Top 6 Best Compositions for 'Writing a Paragraph Presenting an Argument' for 8th Grade

A. Key Knowledge

Presenting an Argument in a Paragraph

Question 1. Read the following paragraphs and answer the questions: (Follow the paragraphs in the textbook)

Questions:

What are the topic sentences (the sentences stating the argument) in each paragraph?
Where is the topic sentence placed in each paragraph (at the beginning or at the end)?
Which of the two paragraphs above is written in a deductive style, and which in an inductive style? Analyze the deductive and inductive approaches used in each paragraph?
Answer:

The topic sentences in the two paragraphs are:
(a): Truly, it is a central meeting point of the nation, and also the capital of the imperial throne for all eternity.
(b): Our people today are also worthy of the ancestors of the past.
The topic sentence in paragraph (a) is at the end, while in paragraph (b) it is at the beginning.
Paragraph (a) is written in an inductive style, while paragraph (b) uses a deductive approach.

Question 2. Read the following paragraph and answer the questions: (Follow the paragraph in the textbook)

Questions:

a) Refer back to Literature 7, Volume 2, and explain: What is an argument? Identify the argument and the reasoning used in the above paragraph. (Hint: Does the author use the contrast technique?)

b) Does the reasoning in the above paragraph clarify and strengthen the argument, making it more persuasive?

c) What are your thoughts on the arrangement of ideas in the paragraph? If the author had placed the statement about Nghị Quế "immediately switching to a mean tone with mother and daughter Dậu" before and the statement "the landlord couple also...love dogs, cherish animals" after, how would this have affected the paragraph’s impact?

d) In the paragraph, phrases like "puppy", "mean tone", "rich man bringing dogs into the house", and "the deceptive nature of his class" are placed together. Does this arrangement make the argument more coherent and compelling? Why?

Answer:

a) An argument refers to the presentation of reasoning that leads to a conclusion.
The main argument in the excerpt: By allowing the rich man to bring dogs into his home, he exposes the true nature of his class.
The author uses the technique of contrast by juxtaposing Nghị Quế’s actions, gestures, and tone with the puppies and the family of mother and daughter Dậu.

b) The use of contrast and opposition effectively reveals the true nature of Nghị Quế, making the argument clearer and more convincing.

c) The sequence of ideas in the paragraph is logical. If the order were reversed, it would lessen the impact and persuasiveness of the argument. By first establishing the apparent affection of Nghị Quế for animals, the reader is misled into thinking he might also treat humans kindly, thus making the later revelation more impactful and exposing the true nature of the character.

d) The use of these phrases creates vivid associations, making the argument more engaging and persuasive.

Remember:

When presenting an argument in an argumentative paragraph, be sure to:

Clearly and accurately express the argument in the topic sentence. In an argumentative paragraph, the topic sentence is typically placed at the beginning (for deductive paragraphs) or at the end (for inductive paragraphs).
Provide sufficient reasoning and organize the argument logically to highlight the central point.
Write in a clear and engaging manner to ensure the argument is persuasive.

B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS

Exercise

Exercise 1: Page 81, Literature 8, Volume 2

Read the following two sentences and restate the idea of each sentence as a concise, clear argument.

a) First, we must avoid the "water spinach" writing style, which is lengthy and confusing, making the reader feel like "picking away at the green forest"

(Hồ Chí Minh, The Art of Writing)

b) Apart from his passion for writing, Nguyễn Tuân's second love is passing on his craft to the younger generation.

(Nguyễn Tuân)

Solution:

a) Argument: Writing should not be long-winded and convoluted.
b) Argument: Nguyễn Tuân loves passing on his skills to the younger generation.

Exercise 2: Page 82, Literature 8, Volume 2
Read the following text. What argument is presented, and what reasoning is used? Comment on the arrangement of the reasoning and the clarity of the writing.
I find Tế Hanh to be a very insightful person. He captures the essence of rural life beautifully. One can almost feel the intangible, silent elements like the "soul of the village" in the "sails billowing", or the enticing song of the countryside calling out the winding village paths. Tế Hanh's poetry immerses us in a world that is familiar yet often only seen in vague glimpses: the weariness and joy of a returning boat at the dock, the deep sorrow carried on a heavy train, the blend of joy, sadness, and melancholy of a country road.
(Hoài Thanh, Vietnamese Poets)
Solution:
Argument in the passage: Tế Hanh is a very perceptive poet.
Reasoning provided by Nguyễn Tuân:
Tế Hanh's poems beautifully capture the essence of rural life.
Tế Hanh immerses the reader in a world that feels familiar and yet is often overlooked.
The reasoning is logically organized: the first reasoning serves as a foundation for the next, progressing from describing the poet’s insight into the broader portrayal of the rural world, from the small to the large, from the immediate to the expansive.

