Top 6 Best Essays on 'Argumentation in Narrative Texts' for 9th Grade

A. FOCAL KNOWLEDGE

Question 1: Understanding the argumentative elements in narrative texts

1. Read the following excerpts:a. Oh dear! For those around us, if we do not make an effort to understand them, we will only see them as foolish, ignorant, petty, vile, and contemptible… all excuses for our cruelty; we will never show them compassion… My wife is not cruel, but she has suffered so much. A person with a sore foot can never forget the pain of their foot to think of anything else, right? When people are in deep suffering, they can no longer think of anyone else. Their good nature is covered by anxiety, pain, and selfishness. I understand this, so I am only saddened, but I cannot bring myself to be angry.

(Nam Cao, Lão Hạc)

b.

She quickly greeted me:

“Miss, you have come here now!

Women often have many hands,

In ancient times, many faces, in this life many guts!

Ease is the nature of a beautiful woman,

The more bitter, the more unjust.”

Hoạn Thư's soul was lost,

She bowed before the throne, calling out her grievance.

She said: “I am just a woman,

Jealousy is a common feeling.”

Considering when she put aside writing the scriptures,

And when she stopped following her emotions outside the door.

Her heart, though devoted,

It is not easy to share a husband.

In the end, creating difficulties,

She asked for mercy and forgiveness.”

(Nguyễn Du, Truyện Kiều)

Question 2. Reflect and perform the following tasks:

a. Argumentation is presenting reasons and evidence to defend a certain viewpoint or ideology. Based on this definition, identify the sentences or phrases that clearly show the argumentative nature in the two excerpts above.b. After analyzing the two excerpts, discuss within your group to understand the role and impact of the argumentative element in narrative texts in general. How can the argumentative component deepen the meaning of a narrative text?

Hint: To answer the above questions, pay attention to the following:

In each excerpt, what arguments do the characters present?
What reasoning or arguments do they use to support their claims? How are they structured?
What types of sentences are typically used in narrative texts? (descriptive, narrative, affirmations, negations, conditional sentences with pairs of words: if... then; not only... but also; the more... the more; therefore... hence...)
What expressions are commonly used in argumentative narrative texts? (why, indeed, first of all, in conclusion, however,...)
Answer:

a. Excerpt (a) from "Lão Hạc"

If we do not deliberately try to understand them, we will only see them as foolish, ignorant, petty…
My wife is not evil, but she suffers terribly.
A person with a painful foot can never forget the pain of their foot.
When someone suffers deeply, they can no longer think of others.
I understand this, so I am just sad, but I cannot be angry.

Excerpt (b) argues that Hoạn Thư's reasoning justifies her actions, which are the logical justifications of a jealous woman. Here are the main arguments presented:

Jealousy is a natural feeling in women.
In sympathy, Hoạn Thư forgives Thúy Kiều for her past actions.
A shared husband naturally leads to jealousy, which cannot be avoided.
She asks for mercy and forgiveness.

b. Identifying characteristics of argumentation in narrative texts

Argumentation in narrative texts is often presented in dialogues, with comments or judgments intended to persuade the reader or listener.
In argumentative passages, people often use negative, affirmative sentences, conditional sentences, and argumentative words.

2. Key Takeaways

In narrative texts, to make the reader (or listener) reflect on a certain issue, the writer (or narrator) and the characters may present arguments through opinions, observations, reasons, and examples. This content is typically conveyed through argumentation, adding a philosophical dimension to the narrative.

B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS

Question 1: (Page 139 - Literature Textbook 9) Whose words are those in the excerpt from “Lão Hạc” in Section 1.1? Who are they trying to persuade? What are they persuading?

Solution:
Argumentation involves presenting reasons and evidence to defend a particular point of view or argument.
The words in excerpt (a) are spoken by the character Ông Giáo, who is trying to persuade the readers of the story
Ông Giáo is trying to convince the readers to sympathize with his wife, explaining that she is not evil but has been hardened by extreme poverty and hardship. He urges others to understand her true nature, which is obscured by her difficult circumstances.

