Top 6 Best Essay Outlines on 'Essays about Literary Works (or Excerpts)' for Grade 9

Essential Knowledge

The following concepts are crucial to understand:

• An essay about a literary work (or excerpt) presents an evaluation or commentary on the characters, events, themes, or artistic elements within a specific work.

• The analysis and evaluation of the story should be based on the plot's meaning, character development, fate, and the artistic techniques discovered and generalized by the writer.

• The critiques and evaluations in the argumentative essay must be clear, accurate, and backed by logical reasoning and persuasive arguments.

• The argumentative essay should be well-structured, with precise and evocative language.

Suggested Answers to Textbook Questions:

Read the text (pages 61-63 in Vietnamese Language 9, volume 2) and answer the following questions:

a) What is the main issue discussed in this text? Can you suggest an appropriate title for it?

b) What key points does the author discuss in the essay? Identify the sentences that summarize the key arguments.

c) How does the author support the arguments? Review the evidence and reasoning used to clarify each point. (Hint: Where do the arguments come from, and what do they include?)

Answer:

a) The essay discusses the endearing qualities of a young man working in meteorology in Sapa. A suitable title could be 'Sapa: The Quiet Beauty of a Young Man' or 'The Silent Elegance of Sapa.'

b) Here are sentences that introduce the key points:

- "Whether described in detail or briefly, directly or indirectly, every character from Sapa is portrayed with admirable nobility... Among them, the main character, the young man, leaves a lasting impression" (Identifying the main argument).

- "Firstly, the young man is admirable for his passion for life, his love for his work, and his deep sense of responsibility towards his challenging job" (Key argument introduced).

- Despite his hard work and important contributions, this hospitable and vibrant young man remains humble. (Key argument introduced).

- Our lives are shaped by struggles and silent sacrifices. People like this young man are truly worthy of respect and love." (Key argument introduced).

c) Each argument is clearly supported and proven with compelling evidence drawn from specific images and details in the text.

Practice

Read the passage on page 64 of Vietnamese Language 9, volume 2, and answer the following question: What is the main argument of this passage? What are the main points raised? How do these points deepen our understanding of the character of Old Hac?

Answer:

The passage on page 64 addresses Old Hac's dilemma: the choice between life and death. To explore this dilemma, the author presents several important ideas:

1. Old Hac must decide whether to live and keep his land for his son:

+ Can he maintain his land while alive?

+ Or should he die to preserve the land?

2. If he chooses death, how should he prepare for it?

- Kill his dog Vang first, then prepare for his own death.

+ Send thirty dong to Mr. Gio.

+ Leave a written deed for the land for Mr. Gio.

3. The significance of Old Hac's death:

- He dies nobly and tragically, rather than in a state of humiliation.

- His death is a sacrifice for the sacred bond of fatherhood.

- Old Hac's death preserves his integrity.

- Old Hac's death is a final act of ensuring a future for his son.

The above ideas by Van Gia help us understand the noble character and significant sacrifices made by Old Hac, a rural man willing to die rather than live through the shame of a difficult period in Vietnam's history in the early 20th century.

I - Exploring the Essay on the Argument about a Story (or Excerpt)

Read the following text and answer the questions (page 61 - Grade 9 Literature Textbook, Volume 2)

Questions:

a) What is the issue discussed in this text? Propose a suitable title for the text.

The issue discussed in the text is the admirable qualities of the young man character in the story "Silent Sa Pa" by Nguyen Thanh Long.

Suggested titles for the text:

- A Quiet Soul in Sa Pa

- A Beauty of Silent Sa Pa.

b) What key points are developed in the argument? Identify sentences that state or summarize the main points of the text.

- Opening Point: The young man in "Silent Sa Pa" leaves an indelible impression.

- Expanded Points (Body):

+ Point 1: The young man has a deep love for life, his profession, and a strong sense of responsibility in his work.

+ Point 2: The young man is very hospitable and thoughtful.

+ Point 3: The young man is incredibly humble.

- Conclusion (Ending): People like the young man are truly worthy of respect and admiration.

- Sentences illustrating the main points of the text:

+ Whether described in detail or briefly, directly or indirectly, every character in "Silent Sa Pa" reveals a noble and admirable trait. Among them, the young man working in meteorology and geophysics – the protagonist – leaves a lasting impression on us. (sentence highlighting the main issue).

