Top 6 Best Argumentative Essay Outlines on Real-life Events and Phenomena for Grade 9

Question 1: Exercise 1, page 21, Textbook.

Discussion: List some positive and commendable events or phenomena in your school or society. Discuss which events are suitable for writing an argumentative essay and which ones aren't.

Answer:

There are many events or phenomena around us worth writing about. For example: defacing public property, making noise in areas where people are studying, street racing, reckless driving, etc. Students can also mention other similar phenomena such as using inappropriate language or mixing foreign languages in speech or writing.

Question 2. News reports have informed us that for many years, trains traveling from North to South have been targeted by some people throwing stones, breaking windows, and injuring passengers. Write an argumentative essay discussing this phenomenon.

Answer:

This is a distressing event in our society and a disgrace to Vietnam, especially if foreign passengers witness it. It reflects a lack of education, where some people harm others for fun. It’s an act of recklessness and incivility, and it is important to point out the wrongness of such behavior and its consequences.

Question 3. On some national highways, some people scatter nails on the road, causing tire damage and accidents. After a tire puncture, some individuals charge excessively to fix it. Write an argumentative essay discussing your views on this phenomenon.

Answer:

Making a living is a normal activity, but setting traps that put others' lives in danger for personal gain is a crime. Such heartless acts should be legally punished. In your essay, describe the phenomenon, analyze its harms, explore the criminal mindset behind it, and express your anger towards it.

Question 4. Present an event or phenomenon (like those mentioned in Exercise 1) to show its significant importance.

Answer:

When presenting an event or phenomenon, emphasize its importance. To do this, you should highlight: (1) How widespread and repetitive it is; (2) The harm it causes to society (in terms of public order, health, safety, morality, etc.); (3) The need to raise awareness and call for action to address it.

If it’s a positive event, like helping others, being diligent in studies, or overcoming difficulties, highlight the noble qualities of the event and the moral lessons it brings to individuals and society. Reinforce its value as something worthy of praise and emulation.

Question 5. Analyze the harmful effects of smoking.

Answer:

Analyzing the benefits, harms, and significance of an event or phenomenon is an essential task in argumentative writing. The harmful effects of smoking can be viewed from several angles:

- Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals that cause respiratory diseases and cancer, which science has proven.

- Smoking harms the smoker's health, causing lung cancer, throat cancer, and weakening internal organs.

- Smoking also harms those around, particularly children, who breathe in secondhand smoke.

- The harmful effects of smoking are not immediately apparent, which is why many people underestimate the danger of “a death waiting to happen.”

- Smoking wastes a significant amount of money on a harmful habit.

In conclusion, smoking is a harmful habit that has many negative effects on health.

A. KEY KNOWLEDGE

I - UNDERSTANDING AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY ON A REAL-LIFE PHENOMENON

Read the text below and answer the following questions:

THE ISSUE OF BEING LATE

In modern life, there’s a common yet often overlooked issue: chronic tardiness and the disrespect for time. A meeting scheduled for 8 AM might start at 9 AM, or a seminar advertised for 2 PM might not begin until 3 PM. This phenomenon is widespread in many organizations and has become a tough habit to break.

People who are late for these events wouldn’t dare show up late for a flight, a train, or a theater performance, as this would directly harm their own interests. However, when attending meetings or seminars — activities that involve the collective — being late doesn’t seem to have any personal consequences. Hence, tardiness becomes a repeated habit that’s difficult to correct.

The root cause of this behavior is a lack of self-respect and a failure to respect others' time. These individuals value their own time but disregard the time of others. They don't view themselves as responsible members of a shared endeavor.

This behavior harms the group. When people arrive late to meetings, discussions are incomplete, or the time must be extended unnecessarily. It also negatively affects punctual individuals who must wait for the latecomers. Eventually, this behavior creates a harmful custom: to ensure that people arrive on time, invitations often list an earlier start time than intended.

A civilized society requires mutual respect and cooperation. Non-essential meetings should be avoided, but for necessary ones, everyone must make an effort to attend on time. Punctuality is a hallmark of a cultured person.