Question 2: (Page 139 - Literature Textbook 9) How does Hoạn Thư present her argument in excerpt (b) of Section 1.1 that causes Thúy Kiều to praise her as “Clever to the point of perfection, her words must be wise”? Summarize the key points of Hoạn Thư's argument to clarify Kiều's praise.

Solution:
In the dialogue with Thúy Kiều, Hoạn Thư calmly presents logical and convincing arguments to justify her actions. Her reasoning is well-structured, blending reason with emotion. First, she explains that jealousy is a natural feeling for women, hoping to make Kiều understand it as a common experience. Then, she subtly refers to her acts of mercy towards Kiều, such as letting her copy scriptures at Quan Âm Temple. Furthermore, Hoạn Thư asserts that in a shared marriage, jealousy is inevitable. Finally, she takes full responsibility for her actions and asks Kiều for forgiveness. Kiều, impressed by Hoạn Thư's clever arguments, acknowledges her wisdom and grants forgiveness. Through Hoạn Thư's strong reasoning, Nguyễn Du accentuates the character's personality and makes the narrative more coherent and eloquent.

Basic Knowledge

- In narrative writing, the author, narrator, and characters sometimes use argumentation to get readers or listeners to reflect on a particular issue, presenting opinions, judgments, and supporting evidence. This often takes the form of reasoning that adds a philosophical depth to the story.

- Argumentative sections typically avoid descriptive or narrative sentences, favoring statements with logical connections such as if... then, not only... but also...

Instructions for answering the questions in the textbook

Questions 1 & 2 - Pages 138/139 of the textbook

Read the excerpts below, reflect on them, and answer the questions:

Answer

a) The sentences that show argumentative traits:

- Nam Cao's passage: + People around us, if we do not try to understand them, we will only see them as foolish, mean, or vile, which justifies our cruelty towards them, without ever making an effort to understand them.

+ A person with a painful foot will never forget their pain long enough to think about anything else. When a person suffers deeply, they can't think of anyone else.

- Nguyễn Du's poem:

+ I was born a woman, jealousy is a common emotion.

+ A beautiful woman suffers more because jealousy grows fiercer the more beautiful one is.

+ I secretly love him, but marriage is never easy.

+ My actions led to this mess, but I still seek forgiveness.

b) The role of argumentation in each example:

* In Nam Cao's excerpt, the teacher presents a series of logical arguments:

- State the issue: If we do not make an effort to understand those around us, we always have a reason to treat them cruelly.

- Develop the issue: My wife is not evil, but her cruelty stems from her suffering. Why is that?

+ When a person is in pain, they can only think about their own pain.

+ When people are suffering too much, they stop thinking about others.

+ Because their inherent goodness is hidden by worry and pain.

- Conclude the argument: "I understand this, so I am just sad, not angry."

The passage is filled with sentences that emphasize logical argumentation using structures like if... then, because... therefore, if A... then B, etc. These sentences are clear, concise, and assertive.

* The excerpt from Thúy Kiều's story presents argumentation:

Thúy Kiều's reasoning is evident in her opening lines. After mocking, she argues that women who are cruel and vengeful are often misunderstood, and those who are vengeful are likely to face hardships.

Hoạn Thư's argument includes four main points:

- First: As a woman, jealousy is natural (common logic).

- Second: I treated her well when she lived in my house, and when she ran away, I didn’t chase her (giving credit for good deeds).

- Third: We both shared the same husband—who would be willing to give him up?

- Fourth: I admit my wrongdoings and now rely on her kindness to forgive me.

Thanks to this reasoning, Kiều acknowledges Hoạn Thư's intelligence, calling her "wisely cunning and eloquent." This argumentation led to Kiều's forgiveness of Hoạn Thư.

Thus, argumentation in narrative texts enriches the story's philosophical layer.

