Top 6 Best Essays on 'Argumentation about a Thought or Moral Principle' for 12th Grade

1. Understanding the Topic and Creating an Outline

Topic:

Answer the following question from poet Tố Hữu:

Oh! What does it mean to live beautifully, my friend?

(A song)

Discussion Suggestions:

a) Understand the Topic:

- What issue does this line by Tố Hữu raise?

- For today's youth and students, what does it mean to live beautifully? What qualities must one cultivate to live beautifully?

- What argumentative techniques should be used to approach this topic?

- What kinds of life-related examples can be used to support the argument? Can literary examples be used, and why?

b) Create an Outline:

Introduction:

- How should the topic be introduced? (Deductive, inductive, or counterargument approach?)

- After introducing the topic, how should the thesis be stated? (Quote the line from Tố Hữu directly or summarize the main idea of the essay?)

Main Body:

- Define what it means to 'live beautifully.'

- Analyze the aspects that define a beautiful life, and introduce examples of individuals who embody this ideal, both in real life and literature.

- Critique misconceptions and examples of unworthy ways of living.

- Discuss how one can strive to live beautifully.

Conclusion: Emphasize the importance of living beautifully (suggestion: Living beautifully is the highest moral standard. Tố Hữu's verse serves as a reminder to everyone, particularly the younger generation today.)

2. Understanding the Approach to Writing an Argumentative Essay on a Thought or Moral Principle

Task: Based on the previous discussion, share your thoughts on how to write an argumentative essay about a thought or moral principle.

Response:

Introduction: Present the issue for argumentation.

Main Body:

+ Explain the thought or moral principle.

+ Analyze its valid aspects, and refute any opposing views.

+ Discuss its significance and derive lessons for personal growth and action.

Conclusion: Summarize the issue under discussion.

3. Practice Exercises

Exercise 1, Page 21, 12th Grade Literature Textbook

Read the following passage and answer the questions:

a) What is the issue raised by Jawaharlal Nehru for discussion? Based on the core of this issue, suggest a title for the text.

b) What argumentative techniques did the author use? Provide examples.

c) What makes the expression in this text unique?

Answer:

a) The issue discussed by Indian President Nehru is culture and its manifestations in individuals.

A possible title: 'Cultural Identity of a Person.'

b) Argumentative techniques used:

+ Explanation + Proof

+ Analysis + Commentary

+ Clear and vivid expression

c) The expression in the text is vivid and captivating: it uses rhetorical questions and ends with a Greek quote to sum up the arguments, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Exercise 2, Page 22, 12th Grade Literature Textbook

Russian author Leo Tolstoy said: 'Ideals are the guiding light. Without ideals, there is no direction, and without direction, there is no life.' Share your thoughts on the role of ideals in human life.

Response:

1. Introduction: Introduce the issue for discussion.

2. Main Body:

- Define what an ideal is.

- Analyze the role and value of ideals: how they guide human life (provide examples).

- Comment on why living with an ideal is important.

- Reflect on your personal views and how you can choose and strive for an ideal.

3. Conclusion:

- Affirm the importance of ideals in human life.

I. BASIC KNOWLEDGE YOU NEED TO MASTER

1. How to Write an Essay on Social Issues Discussing a Thought or Moral Principle

- Introduce and explain the thought or moral principle you are discussing.

- Analyze its correct aspects, and refute any misconceptions related to the topic.

- Discuss the meaning of this thought or moral principle and derive lessons for awareness and action.

2. Topics and Argumentative Techniques for Essays on Thoughts or Moral Principles

- Topics for argumentation are diverse, covering issues like ideals, life goals, character traits (such as patriotism, compassion, honesty, selfishness), family relationships, social interactions, and individual actions in daily life.

- Basic argumentative techniques typically used include explanation, analysis, proof, comparison, refutation, and commentary.

II. GUIDANCE FOR UNDERSTANDING THE ESSAY

Address the following question from poet Tố Hữu:

Oh! What does it mean to live beautifully, my friend?

(A song)

a) Understand the topic and identify the essay requirements:

- The issue discussed: the concept of 'living beautifully.'

- 'Living beautifully' is the highest moral standard in human character, living a life that is useful to society, integrated with the community, and fulfilling personal dreams and desires.

- To 'live beautifully,' we need to establish noble life goals, cultivate character, and develop intellect and ethics through study and self-improvement.

Note: The essay may be divided into several main points, each combining discussion and personal reflection.

- Main argumentative techniques:

+ Explanation: defining 'living beautifully.'

+ Analysis: describing the aspects of 'living beautifully,' and explaining why it is important to live beautifully.