(Phuong Thao)

Questions:

1. What phenomenon or issue does the essay address? Is it relevant to social life?

2. How does the author illustrate the issue of tardiness? What are its manifestations? Does the author emphasize the importance of addressing this issue?

3. Does the essay identify the causes of tardiness? What are these causes? How are the consequences of tardiness discussed?

4. How does the author express their attitude towards the phenomenon discussed?

Answer:

1. The essay addresses the issue of tardiness in daily life.

Manifestations of this issue include:

• Arriving late to meetings and seminars.
• Valuing one’s own time while disregarding others' time.
• Creating a harmful custom of adjusting start times earlier.

The author highlights the importance of addressing this issue by pointing out the consequences of being late and the negative impact it has on both individuals and groups.

2. The causes of tardiness include:

• Lack of respect for time in organizations and groups.
• Failure to see oneself as accountable for the collective work.

3. Consequences of tardiness:

• Becomes a difficult habit to break.
• Lack of self-respect and selfishness.
• Harms the group’s efficiency.

The author concisely and persuasively analyzes the harms of tardiness.

4. Structure: The writing is concise and well-structured. It starts by presenting the issue, then analyzes the causes and consequences, and concludes with solutions for improvement.

B. EXERCISES AND GUIDANCE

Question 1: Page 21, Grade 9 Literature Textbook, Volume 2

Discussion: Mention some good and commendable events or phenomena you’ve observed in your school or society. Discuss which events are suitable for writing an argumentative essay and which aren’t.

Answer:

Some good and commendable events I’ve observed include: a love for reading, honesty in academics, following traffic laws, returning lost items, helping others with studies, and striving for success in learning.

Among these, the events of being honest in academics and following traffic laws are worth writing about in an argumentative essay.

Question 2: Page 21, Grade 9 Literature Textbook, Volume 2
There’s a phenomenon that was identified in a 1981 survey of 2,000 male teenagers in Hanoi: From ages 11 to 15, 25% of them smoked; from ages 16 to 20, 52%; and above age 20, 80%. This rate is on par with some European countries. Among those who smoked, 80% experienced symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, phlegm, and chest pain, while less than 1% of non-smokers had these symptoms.
(Nguyen Khac Vien)
Can this phenomenon be a topic for an argumentative essay? Why or why not?

Answer:

This phenomenon is a concerning issue in society, as it highlights the alarming rate of smoking among youth. Discussing this issue helps raise awareness of the harmful effects of smoking and can lead to finding solutions to address this growing problem. Therefore, it is definitely a suitable topic for an argumentative essay.

A. GUIDELINES FOR UNDERSTANDING THE ESSAY

I. What is an argumentative essay about a social issue or phenomenon?

An argumentative essay on a social issue or phenomenon discusses an event or occurrence that is significant to society, one that can either be praised, criticized, or provoke reflection.

Requirements for such an essay:

Content: The essay must clearly present the issue or phenomenon, analyzing its positive and negative aspects, explaining the causes, and expressing the writer’s stance or opinion.
Form: The essay should be well-structured, coherent, with clear arguments, reliable evidence, and appropriate reasoning, using precise and engaging language.

II. Reading Comprehension

1. In the text: "The Procrastination Problem," the author discusses the negative phenomenon of procrastination, which is regrettably common in today’s society.
Some signs of procrastination include:

Meetings scheduled for 8 AM but no one shows up until 9 AM.
Invitations for events say 2 PM, but the crowd only gathers by 3 PM.
The author emphasizes the issue of procrastination, drawing attention to these two examples.

To help readers recognize procrastination, the author uses specific examples as illustrations.

2. Causes of procrastination:

Disrespecting others’ time (lack of self-respect and consideration for others).
Slow, agricultural-style work habits.
3. Consequences of procrastination:

Disrupting group efforts.
Hurting those who respect punctuality.
Creating bad habits.
The author effectively analyzes these consequences, supporting the claims with evidence and reasoning.

The essay concludes that procrastination is a form of disrespect towards oneself and others.
Being on time is a sign of respect and self-discipline, reflecting a person’s cultural values.

4. The essay is structured logically. It begins by outlining the signs of procrastination, then addresses its causes, explores its consequences, and suggests solutions.

