Top 5 Best Outlines for Narrative Essays (Literature 10)

I - FORMATION OF IDEAS AND PLANNING THE STORYLINE

1. In the excerpt above, what is the author, Nguyen Ngoc, discussing?

2. From the author's narrative, what lessons can we learn about the process of developing ideas and planning a storyline for writing a narrative essay?

Answer:

1. In the text, Nguyen Ngoc recounts his thought process and preparations for writing the short story 'The Xanu Forest.' Starting with a real-life individual he had met and a story he had heard, Ngoc envisioned a tale that would begin and end with the imagery of the Xanu forest. The middle would depict the story of Tnu, involving his struggles against the Americans, while also describing his relationships with other characters.

2. From the author's narrative, one can deduce that to write a narrative, it is crucial to develop an idea, sketch out the plot, and imagine the characters, along with the key events and significant details that form the core of the story. These initial ideas help in creating a clearer and more detailed outline for the essay.

II - OUTLINING THE ESSAY

1. Based on Nguyen Tuan's reflections on the ending of the story 'Tatt Den' by Ngo Tat To, create an outline for a narrative essay following the suggested approach.

Answer:

a) Case 1:

* Title: Chi Dau's Awakening to the Revolutionary Ideals.

* Outline:

- Introduction: Introduce the story that occurs after the conclusion of 'Tatt Den.'

- Body: Tell the story through two key events.

+ After that night, Chi Dau meets a revolutionary officer who enlightens her (How did Chi Dau encounter the officer? What did the officer do to enlighten her? How was Chi Dau awakened to the revolution?).

+ During the August 1945 uprising, Chi Dau leads a group of peasants to seize control of the local government and destroy the Japanese rice warehouse, distributing the rice to the poor (How did Chi Dau participate in the revolution after being enlightened? How did she lead the farmers to take over the government and destroy the Japanese rice stock?).

- Conclusion: How does the story end? What are your thoughts on Chi Dau's enlightenment and actions?

b) Case 2:

* Title: Chi Dau Hiding Revolutionary Officers.

* Outline:

- Introduction: Introduce the story following the conclusion of 'Tatt Den.'

- Body: Tell the story through specific events.

+ With the outbreak of the French colonial war, how did Chi Dau come to understand the significance of the resistance?

+ Despite living in enemy territory under constant surveillance, Chi Dau secretly hides revolutionary officers and repeatedly covers up their hiding spots (What challenges did Chi Dau face in enemy territory? Why did she continue to hide the officers? What events prove her hatred of the enemy and revolutionary spirit?).

- Conclusion: How does the story end? What are your thoughts on Chi Dau's actions?

2. How to create an outline for a narrative essay.

Answer:

Step 1: Before outlining, it is essential to select a topic, choose a subject or issue, and then sketch out the plot.

Step 2: From the selected topic, the writer must imagine and creatively develop the key elements that will form the story's plot. The plot can be based on the life and fate of the main character or the sequence of main events.

Step 3: Using the typical outline structure (three parts), identify the elements that make up the work: reasons, the setting of the story, key plot details, characters and their relationships, nature scenes, main dialogues, and character emotions.

Step 4: Organize the above elements into a detailed outline.

EXERCISE

Question 1 (Page 46, Textbook, Literature 10, Volume 1)

Using the quote from Lenin ('I am not afraid of difficulties or hardships, I only fear the moments of weakness in my heart. For me, conquering oneself is the most honorable victory') to narrate a story about a student who is inherently good but, due to circumstances, makes a mistake but later realizes their error.

Answer:

- The plot could go as follows:

+ An (the student) was always a kind and honest person.

+ After her parents separated, An became disheartened, was influenced by bad company, and made unfortunate mistakes (rebelling, stealing a bicycle, neglecting her studies, etc.).

+ An feels regretful but is too ashamed to return to school.

+ With the support of her teacher, An is welcomed back to school and begins to rebuild her character.

+ An strives to improve and becomes the person she once was.

- The student can use this plot to create an outline, imagining additional details about An's situation: her words, actions, emotions, and secondary characters (friends, the bad influences, and the teacher).

Question 2 (Page 46, Textbook, Literature 10, Volume 1)

Create an outline for a story about a profound memory of friendship or teacher-student bond.

Answer:

Here is a suggested outline (a story about friendship):

(A) Introduction:

- Hai and Tung have been close friends since childhood and are classmates.