+ Proof and commentary: providing examples of people who live beautifully, evaluating actions that demonstrate a beautiful life.

- Evidence: primarily from real-life examples, although literary examples can be used carefully to avoid digressing into literary argumentation.

b) Create an Outline:

- Introduction: Introduce the topic and state the thesis (quote Tố Hữu's line verbatim).

- Main Body:

+ Define 'living beautifully.'

+ Analyze and provide examples of individuals who live beautifully.

+ Comment on what 'living beautifully' means for youth and students, and critique views and behaviors that contradict this ideal.

- Conclusion: Emphasize the significance of 'living beautifully.'

III. EXERCISE GUIDANCE

Question 1: a) The issue raised by Jawaharlal Nehru in the text is the cultural quality of human character.

Possible titles for the text: 'What Defines a Cultured Person?' 'A Cultured Mind,' etc.

b) To discuss the issue, the author employs the following argumentative techniques:

- Explanation (paragraph 1): 'Culture means... there are limitations in intellect and culture.'

- Analysis (paragraph 2): 'A cultured mind... in any issue.'

- Commentary (paragraph 3): 'At this point, I will leave it to you... for what is beautiful.'

c) The expression in the text is vivid.

The author uses rhetorical questions (with self-answers), linking one question to the next to engage the reader.

When analyzing and commenting, the author creates a conversational tone, establishing a close and equal relationship with the reader, considering the social position of the author and the audience.

At the end, the author uses a poetic quote that summarizes the essay's points while leaving a gentle, memorable impression.

Question 2: Regarding the quote by Russian author Leo Tolstoy: 'Ideals are the guiding light. Without ideals, there is no clear direction, and without direction, there is no life.'

- Explain: What are 'ideals'? What does 'life' mean?

- The relationship between 'ideals' and 'life': without ideals, there is no life; the role of ideals in the meaning of life.

- Personal reflection on the role of ideals in life:

+ Ideals are the guiding light, directing individuals toward a specific goal.

+ Ideals motivate individuals to overcome obstacles in order to achieve their goals.

- Summarize the meaning of Tolstoy's quote.

Affirm the importance of ideals in human life and derive lessons for personal growth and action.

I. Understanding the Topic and Creating an Outline

a. Understanding the Topic

Tố Hữu's verse raises the issue of living beautifully. For today's youth and students, living beautifully means actively cultivating and perfecting one’s character and knowledge, having a strong sense of ambition, and setting goals and ideals.

In response to this topic, the argumentative techniques of explanation, analysis, proof, and commentary must be applied. Real-life examples should be used, with literary references kept to a minimum.

b. Creating an Outline

Question 2, page 21, 12th Grade Literature Textbook:

How to write an essay arguing a thought or moral principle: Refer to page 21 of the textbook for guidance.

II. Practice in Argumentation about Thoughts and Moral Principles

Question 1, page 21, 12th Grade Literature Textbook:

a. The issue raised by Jawaharlal Nehru is culture and its manifestation in humans.

Suggested title: The Culture of Humanity.

b. The author uses argumentative techniques such as explanation, proof, analysis, and commentary.

Example: The opening segment explains and affirms the issue of intellectual and cultural limitations, while the rest of the text focuses on commentary.

c. The expression is clear, vivid, and rich in imagery.

Question 2, page 22, 12th Grade Literature Textbook:

Ideals are the goals people strive for in life. This affirms the significance of ideals, as they provide direction in life.

The role of ideals in human life:

Ideals guide us, showing us the right path and preventing us from getting lost in dead ends.

Ideals give us strength and passion to overcome challenges and achieve success.

Ideals help individuals affirm their identity and provide meaning to their existence.

Reflecting on the opinion of the writer:

Leo Tolstoy’s advice encourages us all to have ideals and strive toward them.

Everyone, especially young people, must have their own ideals and work tirelessly to achieve them.

I. Understanding the Topic and Creating an Outline

Refer to the 12th-grade literature textbook, page 21.

II. Practice

Exercise 1 (page 21, 12th Grade Literature Textbook)

a. The issue raised by Indian President Nehru concerns culture and its manifestations in individuals.

Suggested title: The Cultural Human.

b. Argumentative techniques used:

+ Explanation + Proof
+ Analysis + Commentary

+ The expression is clear and rich in imagery.

Exercise 2 (page 22, 12th Grade Literature Textbook)

Understand the topic: Discuss the role of ideals for everyone and your personal ideals.

+ Ideals are the guiding lights of life; without them, life loses its direction.

+ Emphasize the importance of ideals for the meaning of life.

