Thạch Sơn, Phú Thọ, where hundreds died from cancer due to contaminated water from the Lâm Thao Chemical Plant. Every year, about 16,000 people in Vietnam die from air pollution-related diseases. This number is expected to rise in the coming years. The depletion of biodiversity is another unavoidable consequence of pollution. Coral reefs and brackish water areas are disappearing. Red tide phenomena have been observed in Vietnam’s central coastal waters from June to mid-July, particularly in Khánh Hòa, Ninh Thuận, and Bình Thuận. More than 30 km of coastline, from Cà Ná to Long Hương, was covered in a thick, smelly grayish slime, mixed with the remains of marine life. This phenomenon makes the water thick and murky. Furthermore, Vietnam is at risk of severe water shortages in the near future due to the increasing pollution of freshwater sources.

Can we afford to ignore this?

No! We must continue the fight to protect and restore the environment with more effective and practical measures. First, strict penalties should be imposed on individuals, organizations, and agencies that destroy the environment, harming people’s lives. At the same time, we need to educate the public through campaigns and community engagement, such as organizing environmental discussions at the local administrative level. More detailed environmental content should be included in textbooks from elementary school to help students develop a proper attitude and understanding of environmental protection. Another way to promote environmental conservation is through volunteer activities, such as cleaning up public spaces and beaches.

Although Vietnam’s environmental situation is critical, it can still be saved if every citizen contributes to protecting the environment. Therefore, we must work together to preserve the environment and avoid further pollution. For the future of a green, clean, and beautiful Vietnam, and for the well-being of ourselves and future generations, we must protect the environment to safeguard our own lives.

I. Classroom Exercises

Question 1 (Page 158, Vietnamese Language Textbook 12, Volume 1):

a. In an argumentative essay, it is necessary to combine various rhetorical methods: narration, description, and expression.

+ Overcome the limitation of argumentative writing: dryness and excessive logic.

+ The use of narrative, descriptive, and expressive elements brings concreteness and vitality to the argumentative essay.

b. The essay follows a primary text type, firmly an argumentative text.

+ Narrative, description, and expression are just complementary elements; they cannot alter the fundamental characteristics of an argumentative essay.

Question 2 (Page 158, Vietnamese Language Textbook 12, Volume 1):

Apply the explanatory method in an argumentative essay.

Exposition refers to presenting and explaining essential features to provide knowledge about natural phenomena.

+ The excerpt affirms the necessity of GNP (GDP) spending.

+ To enhance the persuasiveness of the essay, the author adds the explanatory method: providing the reader with knowledge about the SDP and GNP indices.

- The significance and function of the explanatory method:

+ It significantly supports the author's discussion, offering valuable insights.

+ It provides specific and accurate information about scientific issues.

Question 3 (Page 159, Vietnamese Language Textbook 12, Volume 1):

Write an argumentative essay on the topic "The Author I Admire".

- Who is the author you admire? (Name, age, hometown, era, main works...)

- Why do you admire this author?

- Your wishes and aspirations for the author you admire.

Sample essay: The Author I Admire

Among modern Vietnamese writers, the one who has left the deepest impression on both readers and literary critics is Nam Cao. We can see from Nam Cao's writings the unique talent that has enriched the nation's literature. Had the war not claimed his life, Nam Cao would have undoubtedly brought pride to the entire nation. However, my admiration for Nam Cao is not solely because of what we mourn about him. I admire this author for his philosophy of life and writing, as well as his deep concern for the Vietnamese peasantry.

Born in the rural area of Ha Nam, Nam Cao was a true intellectual. Interestingly, while many writers prioritize art and their creative careers, Nam Cao took a different path. Of course, as a writer, it is natural to serve art and pursue creative passion, and I do not mean to criticize that. But this only made Nam Cao stand out even more, as he transcended life's typical expectations. If not writing was not his primary task, what did he prioritize? During the difficult years of the French resistance, Nam Cao put down his pen to join the frontline and fight with a rifle. He lived by the motto "Live first, then write." This is a profound philosophy. One must fully experience life before writing. They must perceive life with all their senses and emotions before they can convey those raw, personal experiences onto paper. Only then can an artist truly communicate the essence of life to the reader. In Nam Cao's words, we find a sacred mission for literature: to reflect life. This was not an idea he only realized after the August Revolution; even before, in his story "The Bright Light," he wrote, "Art may simply be the pain that rises from the suffering lives of the downtrodden." So even early on, Nam Cao recognized that a writer's role is to stay connected to the real life of the people and reflect it compassionately.