Practice

1 - Page 139 of the textbook

Whose words are in the previous excerpt (a) from Section I.1? Who is the speaker trying to persuade, and what is being persuaded?

Answer:

The excerpt from the short story Lão Hạc is the teacher speaking, addressing both himself and those around him, trying to persuade them to show more empathy towards others.

I. Understanding the Argumentative Elements in Narrative Texts

1. Question 1 (Page 137, Textbook Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1):

Read the passages.

2. Question 2 (Page 137, Textbook Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1):

a. Passage (a): Excerpt from "Lão Hạc":

...if we don't make an effort to understand them, we only see them as foolish, ignorant, petty, and despicable... A person with a sore foot can never forget their pain to think about anything else. When people suffer, they can no longer think of others.

Passage (b): The argument in the excerpt from Thúy Kiều about repaying debts of gratitude and revenge.

The argument in Kiều’s words is filled with sarcasm and bitterness (as women are often ruthless and cruel, and the more they suffer, the more injustice they attract):
"Women often have many sides to them,

In the past and in this life, their hearts have many faces!
It’s easy to have the fate of a beautiful woman,

The more cruel, the more tragic the consequences."

The argument of Hoạn Thư: turning a crime of hurting others into the usual jealousy, forgiving when Kiều fled... acknowledging guilt and seeking leniency:
"I am but a woman,
Hoping for mercy from the depths of the sea."

b. The content and role of argumentative elements in narrative texts: These elements help make the narrative clearer and more logical, adding philosophical depth to the story and highlighting the characters' personalities.

II. Practice on Argumentation in Narrative Texts

1. Question 1 (Page 139, Textbook Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1):

The words in passage (a), from section I.1, are spoken by the teacher. The teacher is convincing himself that his wife is not cruel, only "saddened, not angry."

2. Question 2 (Page 139, Textbook Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1):

The argumentative sequence of Hoạn Thư:

Being a woman, jealousy is a common feeling: removing the contradiction, turning it into a shared fate of "being a woman," where harming others is just jealousy, a common experience. From being a wrongdoer, I become a victim of a polygamous society (having a shared husband).
Then, recounting the forgiveness extended to Kiều when she fled.
Finally, accepting fault and seeking compassion.

I. Exploring the argumentative elements in narrative texts

1. Read the excerpt

2. Sentences with argumentative characteristics:

- Excerpt 1: Excerpt from 'Lao Hac'

+ If we don't intentionally try to understand others, we only see them as foolish, ignorant, and mean...

+ My wife isn't cruel, but she's endured so much suffering.

+ A person in great pain can no longer think of anyone else.

+ I understand this, so I just feel sad and cannot get angry.

- Excerpt 2:

+ My wife isn't cruel, but she's endured so much suffering.

+ A person suffering from pain can never forget their own pain.

+ I understand this, so I just feel sad and cannot get angry.

The argumentative passage in the excerpt from 'Thuy Kieu's Report of Gratitude and Revenge'

Arguments from Kieu:

+ How many women are truly cruel and ruthless?

+ The more ruthless they are, the more they suffer injustice.

Arguments from Hoan Thu presented in eight lines:

+ It is natural for women to feel jealousy and anger.

+ She affirms how well she treated Kieu when she copied the sutras at the Quan Am temple.

+ Lastly, two women cannot share a husband and will never yield to each other.

+ Despite the pain she caused, she now hopes for Kieu’s forgiveness.

- Hoan Thu's sharp reasoning ultimately led Kieu to forgive her.

- In Excerpt (1), the author uses the inner dialogue of the character, the teacher, to portray his worldview and perception of others.

- The character's self-assessment that “my wife isn’t cruel” serves to explain his feeling of “only sadness, not anger.”

Argument points:

+ If we don't make an effort to understand those around us, we will only find reasons to be cruel, never feeling compassion for others.

→ This is a question-posing argument.

- Sentences in narrative texts are typically declarative, descriptive.

- Common argumentative words in such texts are often general and summarizing.