+ However, what makes this young man endearing is his "longing for people", his warm hospitality, and his considerate attention to others. (sentence summarizing the main point).

+ Despite the tough work and significant contributions to the country, this hospitable and energetic young man remains extremely humble. (sentence emphasizing the main point).

+ Our lives are made from countless sacrifices and quiet efforts. People like this young man deserve our utmost respect and admiration. (sentences emphasizing the key issue)

=> The writer clearly and logically develops the main points of the text.

c) How does the writer support the argument? Review the supporting evidence provided for each point. (Suggestion: Where do the supporting points come from, and what do they contain?)

The writer uses various techniques such as explanation, proof, analysis, and synthesis skillfully to support the argument. All the evidence is drawn from the text, focusing on the character of the young man. The writer leads the points in a clear, coherent, and logical manner.

II - Practice

Read the following passage and answer the questions: What is the argument of the passage? What are the main ideas presented in it? How do these ideas help us understand the character of Mr. Lao Hac?

Read page 64 - Grade 9 Literature Textbook, Volume 2

Answer:

- The argument: The difficult decision of Mr. Lao Hac and the beauty of his character.

- Key ideas:

+ The difficult decision of Mr. Lao Hac: Choosing between life and death.

+ Analyzing the emotions of Mr. Lao Hac: Choosing death decisively to preserve his dignity, dying without burdening others, and sacrificing himself for the future of his son.

- The significance of the argument: Highlighting the noble character of Mr. Lao Hac (living for his son, worrying for his son, sacrificing his life to secure his son’s future, not wanting to cause trouble for others). Through detailed analysis of his inner thoughts and actions, the text reveals a respectable and selfless character.

I. Understanding the Essay on Argumentation About a Story (or Excerpt)

Answer the following questions (Page 61, Grade 9 Literature Textbook, Volume 2)

Read the text from the textbook and respond to the questions.

a) What is the issue addressed in this essay? Propose an appropriate title for the essay.

b) What key points does the writer develop in the argument? Identify sentences that state or summarize the key points of the essay.

c) How does the writer substantiate the argument (by leading, analyzing, proving)? Evaluate the evidence provided to clarify each point. (Hint: Where does the evidence come from, and what does it include?)

Answer:

a) The essay discusses the admirable qualities of the young man working in meteorology and geophysics in the short story "Silent Sa Pa" by Nguyen Thanh Long.

The essay can be titled: The Quiet Individual of Sa Pa or The Vitality of Sa Pa...

b) Key Points:

– A love for life and a high sense of responsibility toward work

– Hospitality and attentiveness toward others

– Humility

c) Argumentation method: Stating the points (expressed in the topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph)

– Analyzing and proving the points

– Generalizing and raising the issue.

II. Practice

Answer the following questions – Practice (Page 63, Grade 9 Literature Textbook, Volume 2)

Read the passage below and answer the questions: What issue is being argued in the passage? What are the main points raised? How do these points help us understand the character of Mr. Lao Hac?

Answer:

– The argumentative passage: the death of the character Mr. Lao Hac, which reveals the noble qualities of this character in the short story "Lao Hac" by Nam Cao.

– Main points in the passage:

+ Mr. Lao Hac had to choose between life and death;

+ Mr. Lao Hac chose death rather than live in misery and disgrace.

+ His death planted the seeds for a new life.

– The passage helps us understand Mr. Lao Hac's character:

+ A selfless sacrifice

+ The painful plight of human existence.

I. Tìm hiểu bài văn nghị luận về tác phẩm truyện (hoặc đoạn trích)

a, Văn bản nghị luận về vẻ đẹp của nhân vật anh thanh niên làm công tác khí tượng kiêm vật lí địa cầu trong truyện ngắn Lặng lẽ Sa Pa của Nguyễn Thành Long

- Có thể đặt tên cho văn bản: Sức sống Sa Pa

b, Luận điểm của bài

- Tấm lòng yêu đời, tinh thần trách nhiệm với công việc

- Sự hiếu khách, tận tình với mọi người

- Sự khiêm tốn

c, Cách dẫn dắt từng luận điểm:

Nêu luận điểm (các câu chủ đề đầu đoạn) – phân tích, chứng minh luận điểm - khái quát chung, nâng cao vấn đề.