Exercise 3: Page 82, Literature 8, Volume 2
Write short paragraphs that elaborate on the following points:
a) Studying should be combined with practicing exercises to fully understand the lesson.
b) Memorizing without thinking doesn't develop one's critical thinking skills.
Solution:
Paragraph 1:
"Repetition makes perfect" is a saying that highlights a basic principle of life: doing something repeatedly leads to mastery. The same applies to learning. Studying should be paired with practice to deepen understanding. Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge from books and others to make it one’s own. However, what we learn from books or at school is often just theory, and if we don't practice, the theory becomes meaningless. Doing exercises helps solidify the knowledge we’ve learned. For example, solving a math problem repeatedly helps the brain commit the formula to memory, sometimes permanently. Without practicing, we would forget the formula within a few days. Not only that, practicing helps us understand the theory more deeply and builds a foundation for expanding our knowledge. When studying a work like *Tắt đèn* by Ngô Tất Tố, we can understand the rural life during the tax collection season. Applying literary knowledge to compare characters like Chí Phèo, Lão Hạc, Dì Hảo, Pha, etc., in the works of Ngô Tất Tố, Nam Cao, and Nguyễn Công Hoan, we see the shared struggles of the Vietnamese peasants before the revolution.

Paragraph 2:
Learning is fundamentally about acquiring knowledge to understand the world and improve oneself. However, rote memorization, which is mechanical and repetitive, prevents us from understanding the essence of what we learn. People who memorize without understanding only learn for grades or tests, not for knowledge. As a result, when memorizing, we may not even recognize errors in the material. Over time, this leads to mental stagnation, as the brain stops engaging critically, making us lazy, sluggish, and slow to think. In this way, rote memorization does not cultivate one’s critical thinking ability.

Exercise 4: Page 82, Literature 8, Volume 2
To clarify the argument "Explanatory writing must be easy to understand", what reasoning would you present? How should this reasoning be organized to make the argument more convincing?
One could refer to the following structure:
Writing must serve the purpose of educating and motivating; if the reader cannot remember or understand, it has not fulfilled its purpose. To ensure the reader comprehends, the writing must be suited to their level, clear, and concise, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
(Hồ Chí Minh, The Art of Writing)
Solution:
Reasoning could be presented and organized in the following order:
The goal of explanatory writing is to ensure that the reader understands the subject matter.
If the writing is not easily understood, the reader will have difficulty grasping the concept.
The writing must be clear, concise, and appropriately tailored to the reader's level of understanding.

Question 1 - Page 79 Textbook

Read the following passages and answer the questions.

a) How could the former capital of Cao Vương, Đại La, be any better: Located at the heart of the world; surrounded by the perfect geography of a coiling dragon and sitting tiger. It stands at the intersection of the cardinal directions; with a favorable view of the river and nestled against mountains. The terrain is vast yet level; the land is high and open. The people are free from the burden of floods; the land’s abundance and prosperity are beyond comparison. Among all the lands of Vietnam, only this one stands out as an ideal place. Truly, it is the vital gathering place of the nation's four corners; also, it is the premier capital of emperors throughout eternity.

(Lí Công Uẩn, Edict on Moving the Capital)

b) Our people today are truly deserving of our ancestors. From the elderly with silver hair to the young children, from overseas Vietnamese to those in temporarily occupied areas, from the people of the mountains to those in the plains, all share the same ardent love for the country and hatred for the enemy. From the soldiers on the frontlines who endure hunger to get closer to the enemy in order to destroy them, to the civil servants at home who sacrifice their own meals to support the troops, from the women urging their husbands and children to enlist while they volunteer for logistics work, to the mothers caring for the soldiers as their own children. From the male and female workers and farmers who compete to increase production despite hardships to support the resistance, to the landowners who donate land to the government,... These noble acts, although different in execution, are united in their patriotic spirit.

(Hồ Chí Minh, The Spirit of Our People's Patriotism)

- Identify the topic sentence (the sentence stating the main point) in each passage.

- Where is the topic sentence placed (at the beginning or end of the paragraph)?

- In the two passages above, which one uses deductive reasoning and which one uses inductive reasoning? Analyze the deductive and inductive methods used in the passages.