II. Practice

Exercise 1 (page 139, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1)

The passage (a) is the speech of the teacher, the narrator, who uses the pronoun “I” as a learned individual.

- The teacher persuades the readers to understand and sympathize with those around them.

- If anyone becomes so distressed that they lose their ability to empathize with others, we should not be angry with them.

Exercise 2 (page 139, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1)

Initially, Hoan Thu was confused and upset, but due to her cunning nature,

+ She talks about the common phenomenon of jealousy in women.

+ Hoan Thu had spared Kieu by allowing her to copy sutras, and when Kieu escaped, she didn’t pursue her.

+ Hoan Thu also acknowledges that jealousy and suspicion are inevitable in a shared marriage.

→ Ultimately, Kieu forgave Hoan Thu because she was wise enough to speak thoughtfully.

I. TÌM HIỂU YẾU TỐ NGHỊ LUẬN TRONG VĂN BẢN TỰ SỰ

Trả lời câu 2 (trang 137 sgk Ngữ Văn 9 Tập 1):

Tìm hiểu các đoạn trích

a. Căn cứ vào định nghĩa, hãy tìm và chỉ ra những câu, chữ thể hiện rõ tính chất nghị luận trong hai đoạn trích trên

b. Yếu tố nghị luận có thể làm cho văn bản tự sự thêm sâu sắc thế nào?

- Trong mỗi đoạn trích, nhân vật nêu ra những luận điểm gì?

- Luận cứ và lập luận như thế nào?

- Các câu trong văn bản thường sử dụng là loại câu gì?

Trả lời:

Đoạn 1: Đây là suy nghĩ nội tâm của ông giáo trong truyện Lão Hạc của Nam Cao

a.

- Nếu ta không cố tình hiểu họ thì ta chỉ thấy họ gàn dở, ngu ngốc, bần tiện…

- Vợ mình không ác nhưng thị khổ quá rồi.

- Một người đau chân có lúc nào quên được cái chân đau của mình.

- Khi người ta khổ quá thì người ta chẳng còn nghĩ đến ai được nữa.

- Mình biết vậy nên mình chỉ buồn nhưng không nỡ giận.

Nêu vấn đề: Nếu ta không cố tìm mà hiểu những người xung quanh thì ta luôn có cớ để tàn nhẫn và độc ác với họ.

b.

Luận điểm

+ Nếu ta không cố tìm mà hiểu những người xung quanh mình thì ta chỉ thấy toàn những cớ để cho ta tàn nhẫn; không bao giờ ta thương … Đây là luận điểm có tính chất đặt vấn đề.

+ Vợ tôi không ác, nhưng vì thị khổ quá rồi nên sinh ra ích kỉ, tàn nhẫn với người khác. Đây là luận điểm có tính chất phát triển lập luận, triển khai vấn đề nghị luận. Các luận chứng và lí lẽ được đưa ra: một người đau chân….; khi người ta khổ quá thì…

+ Tôi biết vậy, nên tôi chỉ buồn chứ không nỡ giận. Đây là luận điểm kết luận, kết thúc lập luận.

⟹ Với việc lập luận như trên, tác giả đã "kể được" câu chuyện về nỗi giằng xé, trăn trở, bi kịch bên trong con người; khẳng định về quan điểm nhìn nhận, đánh giá con người và cuộc đời. Đồng thời, phác ra được thực trạng nhân sinh cùng khổ trong bối cảnh xã hội đầu thế kỉ XX.

Về hình thức, đoạn văn trên chứa rất nhiều từ, câu mang tính lập luận. Đó là các câu hô ứng thể hiện các phán đoán dưới dạng nếu thì; vì thế... cho nên, sở dĩ... là vì; khi A... thì B... Các câu văn trong đoạn trích đều là những câu khẳng định, ngắn gọn, khúc chiết như diễn những chân lý.