B. EXERCISE GUIDELINES

Question 1. This exercise has two parts:

List the good, commendable events or phenomena that have occurred in your school or society;
Discuss which of these are worth writing an argumentative essay about, and which are not.
Suggested Answer: Students engage in many praiseworthy activities such as:

Being honest in their studies.
Contributing to charities for the poor or victims of Agent Orange.
Making small inventions that help in daily life.
Being empathetic and helping classmates in difficult situations.

Question 2. This exercise asks students to determine whether the phenomenon mentioned in the textbook on page 21 is worth writing an argumentative essay about, and why.

Suggested Answer: The problem of many young men smoking cigarettes, leading to harmful health effects, is a serious issue in today’s society. Many organizations have been actively raising awareness, especially among young men, about the dangers of smoking and encouraging them to quit. Given the urgency of this issue, it is definitely worth writing an argumentative essay on it.

I. Understanding the argumentative essay on a social issue or phenomenon

a.

- In this text, the author addresses the issue of procrastination, highlighting the lack of respect for time.

- Signs: Tardiness in meetings, workshops, and consistently being late for collective tasks.

- The author clearly presents the concerns surrounding procrastination by outlining its signs, causes, and negative impacts.

b. Causes of procrastination:

- A lack of responsibility, selfishness, and disregard for shared responsibilities.

- A mindset that lacks respect for others and self-respect.

c. Consequences of procrastination:

- It becomes a bad habit that reflects poorly on one’s culture, fostering selfishness.

- It harms group efforts, wasting others’ time.

- It hinders productivity, preventing effective discussions, and perpetuates negative habits.

The writer criticizes procrastination as a societal illness that needs to be addressed.

d. The structure of the essay is concise, clear, and convincing: Introduction → Detailed analysis of signs, causes, and consequences → Conclusion.

II. Practice

Question 1 (Page 21, Literature Grade 9, Volume 2):

Positive, commendable events or phenomena that can be developed into an argumentative essay include:

- Honesty in education

- Strict adherence to traffic laws while on the road

- Genuine, pure friendships

- Helping families of war veterans

- Returning lost property to its rightful owner

- Protecting trees and greenery within school premises

- Assisting peers with their studies

Question 21 (Page 21, Literature Grade 9, Volume 2):

The issue of smoking and its health effects on young people in Vietnam is a significant social phenomenon worth writing an argumentative essay about because:

- It impacts the smoker’s health, as well as the health of the community, and concerns future generations.

- It is related to environmental protection.

- It causes financial strain on both the individual and their family.

Part I: UNDERSTANDING THE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY ON A SOCIAL ISSUE OR PHENOMENON

Read the passage (page 20 of Literature 9, Volume 2) and answer the following questions:

a) What phenomenon does the author discuss in the text? What signs of this phenomenon are mentioned? Does the author highlight the key concern of this issue? How does the author help readers recognize this phenomenon?

b) What are some possible causes of this phenomenon?

c) What are the consequences of procrastination? How does the author analyze its impact? What is the author’s evaluation of this phenomenon?

d) Is the structure of the essay logical and coherent? Why?

Answer:

a)

- In the text "The Problem of Procrastination," the author discusses a common social issue: the habit of procrastination and its disregard for time management.

- Signs of this issue include breaking promises, tardiness, and ignoring time commitments. The author contrasts this behavior with how people are punctual when attending flights, train schedules, or performances.

b) The author identifies the causes of procrastination:

- Lack of self-respect and disrespect for others.

- Prioritizing one’s own time and neglecting the time of others.

- Lack of responsibility and disregard for shared duties.

c)

- The consequences of procrastination are disruptive, causing wasted time, frustrating others, and developing avoidance behaviors.

- The author clearly outlines the harm procrastination causes to collective efforts (e.g., delays in meetings, incomplete discussions due to time constraints).

d) The writing is concise and well-structured: first presenting the phenomenon, followed by an analysis of causes and effects, and concluding with possible solutions.