Answer:

- Topic sentence in each passage:

(a) Truly, it is the vital gathering place of the nation's four corners, also the premier capital of emperors throughout eternity.

(b) Our people today are truly deserving of our ancestors.

- The topic sentence can either appear at the beginning or at the end of the paragraph.

- Passage a) uses inductive reasoning (the topic sentence is placed at the end of the paragraph, summarizing the whole paragraph's idea).

- Passage b) uses deductive reasoning (the topic sentence is placed at the beginning, followed by supporting points that expand on the idea).

Question 2 - Page 80 Textbook

Read the following passage and answer the questions.

In the opening of Chapter XIII, the scene in the house of the landlord couple Nghị Quế, Ngô Tất Tố brings in a basket of four puppies... Surprisingly, Ngô Tất Tố shows this. At first glance, everyone would think the landlord couple is just like anyone else, loving dogs and domestic animals, perhaps showing no difference between the good or the evil in how they raise the puppies. The husband happily feeds the dogs rice, gently asks about the dogs, then observes their appearance. He is pleased. His wife and he chat... Then suddenly, the man changes his tone and speaks harshly to the mother and daughter of Chị Dậu standing there. This scene is striking, Mr. Tố! By bringing the dog into the house, the rich man reveals his true nature, showing the vile character of his class.

(Nguyễn Tuân, The Story "Turning off the Lights" by Ngô Tất Tố)

a) Refer to Literature 7, Volume Two and explain: What is an argument? Find the main point and the method of argumentation in the above passage. (Hint: Is the author using the contrast method?)

b) Does the method of argumentation in this passage make the main point clearer, more accurate, and more persuasive?

c) What do you think about the arrangement of ideas in this passage? If the author had placed the observation about Nghị Quế "suddenly speaking harshly to the mother and daughter of Chị Dậu" first and moved the comment about "the landlord couple loving dogs, domestic animals" later, how would it affect the argumentation of the passage?

d) In this passage, the phrases "puppy story", "harsh tone", "rich man brings the dog into the house", and "the vile character of his class" are placed side by side. Does this arrangement make the presentation of the main point more cohesive and compelling? Why?

Answer:

An argument is a way of presenting evidence to support a main point. The argument must be solid and logical to persuade the reader.

a) Main point of the passage: "By bringing the dog into the house, the rich man reveals his vile character of his class."

b) Method of argumentation: The author uses the contrast method to clarify the main point, making it clearer, more precise, and more persuasive.

c) The arrangement of ideas is logical. If the author had moved the observation about Nghị Quế's harsh tone to the beginning and placed the observation about their love for dogs afterward, the passage would lose the proper chronological order of events, and the "vile character" of his class would not stand out as effectively.

d) In this passage, the arrangement of phrases like "puppy story", "harsh tone", "rich man brings the dog into the house"... enhances the cohesiveness and appeal of the argument, revealing the true nature of the landlord class.

Practice

Question 1 - Page 81 Textbook

Read the following two sentences and express the meaning of each as a short, clear main point.

a) First, we need to avoid the "water spinach" style of writing, which is vague, excessively wordy, and makes the reader feel like they are "squeezing the juice into a green forest".

(Hồ Chí Minh, Writing Style)

b) Apart from his passion for writing, Nguyên Hồng's second greatest pleasure is passing on his craft to younger generations.

(Nguyễn Tuân)

Answer:

- Main point a: We must avoid writing in a rambling, long-winded style.

- Main point b: The writer Nguyên Hồng enjoys passing on his craft to the younger generation.

Question 2 - Page 81 Textbook

What main point does the following passage present and what supporting evidence does it use? Please comment on the arrangement of the evidence and the way the passage is written.

I find Tế Hanh to be a very sensitive person. He captured the true essence of rural life so vividly. The reader can sense the intangible elements, such as the "soul of the village" on the "spreading sail" or the enchanting song of the countryside captivating the small road. Tế Hanh's poetry takes us into a world that we are familiar with, yet it is seen in a subtle, almost imperceptible way—like the weary joy of a boat returning, the heavy sorrow on a train, and the joys and sorrows of a small road.

(Hoài Thanh, The Poets of Vietnam)

Answer:

- Main point: I find Tế Hanh to be a very sensitive poet.

- The supporting evidence presented includes:

+ Tế Hanh captured the essence of rural life very vividly.

+ His poetry takes us into a familiar world but in a subtle, almost imperceptible way.

- The two pieces of evidence are logically presented. The author begins with understanding Tế Hanh's sensitivity (his ability to capture intangible elements) and then supports it by pointing out how his poetry brings us closer to our world in an almost imperceptible manner.