Đoạn 2:

a. Qua đoạn trích Thúy Kiều báo ân báo oán, có thể thấy cuộc đôi thoại giữa Kiều và Hoạn Thư được diễn ra dưới hình thức nghị luận. Hình thức này rất phù hợp với một phiên tòa. Trước tòa án, quan trọng nhất là người ta phải trình bày lý lẽ, chứng lý, nhân chứng, vật chứng... sao cho có sức thuyết phục. Trong phiên tòa này, Kiều là luật sư buộc tội, còn Hoạn Thư là bị cáo. Mỗi bên đều có lập luận của mình.

b.

- Lập luận của Thúy Kiều

+ Xưa nay, đàn bà có mấy người ghê ghớm, cay nghiệt như mụ

+ Càng cay nghiệt càng chuốc nhiều oan trái (Đây là kiểu câu khẳng định).

- Lập luận của Hoạn Thư:

+ Thứ nhất: mình là đàn bà, ghen tuông là chuyện bình thường.

+ Thứ hai: mình đã đối xử rất tôt với cô khi cô chép kinh ở "Quan Âm Các".

+ Thứ ba: mình và cô đều là cánh chồng chung nên chẳng nhường cho nhau được ...

+ Thứ tư: dù sao mình đã gây ra nhiều đau khổ cho cô, giờ đây mình chỉ còn trông vào lòng khoan dung rộng lớn của cô.

- Hình thức: Thúy Kiều sử dụng hình thức câu khẳng định, càng ... càng => Khẳng định tội ác của Hoạn Thư.

II. LUYỆN TẬP

Trả lời câu 1 (trang 139 sgk Ngữ Văn 9 Tập 1):

Lời văn trong đoạn trích (a) mục I.1 là lời của ai? Người ấy đang thuyết phục ai? Thuyết phục điều gì?

Lời giải chi tiết:

Trong đoạn trích Lão Hạc nêu trên, đó là lời của ông giáo, ông giáo đối thoại với chính mình, thuyết phục chính mình, rằng vợ mình không ác để “chỉ buồn chứ không nỡ giận”.

Trả lời câu 2 (trang 139 sgk Ngữ Văn 9 Tập 1):

Ở đoạn trích (b), mục I.1 Hoạn Thư đã lập luận như thế nào mà Kiều phải khen rằng: Khôn ngoan đến mực nói năng phải lời? Hãy tóm tắt nội dung lí lẽ trong lời lập luận của Hoạn Thư để làm sáng tỏ lời khen của nàng Kiều.

Lời giải chi tiết:

Lập luận của Kiều thế hiện ở mấy câu đầu. Sau câu chào mỉa mai là lời đay nghiến: xưa nay đàn bà có mấy người ghê gớm, cay nghiệt như mụ , và xưa nay càng cay nghiệt thì càng chuốc lấy oan trái. Hoạn Thư trong cơn “hồn lạc phách xiêu” ấy vẫn biện minh cho mình bằng một đoạn lập luận thật xuất sắc. Trong 8 dòng thơ, Hoạn Thư nêu lên 4 " luận điểm”:

- Thứ nhất: Tôi là đàn bà nên ghen tuông là chuyện thường tình (nêu một lẽ thường).

- Thứ hai: Ngoài ra tôi cũng đã đôi xử rất tốt với cô khi ở gác viết kinh; khi cô trốn khỏi nhà, tôi cũng chảng đuổi theo (kể công)

- Thứ ba: Tôi với cô đều trong cảnh chồng chung , chắc gì ai nhường cho ai.

- Thứ tư: Nhưng dù sao tôi cũng đã trót gây đau khổ cho cô nên bây giờ chỉ biết trông chờ vào lượng khoan dung rộng lớn của cô (nhận tội và đề cao, tâng bốc Kiều).

Với lập luận trên, Kiều phải công nhận tài của Hoạn Thư là “Khôn ngoan đến mực, nói năng phải lời”. Và cũng chính nhờ lập luận ấy mà Hoạn Thư đã đặt Kiều vào một tình thế rất khó “xử”:

Tha ra thì cũng may đời,

Làm ra thì cũng ra người nhỏ nhen.