Starting from this belief, before the revolution, Nam Cao's writing closely followed the impoverished and hard life of the peasants. Readers are often deeply moved by the overwhelming sense of hunger that pervades his stories. The hunger almost seems like a contagious disease spreading rapidly in his writing. Readers feel terror when turning the pages of his stories, afraid to face the intense suffering and the human issues it exposes.

Exercise

Question 1 (Page 161, Vietnamese Language Textbook 12, Volume 1):

Both statements are correct:

+ An argumentative essay becomes more engaging when it combines rhetorical methods; without this, it risks being abstract and dry.

+ An argumentative text that uses only one method will become monotonous and boring.

Question 2 (Page 161, Vietnamese Language Textbook 12, Volume 1):

Write about the topic: Environmental Pollution.

Currently, environmental pollution has become a global issue. The state of water, air, and food sources being severely polluted calls for serious attention and the need for solutions to address the situation. Protecting the environment is not a task for any one individual but requires the collective effort of all people. In 2016, the mass death of fish along the coastlines of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, and Quang Tri caused panic among the public. The cause was the discharge of millions of tons of toxic waste by Formosa company directly into the sea, severely affecting the marine ecosystem. Environmental pollution leads to dire consequences directly impacting our lives, so urgent measures must be taken to prevent the ongoing pollution and make our living environment cleaner and better.

I. Classroom Exercises

Question 1 (Page 158, Vietnamese Language Textbook 12, Volume 1)

- The use of various rhetorical methods is essential to avoid the dryness in argumentative essays, making them more specific, vivid, engaging, and convincing.

- When combining rhetorical methods, they must be appropriate to the content of the argument and not compromise the distinctive features of the essay. Moreover, these methods should be used appropriately and skillfully.

Question 2 (Page 158, Vietnamese Language Textbook 12, Volume 1)

This is absolutely correct. While narration, description, and expression are focused on recounting and expressing emotions, exposition is a powerful tool for the author to comment on the issue, giving the argumentative essay greater depth.

Question 3 (Page 159, Vietnamese Language Textbook 12, Volume 1)

The essay should cover the following points:

- Who is the author?

- Provide an overview of the author’s life and literary career.

- Reasons for admiring this author.

- Your personal thoughts and feelings toward the author.

II. Homework

Question 1 (Page 161, Vietnamese Language Textbook 12, Volume 1) These opinions are correct because without combining these rhetorical methods, the argumentative essay would become dry, monotonous, and lack the ability to persuade and engage the reader.

These opinions are correct because without combining these rhetorical methods, the argumentative essay would become dry, monotonous, and lack the ability to persuade and engage the reader.

Question 2 (Page 161, Vietnamese Language Textbook 12, Volume 1)

In recent years, traffic accidents have become a major concern in our country. According to recent statistics, in the first half of 2018, there were over 9,000 traffic accidents, resulting in more than 5,000 fatalities. This is a terrifying number. So, where do the causes lie? There are many reasons contributing to this alarming situation, and one significant cause is the lack of awareness among road users. Despite knowing the rules, many still blatantly violate traffic laws, leading to tragic consequences. It is truly heartbreaking! Therefore, it is our responsibility to strictly follow traffic safety rules in order to help reduce traffic accidents.

I. Classroom Exercises

1. In an argumentative essay or paragraph, it is necessary to utilize narrative, descriptive, and expressive methods as these elements help clarify and vividly present the argument, making it more persuasive.

It is important to note that the narrative, descriptive, and expressive elements are supplementary tools used to strengthen the main argument.

2. Using expository methods in argumentative writing:

- In the passage, the author primarily employs argumentative methods to emphasize the necessity of using GNP alongside GDP to assess the annual income of Vietnamese citizens.

- Additionally, the writer incorporates expository techniques to provide the reader with insights into GDP and GNP.

→ Purpose: This provides scientific knowledge, helping readers gain a clear and accurate understanding of the discussed issue.

3. Students should write a brief argumentative essay, following the textbook’s guidelines, to express their opinion during a discussion on the topic: “The Author I Admire,” as part of the school's literature club event.

Note: Make sure to present insights, evaluations, and persuade readers through the effective use of various rhetorical methods.

II. Homework

1. Both observations are correct because:

- An argumentative essay becomes more engaging when combining different rhetorical methods.

- A piece of argumentative writing that relies solely on one method becomes monotonous and uninteresting.

2. Students should use the prompts in the textbook and apply their knowledge to write a short argumentative essay (or paragraph) as required by the assignment.