Part II: PRACTICE EXERCISES

Question 1 (Page 21, Literature 9, Volume 2):

Discussion: List some positive and commendable events or phenomena that could be written about in an argumentative essay. Discuss which events or issues should be addressed in an argumentative essay and which should not.

Answer:

Some commendable events worth discussing include:

- Eagerness to learn and overcoming challenges in education.

- Respect and filial piety within the family.

- Building strong, supportive friendships in class.

- Keeping promises and being punctual.

- Attending school on time and avoiding cheating or copying.

=> All of the above events can be developed into an argumentative essay.

Question 2 (Page 21, Literature 9, Volume 2):

A 1981 survey of 2000 young men in Hanoi revealed the following smoking statistics: From ages 11 to 25: 25% of them smoked; from 16 to 20 years: 52%; over 20 years old: 80%. This rate is comparable to European countries. Among those who smoked, 80% experienced symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and chest pain, compared to fewer than 1% of those who didn’t smoke (according to Nguyen Khac Vien). Do you think this is an issue worth writing an argumentative essay about? Why?

Answer:

The issue of smoking among young men is definitely worth writing an argumentative essay:

- It is a real and widespread phenomenon in society.

- Smoking is harmful to the smoker’s health as well as to others around them.

- The essay should propose solutions to address this issue.

Basic Knowledge

- An argumentative essay about a social event or phenomenon discusses issues that are significant to society, whether commendable, objectionable, or thought-provoking.

- The essay should clearly state the phenomenon, analyzing both the positive and negative aspects, identifying causes, and expressing the author's opinion.

- In terms of structure, the essay should be coherent with clear arguments, well-supported points, and appropriate reasoning. The writing should be precise and vivid.

- To write an argumentative essay on a social issue, one must understand the topic thoroughly, outline the essay, write it, and revise it.

I. Understanding the Argumentative Essay on a Social Phenomenon

a) In the text above, the author discusses procrastination – a behavior of disregarding time in group activities. Some signs of procrastination include:

+ Tardiness in meetings and workshops.

+ Valuing one's own time while disrespecting others' time.

+ The creation of a bad habit where invitations need to be sent early to account for people's delay.

The author approaches procrastination from various angles, presenting events and sharing reflections on the issue.

b) The primary causes of procrastination are:

- A lack of respect for time in workplaces and organizations.

- A failure to take responsibility for communal activities.

c) The consequences of procrastination include:

+ Becoming a difficult-to-change habit.

+ A lack of self-respect and selfishness.

+ Harmful to the collective.

- The author presents these consequences in a concise and persuasive manner:

+ The general idea: Procrastination arises from a lack of self-respect and respect for others.

+ The specific development: One values their own time but disregards others' time.

+ The conclusion: They lack responsibility for shared tasks.

d)

+ Introduction: Present the issue or phenomenon that requires analysis.

+ Body: Analyze different aspects, relate to real-life examples, and evaluate the issue.

+ Conclusion: Summarize the key points, affirm or reject the topic, and offer recommendations.

- In writing, choose a unique perspective to analyze and express personal opinions and reflections.

II. Practice Exercises

Question 1 - Page 21, Textbook

Discussion: List good and commendable actions or phenomena among your peers, in school, or in society. Discuss which issues are suitable for an argumentative essay and which are not.

Answer:

Some commendable actions of students in school and society include:

- Overcoming challenges, helping classmates with studies, assisting the elderly, supporting people with disabilities, helping victims of Agent Orange, and caring for parents.

- Each question requires students to analyze the events and express their personal thoughts in the essay.

Question 2 - Page 21, Textbook

A 1981 survey of 2000 young men in Hanoi showed that among those aged 11-15: 25% smoked, from 16 to 20: 52%, and above 20: 80%. This rate is comparable to European countries. Among those who smoke, 80% occasionally experience symptoms like coughing, sputum production, and chest pain, while less than 1% of non-smokers experience these symptoms (according to Nguyen Khac Vien).

Is this an issue worthy of an argumentative essay? Why?

Answer:

This is a troubling phenomenon among young people: smoking habits have become an epidemic, wasting money and damaging health. This issue is definitely worth writing about in an argumentative essay, which could be titled “Discussing the Problem of Smoking Addiction.”