I. Understanding the Argumentative Elements in Narrative Texts

Question 2, page 137, 9th Grade Literature Textbook: Reflect and complete the following tasks:

a) Argumentation involves presenting reasoning and evidence to support a particular viewpoint or claim. Based on this definition, identify sentences or phrases that clearly reflect the argumentative nature in the two excerpts above.

b) From studying the two excerpts, discuss within your group the content and role of argumentative elements in narrative texts. How do these elements deepen the meaning of the passage?

(Tip: To address these tasks, pay attention to the following points:

– What key arguments do the characters present in each excerpt?

– What supporting evidence and reasoning are provided to clarify these arguments?

– What type of sentences are typically used in the excerpts (descriptive, narrative, assertive, negative, compound sentences with correlative pairs like if...then, not only...but also, the more...the more, therefore...so)?

– What argumentative words are commonly used (why, indeed, firstly, lastly, in general, in conclusion, however, etc.)?

Response:

a) Sentences that clearly show argumentative characteristics in the excerpt from 'Lão Hạc':

- Stating the issue: If we don't make an effort to understand those around us, we will always find excuses to be cruel and heartless toward them.

- Developing the issue:

+ My wife is not cruel, but she is deeply suffering.

+ When a person is in pain, they can't think about others anymore.

+ A person's good nature is obscured by worries, pain, and selfishness.

- Concluding the issue: I understand this, so I am just sad and not angry.

In summary: This argumentative passage helps the reader understand the character of 'Ông Giáo' (an intellectual who empathizes with and understands farmers), while also deepening the theme of the short story 'Lão Hạc'.

* Sentences that clearly show argumentative characteristics in the excerpt from 'Thúy Kiều: Gratitude and Revenge':

- Argument from Thúy Kiều:

+ Few women are as harsh and cruel as this woman (Hoạn Thư).

+ The more cruel a person is, the more they invite misfortune.

- Argument from Hoạn Thư:

+ I am a woman; jealousy is a normal part of life.

+ Additionally, I treated you kindly when you stayed at the temple copying scriptures, and when you fled, I did not pursue you.

+ We share a husband, so it's not easy for either of us to yield to the other.

+ But despite everything, I have wronged you, and now I can only hope for your mercy.

It is clear that both Kiều and Hoạn Thư's arguments shed light on their characters, encouraging the reader to reflect on human behavior and interactions.

b) The role of argumentative elements in narrative texts in general: They add depth to the work, highlight the characters' personalities, and engage the reader more effectively.

Remember:

In narrative texts, to make the reader (or listener) ponder a particular issue, the writer (or narrator) and characters sometimes use argumentation by presenting opinions, supporting evidence, and examples. This is often expressed in a logical structure, giving the story a philosophical dimension.

II. PRACTICE

Question 1, page 139, 9th Grade Literature Textbook: Whose words are in the excerpt from 'Lão Hạc' in Section I.1? Who are they trying to persuade, and what are they persuading them about?

Response:

Ông Giáo is conversing with himself, persuading himself that his wife is not cruel, so he feels sad but not angry. Moreover, he is also persuading the readers, encouraging everyone to try to understand and empathize with those around them.

Question 2, page 139, 9th Grade Literature Textbook: In the excerpt (b) from Section I.1, how did Hoạn Thư argue in such a way that Kiều praised her for being 'wise to the extent that her words were impeccable'? Summarize the arguments in Hoạn Thư's reasoning that made Kiều's praise so fitting.

Response: Kiều praised Hoạn Thư for being 'wise to the extent that her words were impeccable' after hearing her excuse. Hoạn Thư's arguments clearly reflected this wisdom:

- I am a woman; jealousy is a natural part of life.

- Moreover, I treated you well when you stayed in the temple copying scriptures, and when you ran away, I didn't pursue you.

- We share a husband, so it's not easy for either of us to give way to the other.

- But despite all this, I have wronged you, and now I can only hope for your forgiveness.