- The story takes place when a series of thefts occurred in their class.

(B) Body:

- Briefly recount a few incidents of missing money without any explanation (Hai being the biggest victim).

- 'A loss raises suspicion,' the class atmosphere becomes tense.

- The search for the culprit becomes unsuccessful, and conflicts arise among classmates.

- Hai suspects everyone, including Tung. They have a confrontation and stop talking.

- With the help of the teachers, the real thief (a student from another class) is revealed.

(C) Conclusion:

- The class atmosphere returns to normal.

- Hai apologizes to Tung in front of the class, and they resume their friendship.

1.1. Idea Formation and Plot Development

1.1.1. In the text, the writer Nguyen Ngoc recounts the process of thinking and preparation for writing the short story 'Rung Xa Nu'.

1.1.2. From the author's narrative, we can extract the following lesson:

Firstly, in order to prepare for writing a narrative text, one needs to form ideas, outline the plot, and imagine the characters along with key events and details that define the plot. Then, a detailed outline should be created, moving from a general outline to a more specific one, consisting of three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion.

1.2. Creating an Outline

Question 1 (page 45 of Literature 10, Volume 1):

Create an outline for a narrative about one of the two stories below:

Topic 1
Title: 'After that dark night...'

a. Introduction
After fleeing the house of the local official, Chị Dậu meets a revolutionary cadre. Enlightened by the revolutionary cause, she becomes a youth volunteer and participates in the resistance.

b. Body
- When the August Revolution broke out, Chị Dậu returned to her village...

- She engages in propaganda to encourage people to fight for freedom.

- The revolutionary fervor is overwhelming, and Chị Dậu leads a demonstration to the district office, destroying the Japanese rice storage.

c. Conclusion
The demonstration is successful, and Chị Dậu earns the people's trust, becoming a local revolutionary leader.

Topic 2
Title: 'The One Who Closed the Bomb Shelter'

a. Introduction: When the French war against Vietnam began, Đông Xá village was occupied by the enemy, but Chị Dậu risked her life to hide revolutionary cadres.

b. Body:

- The French army searches for the revolutionary cadres.

- Tension rises in the village. However, in Chị Dậu's home, the cadres were still secretly led to a bomb shelter.

- The French soldiers come and search. Chị Dậu remains calm, responding calmly, which makes the soldiers leave.

c. Conclusion: Chị Dậu's house became a safe haven for revolutionary cadres throughout the resistance.

Question 2 (page 46 of Literature 10, Volume 1):

How to create an outline for a narrative text:

- Step 1: Before creating the outline, you need to choose a topic and outline the basic plot.

- Step 2: Based on the topic, the writer should imagine and create the key elements that will shape the plot. The plot may be based on the life and fate of the main character or follow the progression of key events.

- Step 3: Use the three-part outline model to find the necessary components for the work: reasons, settings, events, characters and their relationships, natural scenes, key dialogues, and the characters' emotions.

- Step 4: Organize the points above into a detailed outline.

1.3. Practice

Question 1 (page 46 of Literature 10, Volume 1): Based on Lenin's quote, create an outline:

Introduction: An was a well-behaved student, loved by teachers and classmates.

- Because An's parents were often away on business, she became vulnerable to bad influences.

Body:

- Without the support of her family, An became disheartened.

- An began to change her behavior:

+ At school: She stopped paying attention, skipped classes to play video games, and hung out with bad company.

+ At home: She frequently caused trouble, lied to her parents, and even ran away from home.

- Her teacher noticed the change and advised her to return to studying.

- An realized her mistakes and slowly returned to her former self, even though her bad friends tried to drag her down.

Conclusion: It's crucial to conquer oneself, as that's the most honorable victory.

- A lesson learned from this experience.

Question 2 (page 46 of Literature 10, Volume 1): Create an outline for a story that happened in real life:

a. Introduction:

- Introduce the characters: Bình and Nam.

+ Bình was a disabled child who couldn't walk.

+ Nam was Bình's close friend from childhood.

- When Bình was in sixth grade, his father passed away, and he had to drop out of school because no one could take him to class.

b. Body:

- On the first day of school, Nam noticed that Bình was missing.

- Nam went to Bình's house and found him feeling down.

- After asking, Nam convinced his mother to let him take Bình to school.