Luyện tập

Bài 1 (trang 63 sgk ngữ văn 9 tập 2)

Đoạn văn nghị luận: cái chết của nhân vật lão Hạc, qua đó thấy được cách nhân vật trong truyện lão Hạc- Nam Cao

- Các luận điểm chính của đoạn văn:

+ Lão Hạc lựa chọn sống và chết

+ Lão Hạc chọn cái chết chứ không sống khổ nhục

+ Cái chết của lão Hạc gieo lên sự sống

- Nhân vật lão Hạc trong đoạn văn

+ Giàu lòng thương cảm, vị tha

+ Con người khốn khổ bị dồn tới đường cùng vẫn kiên cường chọn cái chết.

Phần I: TÌM HIỂU BÀI NGHỊ LUẬN VỀ TÁC PHẨM TRUYỆN (HOẶC ĐOẠN TRÍCH)

Đọc văn bản (trang 61, 62, 63 SGK Ngữ văn 9 tập 2) và trả lời các câu hỏi.

a) Vấn đề nghị luận của văn bản này là gì? Hãy đặt một nhan đề thích hợp cho văn bản.

b) Vấn đề nghị luận được người viết triển khai qua những luận điểm nào? Tìm những câu nêu lên hoặc cô đúc luận điểm của văn bản.

c) Để khẳng định các luận điểm, người viết đã lập luận (dẫn dắt, phân tích, chứng minh) như thế nào? Nhận xét về những luận cứ được người viết đưa ra để làm sáng tỏ cho từng luận điểm. (Gợi ý: Những luận cứ đó được lấy ở đâu, gồm những điều gì?)

Trả lời:

a. - Vấn đề nghị luận của văn bản này là những phẩm chất, đức tính đẹp đẽ đáng yêu của anh thanh niên làm công tác khí tượng kiêm vật lí địa cầu trong truyện ngắn Lặng lẽ Sa Pa của Nguyễn Thành Long.

- Văn bản có thể được đặt tên Hình ảnh anh thanh niên làm công tác khí tượng trong truyện ngắn "Lặng lẽ Sa Pa” của Nguyễn Thành Long.

b. Tóm tát các luận điểm của vấn đề nghị luận tìm những câu có ý nghĩa nêu lên hoặc cô đúc luận điểm của bài văn:

- Dù được miêu tả nhiều hay ít, trực tiếp hay gián tiếp, nhân vật nào của “Lặng lẽ Sa Pa” củng hiện Lên với nét caọ quý đáng khâm phục. Trong đó, anh thanh niên làm công tác khí tượng kiêm vật lí địa cầu - nhân vật chinh của tác phẩm đã để Lại cho chúng ta nhiều ấn tượng khó phai mờ. (Các câu nêu vân đề nghị luận).

- Trước tiên, nhân vật anh thanh niên này đẹp ở tấm lòng yêu đời, yêu nghề, ở tinh thần trách nhiệm cao với công việc lắm gian khổ của mình. (Câu nêu luận điểm).

- Nhưng anh thanh niên này thật đúng yêu ở nỗi “thèm người”, lòng hiếu khách đến nồng nhiệt, ở sự quan tâm đến người khác một cách chu đáọ. (Câu nêu luận điểm)

- Công việc vất vả, có những đóng góp quan trọng cho đất nước như thế nhưng người thanh niên hiếu khách và sôi nổi ấy lại rất khiêm tốn. (Câu nêu luân điểm)

- Cuộc sống của chúng ta... thật đáng tin yêu. (Đoạn cuối bài - những câu cô đúc vấn đề nghị luận).

c. Để khẳng định các luận điểm, người viết đã lập luận (dẫn dắt, phản tích, chứng minh) một cách đầy thuyết phục.

- Các luận điểm của người viết nêu lên rõ ràng ngắn gọn tạo được ấn tượng ở người đọc.

- Từng luận điểm đã phân tích chứng minh rõ ràng, với những dẫn chứng cụ thể. Các luận cứ đều xác đáng sinh động vì đó là những chi tiết, hình ảnh đặc sắc của tác phẩm.