Question 3 - Page 81 Textbook

Write short paragraphs to expand upon the following main points:

a) Studying must be combined with exercises to fully understand the lesson.

b) Memorizing without understanding does not develop the ability to think critically.

Answer:

a) Main point: "Studying must be combined with exercises to fully understand the lesson."

- Supporting points:

▪ Studying to acquire knowledge is important, but reinforcing that knowledge is even more crucial.

(Example: Many people gather knowledge, but without practice, it fades and becomes forgotten.)

▪ Doing exercises helps solidify understanding.

(Proof: Theory must be applied in exercises to find solutions, thus making the knowledge practical and useful.)

▪ Regular exercise reinforces knowledge most effectively.

(For those who consistently practice, the knowledge not only stays intact but also becomes more comprehensive when applied.)

Sample paragraph:

Studying is essential for acquiring knowledge, but reinforcing that knowledge is even more important. If we study theory without practicing, the knowledge will fade over time. Exercises allow us to revisit and deepen our understanding of the subject matter. By putting theory into practice, we solidify our learning and ensure the knowledge becomes meaningful. Consistent exercise is the best way to reinforce and deepen our understanding.

b) Main point: "Memorizing without understanding does not develop critical thinking skills."

- Explanation: memorizing without comprehension.

(Memorization without understanding is simply repeating words without grasping their meaning, much like a parrot imitating human speech.)

- Memorization makes the mind lazy.

Without engaging in critical thinking, skills like analysis and explanation are not developed.

Sample paragraph:

Memorizing without understanding does not develop critical thinking skills. First, we need to understand that memorizing without comprehension means repeating words without understanding their meaning (like a parrot imitating speech). If we study without understanding, we will forget quickly and struggle to apply what we've learned in practice. Moreover, memorization can make our minds lazy, as we do not engage in critical thinking. As a result, our ability to think analytically and logically becomes underdeveloped. Critical thinking can only thrive through understanding and active engagement with the material.

Question 4 - Page 82 Textbook

To clarify the main point "Expository writing needs to be clear and easy to understand", what supporting points would you present? How should these points be arranged to increase the effectiveness of the argument?

Answer:

To clarify the point: "Expository writing needs to be clear and easy to understand", the following supporting points can be made:

- The purpose of expository writing is to help readers understand the topic at hand.

- If the writing is unclear, it will make it harder for the reader to grasp the writer’s message.

- The writing should be simple and clear, avoiding overly complex words or sentence structures that hinder comprehension.

- Additionally, the writer must be mindful of the audience and use language that is appropriate to their understanding level, ensuring effective communication.

→ The supporting points should be presented logically, from explaining the purpose of expository writing, to demonstrating the importance of clarity and simplicity, followed by practical considerations for language use.

Memorize:
When presenting a main point in an argumentative paragraph, be sure to:

- Clearly and precisely express the main point in the topic sentence. Typically, the topic sentence is placed at the beginning (in deductive paragraphs) or at the end (in inductive paragraphs).

- Find all the necessary supporting points and arrange the argument in a logical sequence to emphasize the main point.

- Express the argument in a clear, engaging manner to make it persuasive.

Part I: PRESENTING AN ARGUMENT IN A PARAGRAPH

Question 1. (page 80, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2)

Read the following paragraphs and answer the questions.

a) What about Đại La, the ancient capital of Cao Vương: It is located at the very center of the world; with the shape of a dragon curling and a tiger sitting. It is positioned correctly in all four directions; with a favorable view of the river and surrounded by mountains. The land is wide and flat; the soil is high and airy. The people do not suffer from flooding; all things are abundant and prosperous. Across all of Vietnam, only this place is the prime location. Truly, it is the crucial gathering place for all parts of the country; and also the foremost imperial capital for all generations.

(Lí Công Uẩn, Proclamation on the Move of the Capital)

b) Our people today are very deserving of our ancestors. From the elderly with gray hair to the young children, from the overseas Vietnamese to the people in temporarily occupied regions, from the northern to the southern people, everyone is wholeheartedly patriotic and despises the enemy. From soldiers at the frontlines enduring hunger for days to eliminate the enemy, to government workers in the rear refraining from eating to support the troops, from women encouraging their husbands and children to enlist while they volunteer for transport duties, to mothers of soldiers caring for and loving the troops as their own children. From workers and farmers competing to increase production, undeterred by hardship, to landowners donating their land to the government... These noble acts, though varied in their actions, all share the same passionate patriotism.