+ Explain the relationship between ideals and a guiding light.

Method of argumentation: Analysis, explanation, commentary, proof.

- Sources of material: Real-life examples.

Create an Outline

Introduction: Introduce and guide the discussion on the thought or moral principle.

Main Body: Explain and discuss the meaning of Tolstoy's quote.

+ Ideals are the goals people strive for.

+ Life in the quote refers to the value of an individual's life on earth.

+ 'Ideals are the guiding light': without ideals, human actions lack direction and get lost.

+ Reflect on the role of ideals in human life.

+ Low, selfish ideals can transform an individual and many others.

+ Beautiful ideals create creativity and joy in life.

Comment on Tolstoy's quote:

+ Humans must choose ideals and set goals to strive for.

+ Each student should define their own goals and ideals clearly.

Conclusion: Summarize the issue and reflect on the lessons learned for personal growth.

Question 1 (Page 20, 12th Grade Literature Textbook)

Understanding the topic and creating an outline.

Task: Answer the following question from poet Tố Hữu:

Oh! What does it mean to live beautifully, my friend?

a. Understanding the Topic

b. Creating an Outline

Detailed solution:

a. Understanding the Topic

- Tố Hữu’s verse addresses the issue of living beautifully.

- For today's youth and students, living beautifully involves cultivating knowledge, honing one's character, dreaming, and working towards those dreams.

- To live beautifully, one needs to develop qualities such as kindness, humility, courage, politeness, perseverance, willpower, and a love for learning.

- For this topic, one should employ techniques of argumentation such as explanation, proof, analysis, and commentary.

- To make the essay convincing, it’s important to use examples from various aspects of life. Literary references can be included to enrich the essay.

b. Creating an Outline

- Introduction:

+ Introduce the issue (using deduction/induction/antithesis).

+ State the thesis (direct quote/summary of the main idea).

- Body:

+ Explain the concept of “living beautifully”.

+ Analyze various aspects of a beautiful lifestyle, introduce role models in both real life and literature.

+ Critique incorrect ideas and lifestyles in society.

+ Outline the path and methods one should follow to live beautifully.

- Conclusion: Affirm the importance of living beautifully.

Question 2 (Page 20, 12th Grade Literature Textbook)

From the discussion above, express your understanding of how to write an essay arguing a moral or philosophical idea.

Detailed solution:

- Introduction: Present the topic of the argument.

- Body:

+ Explain the moral or philosophical idea.

+ Analyze the correctness of the idea and reject its flawed aspects.

+ Discuss the significance and derive lessons for personal action and reflection.

- Conclusion: Summarize the argument.

Practice

Question 1 (Page 21, 12th Grade Literature Textbook)

Read carefully the passage by Gi. Nehru and answer the questions below:

a) What issue is Nehru raising for argumentation? Based on the content, suggest a title for the text.

b) What argumentative techniques did the author use? Provide examples.

c) What makes the expression in the text distinctive?

Answer:

a.

- The issue raised by Nehru, the President of India, is culture and its manifestations in humans.

- The text can be titled: “Discussing the Culture of Humanity”.

b.

- The author uses the following argumentative techniques: Explanation, proof, analysis, and commentary.

- Example (from the explanation technique):

“Is culture an internal development within a person? Does it refer to how one interacts with others? Is culture the ability to understand oneself and others, to make others understand you? I believe culture is all of that.”

+ The initial segment explains and affirms the issue (proof).

+ The following segments are examples of analysis and discussion.

c. Distinctive features in expression:

+ Use of rhetorical questions to engage the reader.

+ Repetition of structure and substitution.

+ Clear and vivid expression.

Question 2 (Page 22, 12th Grade Literature Textbook)

Russian author Leo Tolstoy said, “Ideals are the guiding light. Without ideals, there is no direction, and without direction, there is no life.” Discuss the role of ideals in human life.

Answer:

a) The concept of “Ideals”

- Ideals are the highest dreams, the perfect image of an ideal person, a perfect society, and the purest and most perfect symbol of life that an individual creates for themselves as a goal to reach. Ideals are the purpose of life, the goal that drives all human activity.

b) The role of ideals:

- Ideals are the guiding light; without them, there is no life.

- They lead us towards perfection and beauty.

- They inspire us to continually strive for improvement.

- Ideals create optimism and confidence in all our actions.

“A person who doesn’t know what they will do tomorrow is a miserable one” (M. Gorky).

c) Discussion

What will the lives and futures of those without ideals be like?

d) Personal ideals and the path towards them: Continuous learning, self-cultivation, and action.