- Bài văn cũng đã được người viết dẫn dắt tự nhiên với bố cục chặt chẽ. Tự đặt vấn đề rồi phân tích diễn giải, rồi sau đó khẳng định, nâng cao vấn đề cần nghị luận.

Phần II: LUYỆN TẬP

Đọc đoạn văn (trang 64 SGK Ngữ văn 9 tập 2) rồi trả lời câu hỏi: Vấn đề nghị luận của đoạn văn là gì? Đoạn văn nêu lên những ý kiến chính nào? Các ý kiến ấy giúp chúng ta hiểu thêm gì về nhân vật lão Hạc?

Trả lời:

Đoạn văn nghị luận: cái chết của nhân vật lão Hạc, qua đó thấy được vẻ đẹp nhân cách của nhân vật này trong truyện ngắn Lão Hạc của Nam Cao.

Các ý chính của đoạn văn:

- Lão Hạc phải lựa chọn giữa sống và chết;

- Lão Hạc đã chọn cái chết trong còn hơn sống khổ, sống nhục.

- Cái chết của lão là gieo mầm cho cái sống.

Đoạn văn giúp ta hiểu thêm về nhân vật lão Hạc:

- Đó là sự hi sinh cao cả

- Đó là nỗi đau thân phận của con người.

A. KEY CONCEPTS

I- UNDERSTANDING THE ESSAY ON ARGUMENTATION ABOUT A STORY (OR EXCERPT)

Read the following passage and answer the questions:

After closing the short story 'The Quiet Sa Pa,' my heart is left restless, touched by the beauty of the people and the deep, warm emotions amidst a life full of love. The story, set in the Sa Pa region during the construction of socialism and the fight against U.S. imperialism's destructive wars, conveys the message that behind the quiet façade of mountains and forests, there exists a life full of beauty, sacrifice, and silent contributions. Every character in 'The Quiet Sa Pa' radiates nobility and admiration, whether portrayed minimally or in detail, directly or indirectly. The protagonist, a young meteorologist and geophysicist, leaves a lasting impression on us.

At first, this young man is beautiful in his love for life, passion for his work, and his great sense of responsibility towards his difficult job. When introducing him to the old artist and the young woman, the driver calls him 'the loneliest person in the world.' For years, he has lived alone on the peak of Yen Son, 2,600 meters above sea level, surrounded only by trees, grass, and cold mists. His daily job involves measuring the wind, temperature, rainfall, and sunshine, recording data, and reporting it through a radio to the center. For many seasons, he has battled wind and snow, enduring silence. Yet, he loves his work. We can hear his words to the artist: '[..] when I work, I cannot say that I am alone with my work. Besides, my work is connected to the work of my comrades below. It’s hard, but without it, I’d be so lonely.' And here is his thought shared with the young engineer: '[...] I always have someone to talk to, through books!' Though living in material and emotional deprivation, this young man is still passionate about his work, organizing his life neatly and steadily. He raises chickens, grows flowers, and reads books. Occasionally, he travels down the road to meet the driver and passengers to ease his loneliness and homesickness.

In such conditions, some might withdraw into solitude, but this young man is endearing in his deep 'longing for people,' his hospitality, and his thoughtful care for others. From their first meeting, his warmth and enthusiasm naturally endear him to the old artist and the young engineer. His joy at welcoming guests is evident on his face and through his gestures. He gives the driver a ginseng root to bring home to his sick wife. He eagerly receives a book the driver bought for him. He joyfully welcomes everyone to visit his 'home' and openly talks about his work, his life, and the quiet world of Sa Pa. We can hardly forget his first gesture when guests arrived: he picks a vibrant bouquet of flowers for the young woman he’s never met. 'The young man, very naturally, like a close friend, hands the bouquet to the girl, who takes it with equal ease.' The ginseng root for the driver’s wife, the eggs, the bouquet for the artist, and the young engineer’s departure—these are tokens of a warm, sincere heart.

Though his job is hard and contributes significantly to the country, this hospitable and lively young man is also very humble. He feels his contribution is ordinary and small compared to others. Therefore, he shyly refuses when the artist sketches his portrait. That modest young man eagerly suggests to the artist other people who are more deserving of being painted. These include the engineer working in the Sa Pa vegetable garden, who, despite difficulties, has cultivated larger, better turnips for the people of northern Vietnam, and the meteorologist at the center, who has been dedicated for eleven years to studying and creating a lightning map. Though young, he deeply understands the significance of Sa Pa, the land he was born and raised in, and appreciates the silent sacrifices of those who work day and night for the country.