(Ho Chi Minh, The Spirit of Patriotism of Our People)

- Identify the topic sentence (the sentence stating the argument) in each paragraph.

- Where is the topic sentence placed in each paragraph (beginning or end)?

- Which of the two paragraphs above is written in the deductive method and which is written in the inductive method? Analyze the deductive and inductive reasoning in the paragraphs.

Answer:

- Topic sentence in each paragraph:

(a) Indeed, it is the vital gathering place for the entire country, and also the foremost capital for all emperors through the ages.

(b) Our people today are very worthy of our ancestors.

- The topic sentence can be placed at the beginning or the end of the paragraph.

- Paragraph a) is written in the inductive method (the topic sentence is at the end of the paragraph, summarizing the whole paragraph's idea).

- Paragraph b) is written in the deductive method (the topic sentence is at the beginning, and the following sentences develop the idea from the topic sentence).

Question 2. (page 80, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2)

Read the following paragraph and answer the questions.

In the opening scene of Chapter XIII, the landlord couple of Nghị Quế, Ngô Tất Tố presents a basket with four puppies. […] Strange as it is, Ngô Tất Tố. At first glance, anyone would think the landlord couple are just like everyone else who loves dogs and pets, and one might imagine they are either good people or not so different from others in raising puppies. The husband fusses over the dogs, feeding them rice and asking about them, even examining their features. He is delighted. His wife and he engage in small talk […] about the puppies. But suddenly, he switches to a crude tone toward the mother and child of Chị Dậu standing there. This scene is quite telling, dear Tố! The rich man bringing the dogs into the house exposes their true nature— a deceitful characteristic of their class.

(Nguyễn Tuân, Story “The Light” by Ngô Tất Tố)

a) Refer to Literature 7, Volume 2 and explain: What is an argument? Identify the main argument and the method of reasoning in the paragraph above. (Hint: Does the author use contrast?)

b) Does the method of reasoning in the paragraph clarify the argument, make it more precise, and strengthen its persuasive power?

c) What is your opinion on the arrangement of ideas in the paragraph? If the author had placed the statement about Nghị Quế “suddenly switching to a crude tone toward the mother and child of Chị Dậu” at the beginning and the statement “the landlord couple also loves dogs and pets” at the end, how would the effectiveness of the argument have changed?

d) In the paragraph, the phrases “puppy story,” “crude tone,” “the rich man bringing dogs into the house,” “the deceitful nature of their class” are placed side by side. Does this writing style make the presentation of the argument more cohesive and engaging? Why?

Answer:

a)

- An argument is the process of presenting reasoning to support a main point. The reasoning must be coherent and logical for the writing to be persuasive.

- The main argument in the paragraph: “By bringing the dogs into the house, the rich man reveals the deceitful nature of his class.”

- The reasoning method: The author uses contrast.

b) The reasoning method in the paragraph makes the argument clearer, more precise, and highly persuasive.

c) The arrangement of ideas in the paragraph is effective. If the author had placed the statement about Nghị Quế “switching to a crude tone toward the mother and child of Chị Dậu” at the top and placed “the landlord couple also loves dogs and pets” at the bottom, the argument’s effectiveness would have been undermined because it would disrupt the natural order of the events, which emphasize the argument of “the deceitful nature of their class.”

d) The juxtaposition of the phrases “puppy story,” “crude tone,” “the rich man bringing dogs into the house,” and “the deceitful nature of their class” makes the argument’s presentation more cohesive and engaging because it focuses on a single theme, exposing the landlords’ animalistic nature in a clear and striking way.

Part II: PRACTICE

Question 1. (page 82, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2)

Read the following two sentences and turn each into a concise, clear argument.

a) First, we must avoid the “water spinach” writing style, meaning the long-winded “sprawling” writing that makes the reader feel like “squeezing into the green forest.”

(Ho Chi Minh, Writing Style)

b) In addition to his passion for writing, Nguyên Hồng’s second love is passing on the craft to younger generations.

(Nguyễn Tuân)

Answer:

Convert into concise arguments:

a) First, we must avoid writing that is long-winded and rambling.

b) In addition to his passion for writing, Nguyên Hồng also enjoys teaching the craft to younger people.

Question 2. (page 82, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2)

What argument does the following paragraph present, and what supporting reasons are used? Please comment on the arrangement of reasoning and the expression style of the paragraph.