- The two friends studied together and both passed the provincial high school exam.

c. Conclusion:

- Praise the beautiful friendship between Bình and Nam.

- Be inspired by their determination in studying and learn to cherish what we have.

I. Developing Ideas and Planning the Plot Question 1 (page 45 of Literature 10, Volume 1): - In the excerpt above, the writer Nguyen Ngoc discusses his thoughts and ideas while preparing to write the story 'Rung Xa Nu'. - Lessons for the process of forming ideas: + Developing the idea: The author wanted to base the story on a real event, the uprising of Anh De. + Main character: The protagonist's name is Tnu, reflecting the essence of the Central Highlands forest. + Supporting characters: Dit, Mai, Cu Met, and little Heng. + Planned plot: The story begins and ends with the image of the Xanu tree. + Key situations and details: Each character 'must have their own intense personal pain, rooted in the collective suffering of the village and the nation.' + Special detail that creates a striking point: The most painful moment for Tnu is witnessing the brutal beating of his child, while his wife falls lifeless before his eyes. Question 2 (page 45 of Literature 10, Volume 1): From the writer's narration, we can learn: + How to form an idea and basic plot for a story. + How to think and imagine the main and supporting characters. + How to brainstorm significant events and details that will create emphasis and logical flow in the story. + How to arrange events and outline the basic structure of the story before writing the detailed version. II. Structuring the Outline Question 1 (page 45 of Literature 10, Volume 1): Case 1: Chị Dậu meets a revolutionary officer and is awakened to the cause. - Introduction: + Chị Dậu rushes through the darkness, desperately trying to find the village. + She reunites with her husband and children, feeling both joy and sadness. + However, something strange is happening with her: despite it being very late, her husband is still talking with a stranger. - Main Body: + Upon inquiring, Chị Dậu learns that the stranger is a revolutionary soldier. + The soldier explains to the couple the deeper reasons for the suffering endured by the people. + He offers ways for the peasants to escape oppression and take control of their own lives. + Occasionally, the soldier visits the family, sharing news of the victories in various regions. + Encouraged by him, Chị Dậu begins to spread the revolutionary cause to the villagers. + Many farmers are awakened to the cause of revolution, just like her. + Finally, during the General Uprising of August 1945, Chị Dậu leads a group of farmers to seize the local government and share the Japanese rice stocks with the poor villagers. - Conclusion: + Chị Dậu is moved and joyous to welcome her son Tí home, reuniting with her parents and siblings. + The villagers celebrate the ongoing victories of the revolution. Case 2: Chị Dậu hides revolutionary officers. - Introduction: + After escaping from the landlord's house, Chị Dậu returns to her home. + Despite the enemy occupying the village, the revolutionary movement is still active. + A group of soldiers is secretly sent to the village. - Main Body: + Like many villagers, Chị Dậu is awakened and actively joins the resistance. + Despite the enemy's surveillance, she secretly shelters the officers. + Chị Dậu provides the soldiers with food and necessary supplies. + Letters and documents are passed on even under the enemy's nose. + Several times, she risks her life to hide these materials. + Even when suspected by the enemy, she remains firm in protecting the soldiers. + Understanding the meaning of the revolution, Chị Dậu never wavers in her hatred for the enemy and supports the cause. - Conclusion: + Chị Dậu demonstrates deep patriotism and an unyielding spirit for the revolution. + Her actions inspire the villagers to embrace the patriotic cause and actively participate in the resistance. Question 2 (page 46 of Literature 10, Volume 1): How to structure the outline for a narrative essay: - Step 1: Before creating an outline, choose the topic and form the basic plot. - Step 2: The writer should envision the main and supporting characters, imagining details to link and logically organize the key events. - Step 3: Choose the sequence of events (can be in chronological order or by location), considering smaller details like the settings, relationships, and the characters' moods. - Step 4: Organize all the details into a structured outline. Practice Question 1 (page 46 of Literature 10, Volume 1): A possible plot for the story could be as follows: + Minh (a student) was a well-behaved, good student. + After his parents' business fails, leading to family problems, Minh becomes sad and is dragged into bad company, eventually quitting school and frequently hanging out with troubled friends. + One day, Minh steals from a classmate to sell the items. + Once discovered as the thief, Minh feels ashamed and avoids school and his friends. + Minh realizes his mistake and deeply regrets his actions. + The class teacher, sympathetic to Minh's situation, vouches for him to return to school and helps him reintegrate. + Minh makes a conscious effort to be well-behaved again and improves his studies. Question 2 (page 46 of Literature 10, Volume 1): Outline for a story about friendship: - Introduction: + Nam and Quan are best friends in class. + Their friendship, mutual care, and support in their studies have earned them admiration and respect from others. - Main Body: + Nam and Quan grew up together from childhood. + Nam is quick-witted and intelligent, while Quan struggles with a hyperactive condition that makes learning difficult. + Nam is the only friend who stays by Quan's side and helps him study. + Thanks to Nam's help, Quan begins to understand his lessons, and his grades improve. + Nam also starts to perform better in school. + Both families, the teacher, and classmates notice the significant progress the two have made. + Quan is no longer teased by classmates and receives more help in his studies. - Conclusion: + Both Nam and Quan continue to excel in their studies. + Their caring and supportive friendship has earned the admiration of everyone around them.