Through a light narrative, with realistic and delicate details, and dynamic dialogues, Nguyễn Thành Long has narrated a random yet fascinating meeting in the quiet Sa Pa. Less than thirty minutes of interaction with the young man made the old artist reflect on the beauty of life that he could never fully express, while the young engineer felt moved and wistful. With this short story, the writer seems to affirm: Our lives are made up of great and silent struggles and sacrifices. People like this young man, hardworking and enthusiastic, are truly precious and worth admiring.
(Quỳnh Tâm)

Questions:
a) What is the topic of the essay? Give a title for the above text.
b) What points does the writer use to argue the topic? Find the sentences that express the points of the essay.
c) How has the writer affirmed the points? Comment on the arguments provided to clarify each point.

Answer:
a) The topic of the essay is: The essay argues the beauty of the character of the young man, a meteorologist and geophysicist, in the short story 'The Quiet Sa Pa' by Nguyễn Thành Long.
Suggested title: The Quiet Man of Sa Pa or The Image of the Young Meteorologist in Nguyễn Thành Long’s Short Story, or The Vitality of Sa Pa…
b) Based on the sentences expressing the key points of the essay, we can infer the system of points in the argumentative content:

Point 1: His love for life and high sense of responsibility in his work: First, this young man is beautiful for his love of life, passion for his profession, and dedication to his difficult work.
Point 2: His hospitality and thoughtful care for others: But this young man is endearing in his deep 'longing for people' and his thoughtful care for others.
Point 3: His humility: Though his work is hard and contributes significantly to the country, this young man is humble.

c) The points are developed through analysis and concrete examples from the story. The writer has focused on significant details and images in the story to illustrate and support each point clearly, making the argument compelling and evident.

III- Remember

• Argumentative essays about a story (or excerpt) involve presenting personal observations and evaluations regarding the characters, events, themes, or artistic elements of a specific work.
• Observations and evaluations must derive from the plot's meaning, the characters' traits, destinies, and the artistic elements discovered and summarized by the writer.
• Evaluations must be clear, accurate, and supported by convincing arguments and reasoning.
• An argumentative essay about a story (or excerpt) should have a coherent structure with precise, expressive language.

B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS

II- EXERCISE

Read the following passage and answer the questions: What is the argumentative topic of this passage? What main opinion does the passage present? How does this opinion help us understand the character of Lão Hạc?

By describing the characters' activities, Nam Cao indirectly presents a critical decision faced by Lão Hạc, whose fate was prepared from the beginning. It is the decision between life and death: Can he keep his garden and have enough to eat, or will selling it be an unforgivable sin to his deceased wife and distant son? Or if he dies, can he preserve his garden and die with peace of mind? Ultimately, Lão Hạc chooses death. First, he lets his dog die. Then, he prepares everything for his own death, ensuring his garden remains intact. He decides to die rather than live in misery and humiliation. His death is both proud and tragic. This is the only way to preserve the sacred land for his son and end his agonizing life. His death reveals a profound, sacred fatherly love. Poor Lão Hạc, surely he had been contemplating his death for a long time, even before the conversation about selling the dog with the teacher, and especially when he sent the garden and money away. The story’s depiction of Lão Hạc’s actions is heavy with unspoken words; his heart burdened by the concealed intention of suicide. He silently prepares his death, decisive and resolute, to preserve his integrity. He uses his death to ensure the survival of his son, working on the plantation. It is an agonizing choice that highlights the human condition. The story’s meaning primarily shines through this critical point.

(According to Văn Giá, 'The Depth of the Story 'Lão Hạc')

Solution:
The argumentative topic of the passage is Lão Hạc’s cruel decision and the portrayal of his admirable personality in Nam Cao’s short story 'Lão Hạc.'
The main opinions in the passage are:
Lão Hạc had to choose between life and death;
He chose death because it was better than living in hardship and shame.
Through specific details in the story, the writer focuses on analyzing Lão Hạc’s psychological struggles in this tragic choice, allowing us to understand more about his noble character and self-sacrificing love for his son.