I find Tế Hanh to be a very insightful person. He has captured the essence of rural life with great sensitivity. The reader can sense things that are intangible, soundless, such as “the soul of the village” in “the sail’s edge,” or the melody of the countryside enticing the small path. Tế Hanh’s poetry brings us into a world that we often see in a vague manner: the feelings we silently give to nature— the fatigue of a boat returning to shore, the heavy sorrow carried by a train, and the various joys and sorrows of a small road.

(Hoài Thanh, Vietnamese Poets)

Answer:

- The main argument: “Tế Hanh is a very insightful person.”

- The argument is supported by two points:

+ Tế Hanh has captured the essence of rural life with great sensitivity.

+ His poetry brings us into a familiar world of emotions tied to nature.

These reasons are arranged in increasing order, with the second reason providing a deeper level of sensitivity compared to the first. This makes the reader more engaged.

Write short paragraphs to elaborate on the following arguments:

a) Studying must be combined with doing exercises to truly understand the material.

b) Rote learning does not develop the ability to think.

Answer:

a) Argument: “Studying must be combined with doing exercises to truly understand the material.”

- Supporting points:

+ Studying helps acquire knowledge, but reinforcing that knowledge is even more crucial.

(Example: Many people acquire knowledge but, without practice, the knowledge fades away.)

+ Doing exercises will help deepen understanding of the material.

(Prove: Theory must be applied to exercises, and from theory, we find solutions in the tasks, making the knowledge useful.)

+ Doing exercises frequently is the most effective way to consolidate knowledge.

(For those who regularly practice exercises, the acquired knowledge is not only reinforced but also elevated when exposed to real-life situations.)

b) Argument: “Rote learning does not develop the ability to think.”

- Explanation: Rote learning means repeating something without understanding its meaning. Many people just memorize but do not grasp the essence of the issue.

- Rote learning makes the brain lazy.

When we do not use thinking, analyzing, or explaining, the essential skills of thinking are not developed.

Question 4. (page 82, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 2)

To clarify the argument “Expository writing needs to be written clearly,” what supporting points would you provide? How should these points be arranged to increase the persuasive effect of the paragraph?

Answer:

Supporting points for this argument could be arranged as follows:

- Expository writing should be written clearly to ensure the reader understands.

- The harder the explanation, the harder it is for the writer to achieve their goal.

- On the other hand, the clearer the explanation, the easier it is for the reader to grasp, remember, and follow.

Therefore, expository writing must be clear.

I. Presenting an argument in the form of a persuasive paragraph

Topic sentence:

- Paragraph 1: "Indeed, this is a crucial meeting place... the eternal rulers" – The topic sentence opens the paragraph

- Paragraph 2: "Our people today are also truly worthy of our ancestors" – The topic sentence is the opening sentence of this paragraph.

- Paragraph 1 is written deductively, while paragraph 2 is written inductively.

2. Argumentation is the process of presenting reasons to support an argument. The reasoning must be solid and logical to create persuasive power in the text.

a. The argument in the paragraph: "For a rich man who invites a dog into his house, he would realize the dog's rotten nature of his class."

b. The method of reasoning: The author uses contrast to clarify the argument, making it precise and strongly persuasive.

c. Logical arrangement: If the author placed the critique of Nghị Quế's statement "immediately making a crude remark towards mother and child Dậu" at the beginning and placed the statement "landlord couples... like dogs, love livestock" at the end, the paragraph would lose the logical order of events and fail to highlight the true nature of his class's "dog-like" traits.

d. The juxtaposition of phrases such as "dog talk", "dog-like voice", "rich man inviting a dog into his house"... makes the argument tighter, more engaging, thereby revealing the animalistic nature of the landlord class.

II. Practice

Exercise 1 (page 75 of the 8th-grade Vietnamese Language textbook, Volume 2):

- Argument: One should avoid writing in a rambling, long-winded manner.

- Argument b: The writer Nguyên Hồng enjoys mentoring young people.

Exercise 2 (page 76 of the 8th-grade Vietnamese Language textbook, Volume 2):

- Argument: I find Tế Hanh to be a very insightful person.

- The author has presented the following reasons:

+ Tế Hanh has captured some very vivid aspects of rural life.

+ Tế Hanh's poetry brings us into a world that feels familiar to each individual.

- These two reasons are presented logically. The author begins with the understanding of Tế Hanh (being perceptive, able to hear things without form or sound).

+ The observation is very accurate about Tế Hanh's poetry: it draws us into a world that feels familiar, though only vaguely sensed.

+ The second reason is a direct consequence of the first, creating a logical and reasonable structure.