I. Conceptualizing the Idea, Planning the Plot

Question 1 (page 45, Literature 10, Volume 1):

The author, Nguyen Ngoc, narrates the process of developing the short story *Rung Xa Nu*. From his account, we can identify the following steps in forming the idea and plot:

- Deciding on character names: De or Tnu.

- Creating an enduring symbol that runs through the story: starting and ending with the image of the Xa Nu forest.

- Envisioning the story’s development, the relationships between characters, the love between Dit and Tnu, the key moment that shapes Tnu's character: the brutal deaths of his wife and child right before his eyes; the inevitable introduction of characters like Mr. Met (the source) and little Heng (the future generation); and other defining details that unfold throughout the narrative.

- Imagining the setting and artistic time: the story spans a single lifetime, narrated in one night.

Question 2 (page 45, Literature 10, Volume 1):

From the author’s account, we can learn that to prepare for writing a narrative, one must form the concept, outline the plot, and consider the characters along with key events and vivid details that shape the storyline.

II. Outlining the Plot

Question 1 (page 45, Literature 10, Volume 1):

Suggestions:

- The titles of the two stories could be:

+ Chị Dậu Destroys the Japanese Rice Warehouse (Option 1).

+ Chị Dậu Secretly Shelters the Revolutionary (Option 2).

- The outline can be structured as follows:

Option 1: Chị Dậu Destroys the Japanese Rice Warehouse

a. Introduction: After leaving the home of the Japanese official, filled with anger but uncertain about what to do, Chị Dậu meets a revolutionary.

b. Main Body: The spirit of revolution among the masses rises...

- The Japanese tighten their oppression...

- Witnessing the people dying from hunger in the streets, the revolutionary leaders decide to mobilize the people to destroy the Japanese rice warehouses.

c. Conclusion: Chị Dậu’s actions have direction...

- She serves as a model for self-reliant laborers...

Option 2: Chị Dậu Secretly Shelters the Revolutionary

a. Introduction: Driven by her deep hatred of the wealthy oppressors, Chị Dậu decides to join the revolution. She feels the need to shelter the revolutionary leaders.

b. Main Body: Despite repeated searches by the enemy, they can’t find the revolutionary leader’s whereabouts.

- Eventually, a traitor reveals the location, and Chị Dậu is captured and brutally tortured.

c. Conclusion: Thanks to her revolutionary ideals, Chị Dậu becomes a resilient fighter in the national liberation struggle...

Question 2 (page 46, Literature 10, Volume 1):

The steps for creating an outline follow this order:

- Select the topic

- Define the theme

- Plan the plot: based on the topic and theme, sketch out the main elements of the plot, develop the main and secondary characters, and weave together the key events.

- Create the outline in three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. While outlining, pay attention to the natural setting, the characters' psychology, and their relationships.

III. Practice

Question 1 (page 46, Literature 10, Volume 1):

The plot could be built as follows:

- Nam (a student) was always a well-behaved student.

- After moving to a new city (Ho Chi Minh City), far from his parents, Nam was influenced by the environment.

- One day, after being persuaded by his friends, he joined in a fight, skipped school, and drank alcohol...

- Nam regretted his actions and felt lonely, with no one to talk to.

- Nam received help from his teachers.

- Nam worked hard and returned to his old self.

Question 2 (page 46, Literature 10, Volume 1):

Outline:

a. Introduction: Minh and An have been close friends since childhood. They attend the same class.