Exercise 3 (page 76 of the 8th-grade Vietnamese Language textbook, Volume 2):

a. Argument: "Studying must be combined with doing exercises to understand the lessons better".

- The reasons:

+ Studying helps to acquire knowledge, but reinforcing that knowledge through practice is even more important.

(Example: Many people gather knowledge while studying, but after a period of no practice, that knowledge fades and is forgotten).

+ Doing exercises will deepen one’s understanding of the knowledge.

(Proof: Theory needs to be applied in exercises; from theory, one finds ways to solve problems, thus making knowledge useful).

+ Regularly doing exercises strengthens the acquired knowledge most effectively.

(For those who diligently complete exercises, the knowledge they gain is not only solidified but also improved and refined through real-world application).

b. Argument: "Cramming does not develop critical thinking skills".

- Explanation of the term: cramming.

(Cramming means parroting information without understanding it; many people just memorize without grasping the essence of the subject).

- Cramming leads to lazy thinking.

When critical thinking skills such as analysis and explanation are not used, essential thinking abilities are not honed.

Exercise 4 (page 76 of the 8th-grade Vietnamese Language textbook, Volume 2):

To clarify the argument: "Expository writing must be clear and easy to understand," the following reasons can be provided:

- The purpose of expository writing is to help readers clearly understand a particular issue.

- If the writing is unclear, readers will struggle not only to absorb the text but also to comprehend what the author intends to convey.

- When writing, clarity and simplicity must be prioritized, avoiding overly complicated language or structures that hinder understanding.

- Additionally, the writer should consider the target audience to use language that is appropriate and effective in achieving the highest level of understanding.

→ The reasons should be presented in a logical order, from explaining the concept to presenting the issue, followed by the main argument.

Section I: PRESENTING AN ARGUMENT IN A PERSUASIVE PARAGRAPH

Answer to Question 1 (page 80, Textbook of Vietnamese Literature 8, Volume 2)

Arguments in the paragraphs:

a. This is truly a vital gathering place for all four corners of the country, and also the prime capital of eternal emperors.

b. Our people today are indeed worthy of the legacy left by our ancestors.

- The main statement can be placed either at the beginning or at the end of the paragraph.

- Section a is written in an inductive manner.

- Section b is written in a deductive manner.

Answer to Question 2 (page 80, Textbook of Vietnamese Literature 8, Volume 2)

a. - The argument in the above paragraph is: Let the wealthy man bring a dog into his house, only then will he reveal the disgraceful nature of his class.

- The reasoning in this paragraph uses contrast as its method.

b. The argumentation style of Ngô Tất Tố adds considerable persuasive strength to the paragraph.

c. The ideas in the paragraph are highly engaging.

d. The strategic placement of phrases such as 'puppy talk', 'dog-like tone', 'rich man bringing a dog into the house', and 'the lowly nature of his class' next to each other is the technique Nguyễn Tuân uses to concentrate the paragraph around one central idea, emphasizing the animalistic qualities of the landowners.

Section II: EXERCISES

Answer to Question 1 (page 82, Textbook of Vietnamese Literature 8, Volume 2)

Express the argument concisely.

a. First, one must avoid verbose and rambling writing.

b. In addition to his passion for writing, Nguyên Hồng enjoys passing on his craft to younger generations.

Answer to Question 2 (page 82, Textbook of Vietnamese Literature 8, Volume 2)

- The argument of the paragraph is introduced in the opening sentence: "I find Tế Hanh to be a very insightful person." To elaborate on this argument, the author presents the following points:

+ Tế Hanh has captured vivid and soulful representations of life in his hometown.

+ Tế Hanh's poetry immerses readers in a world that is deeply relatable to every person.

- These two supporting arguments are presented in a logical sequence. The second argument naturally follows from the first, creating cohesion and logical structure in the paragraph.

I - ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE TO MASTER

When presenting a thesis in a paragraph or argumentative essay, it's important to pay attention to the following points:

1. The use of a topic sentence to express the thesis is highly recommended due to its advantages:

- It clearly presents the central idea of the paragraph.

- Positioned at the beginning (and sometimes at the end) of the paragraph, it grabs the reader's attention.

- Short and concise, making it easy to remember and recite.

2. To make the thesis stand out and be convincing, you should:

- Provide sufficient supporting arguments for the thesis.

- Organize the arguments in a logical sequence.

3. Express the ideas clearly and compellingly so that the presentation is impactful, leaving a strong impression on the reader or listener.

II - GUIDELINES FOR STUDYING THE LESSON

Question 1. Analyze the two paragraphs:

- Topic sentence:

+ Paragraph 1: "Indeed, it is a vital meeting place... for rulers throughout history".

+ Paragraph 2: "Our people today are truly deserving of the honor their ancestors once held".

- In Paragraph 1, the topic sentence appears at the end of the paragraph. In Paragraph 2, it is at the beginning of the paragraph.

Question 2. Read and analyze the following paragraph:

a) Definition of argumentation: Argumentation involves presenting reasons and evidence to lead the reader to a conclusion, or to convince them to accept a conclusion proposed by the writer.

In this paragraph, Nguyễn Tuân emphasizes the ideological significance of a passage from the work 'Tắt đèn' (Turn Off the Lights), when Ngô Tất Tố describes the attitude of the Nghị Quế couple as they receive a dog to sell. This highlights the 'dog-like' nature of the ruling class. This is also the main point of the paragraph.

The author uses contrast to depict the very different attitudes of the Nghị Quế couple: while they show great care and affection for the dogs, they treat the Dậu family with disdain, referring to them as 'dog-like' in a derogatory manner. The 'dog-like' behavior of the couple reveals the fundamental nature of the ruling class.

b) The author's method of argumentation strengthens the central thesis. This unique and expressive style of argumentation makes the thesis highly persuasive.

c) The persuasive nature of the thesis is further enhanced by how the author organizes the ideas. The contrast between the couple’s treatment of the Dậu family and the dogs is striking. While one might expect them to treat the Dậu family well since they are fond of dogs, the opposite occurs. If the author had reversed the order of the comments—mentioning Nghị Quế's 'dog-like' attitude first, followed by their affection for dogs—the impact would have been much less dramatic.

d) The author's choice of words is particularly sharp. Phrases such as 'puppy talk', 'dog-like tone', and 'the rich bring dogs into their homes' create a distinctive and memorable voice, making the presentation of the thesis more compelling and engaging.

III - PRACTICE EXERCISES

Question 1. The following sentences can be rewritten as thesis statements:

a) Writing must be concise and clear.

b) Nguyên Hồng is not only passionate about writing but also eager to pass on his craft to young people.

Question 2. Analyze the paragraph by Hoài Thanh:

- The thesis of the paragraph is presented at the very beginning: "I find Tế Hanh to be a highly perceptive person". To clarify this thesis, the author presents the following supporting arguments:

+ Tế Hanh has captured very vividly the essence of rural life.

+ Tế Hanh’s poetry takes us into a world that is deeply relatable to each of us.

- These two supporting arguments are logically presented. The author begins by highlighting Tế Hanh's acute perception (he is able to hear things that are not visible or audible) and then moves to the qualities of his poetry (taking us into a familiar world that we can only vaguely feel). The second supporting argument follows naturally from the first. This creates a logical and coherent structure for the paragraph.

Question 3. For the theses presented, concrete and relevant supporting arguments should be used:

a) Learning must be combined with practice to fully understand the material.

This thesis can be supported by the following arguments:

- Learning is about acquiring knowledge. However, reinforcing the knowledge we acquire is even more important.

Real-life examples can be provided to illustrate this. A person who excels in theory may find it difficult to apply their knowledge in practical situations if they neglect the practice aspect.

- Regular practice is the most effective way to reinforce knowledge.

Evidence: People who consistently practice what they learn not only reinforce their knowledge but also improve and refine it as they engage with real-world scenarios.

b) Rote learning does not develop critical thinking skills.

- First, we need to clarify what 'rote learning' means:

'Rote learning' refers to memorizing information without understanding its meaning. Many students memorize information but fail to analyze or comprehend the concepts behind it. As a result, while they may perform well on tests, they do not fully grasp the underlying principles.

- Rote learning makes the brain lazy.

Since students do not engage in the process of analysis or explanation, they do not develop these essential thinking skills. As a result, they struggle when they need to apply these skills in practical situations.

Question 4. To clarify the thesis: "Expository writing must be clear and understandable", the following supporting arguments can be presented:

- The purpose of expository writing is to help the reader clearly understand an issue.

- If the writing is not clear, the reader will struggle to grasp the content the writer is trying to convey.

- Therefore, writing must be straightforward, simple, and free of overly complicated vocabulary or complex sentence structures that hinder comprehension.

- Additionally, writers must consider their audience and use appropriate language to achieve maximum effectiveness.

The supporting arguments should be presented in a logical order, starting with an explanation of the concept, followed by the main arguments, and concluding with any additional supporting points to complete the thesis.