- The story unfolds when several incidents of money theft happen in class.

b. Main Body: Briefly recount a few of the thefts, where the cause remains unknown (with Minh being the one who lost the most money).

- Tension builds in the class, and everyone starts to suspect one another.

- Conflict arises within the class.

- Minh suspects everyone, including An. They have a loud argument and stop talking to each other.

- With the help of their teachers, they find out that the thief was a student from another class.

c. Conclusion: The class returns to normal.

- Minh apologizes to An, and they become friends again.

Part I. Developing the Idea, Planning the Plot

1. The author discusses the process of thinking and preparing to write the short story *The Xa Nu Forest*.

2.

- To prepare for writing a narrative, one needs to form the central idea, plan the plot (which may include drafting the introduction and conclusion), and then consider the characters, their relationships, and identify key events and details that will shape the storyline.

- The steps to outline the story consist of three sections: introduction, body, and conclusion.

Part II. Creating the Outline

1.

* Choose the title:

- Chị Dậu Destroys the Japanese Rice Warehouse

- Chị Dậu Shelters the Revolutionary

* Create the outline:

Option 1: After that fateful night, Chị Dậu meets a revolutionary and gains new insight. During the August Revolution of 1945, she leads a group of peasants to seize control of the district and destroy the Japanese rice warehouse, distributing the grain to the poor.

a. Introduction: After escaping from the local official’s home, Chị Dậu encounters a revolutionary.

b. Body:

+ The August Revolution erupts, and Chị Dậu returns to her village.

+ Fueled by revolutionary spirit, Chị Dậu leads the protestors to seize power and destroy the Japanese warehouse.

+ After their victory, Chị Dậu frees her husband from prison and distributes rice to poor families.

+ Eventually, her husband also joins the revolution, and the couple joins the Communist Party and works together to fight for the country’s independence.

c. Conclusion: Life improves after joining the revolution, as Chị Dậu and her husband continue to actively contribute to their community’s success.

2. How to Create an Outline for a Narrative Essay

- Before outlining, one should reflect on the topic and determine the focus of the essay. Based on the topic and focus, the main points of the plot should be imagined and sketched out. The plot structure can follow this sequence: introduction – body (development, climax) – conclusion.

- General Outline:

+ Introduction: Present the story (the setting, characters, time, etc.).

+ Body: Key events and details unfold according to the story’s progression.

+ Conclusion: Close the story (either by sharing the character’s thoughts or highlighting a meaningful detail).

Practice

Question 1 (page 46, Literature 10, Volume 1)

- Introduction: Introduce the story of a well-behaved student who, influenced by peers, neglects her studies to play video games but later turns things around after reading a book by Nguyen Ngoc Ki about overcoming adversity.

- Body:

+ Linh is an excellent student, particularly in English, and she always ranks at the top of her class.

+ Midway through the semester, Linh becomes close to a group of friends who often invite her to play video games.

+ At first, she just watches, but soon becomes addicted. She forgets to eat, sleep, and neglects her studies, causing her grades to drop.

+ After her mother finds her in an internet cafe after two days of absence, Linh feels ashamed and doesn’t want to go back to school.

+ Her teacher visits her with a book about Nguyen Ngoc Ki’s life and determination to overcome struggles.

+ The next day, Linh returns to class, motivated and asking her teacher for extra assignments to catch up.

+ Linh works hard and regains her top position in class.

- Conclusion: Linh’s story serves as a warning for students about the dangers of getting lost in fleeting distractions and the importance of perseverance.

Question 2 (page 46, Literature 10, Volume 1)

- Introduction: Introduce the story of a kind-hearted landlord who helps students by cooking for them every day and offering rent discounts to those in need.

- Body:

+ Amid the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, where people race to earn money, the landlord in the quiet neighborhood of Co Nhue goes out of her way to support students with genuine kindness, never expecting to profit.

+ She cooks for the students every day, providing them with meals after their long study sessions.

+ The landlord also offers rent reductions to help students who are struggling financially.

+ Her actions earn her the love and admiration of everyone around her.

+ Eventually, after many years of selfless service, she passes away from a brain tumor, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness.

- Conclusion: Her legacy lives on, celebrated by her students and neighbors, even after her passing. Her kindness was broadcasted on national television, touching the hearts of many.