Top 6 Best Essays on 'Argumentative Writing About a Poem or Excerpt' for 9th Grade

A. CENTRAL KNOWLEDGE

I- EXPLORING THE ESSAY ON A POEM OR A SECTION OF A POEM

Read the following text and answer the questions:

THE ASPIRATION TO INTEGRATE, TO CONTRIBUTE TO LIFE
Spring is a season of vibrant nature, a time when everything flourishes. Vietnamese literature has seen numerous poems that capture the lively, youthful emotions stirred by the arrival of spring. Right from its inception, Thanh Hải's 'A Small Spring' has captured the hearts of many readers. The poem exudes an atmosphere that is both vibrant and gentle, reflecting a deep love for nature, the country, and a heartfelt wish to contribute meaningfully to life.

The image of spring in Thanh Hải’s poem is rich with layers of meaning. From the portrayal of nature and the country in labor and battle, the poet expresses a desire to create a 'small spring' - quietly offering it to life, singing a tune of hope and joy that blends into the revolutionary anthem. The spring depicted here is inviting, vibrant, and full of love.

The spring landscape of nature and the country is painted with vivid details, both in colors and sounds. There are images of a green river, purple flowers, fresh sprouts covering the backs of soldiers heading to the front, and stretching across fertile fields (symbols of growth, prosperity, and success). There is the melodious sound of the singing bird echoing in the sky. The spring imagery comes alive through the poet’s deep affection and tenderness, expressed in the repeated calls: 'Oh...', 'Why do you sing...', 'Why do you...' Special attention is given to the delicate image of 'catching every droplet of sound from the sky'. The bird's song is captured as a sparkling drop falling into the spring air. This moment and gesture can only be grasped by a poet’s soul, filled with deep love for life. From this image of spring, the poet moves to reflect on the 4,000-year-old tradition and the relentless progress of the nation. When the poet generalizes in this way, the words may become somewhat dry. However, the third stanza naturally flows in a soft, warm tone, blending into the emotional rhythm of the poem.
Through a deep appreciation for the spring of the homeland and the country, Thanh Hải conveys a sincere wish:

I am the singing bird
I am the branch of a flower
I merge into the symphony
A single note of yearning

That is the image of a 'small spring' - quietly offered to life, representing the aspiration to integrate and contribute. At this point, we fully grasp the meaning of the poem’s title. Before Thanh Hải, no poet had yet created such an image that is both novel and pure, tender and relatable. The small spring symbolizes humility but also the pride and confidence of someone who deeply understands the value of life and the happiness found in giving and receiving. The note of yearning in this small spring naturally merges with the larger spring of the country and nature through the harmony between the two parts of the poem. The first stanza introduces the image of the purple flower and the singing bird in the blue sky with the bird’s song, each drop shimmering. Now, in the fourth stanza, the poet’s personal wish, the small spring’s aspiration, echoes these same spring images.

Thus, the sections of 'A Small Spring' are interconnected, flowing naturally and cohesively, with repetition elevating the emotional impact. This poem stirs our hearts with its vivid imagery, musical quality, and heartfelt aspiration. The wish to quietly offer a small spring to life is no longer just Thanh Hải's own desire but perhaps resonates with the hearts of many readers.
(Hà Vinh)

Answer:
a) The central theme of the text is the image of spring in the sincere, heartfelt emotions of the poet Thanh Hải in the poem 'A Small Spring'.
b) The key points regarding the image of spring in 'A Small Spring' are:
The image of spring in the poem holds deep meaning, evoking love and tenderness.
The spring scene, with both its colors and sounds, appears through the poet’s warm, affectionate feelings.
From the vibrant spring of the homeland, the poem moves to a more personal wish of merging into life and contributing with sincerity.
The writer persuades the reader with an analysis of the poetic images, feelings, tone, and structure.

c) The essay has a well-structured, balanced layout:
Introduction: from the beginning until '… truly precious.'
Body: from 'The image of spring...' to '… these images of spring'.
Conclusion: the final paragraph.

d) The writer expresses an attitude of love, trust, and sincere emotions while demonstrating deep sensitivity to both the content and artistic qualities of the poem. The writing is coherent and evokes emotional resonance.

II. Remember:
Writing an essay on a poem or a part of a poem requires presenting one’s observations and evaluations of both the content and artistic aspects of the poem.
The content and art of the poem are conveyed through words, imagery, and tone, among other elements.
The essay should analyze these aspects, offering specific, accurate insights. It should be structured clearly and coherently, with language that evokes emotion and reflects the writer’s heartfelt engagement.

B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS

II. EXERCISE

In addition to the points already discussed regarding the image of spring in Thanh Hải's 'A Small Spring', think about and mention other distinct points in the poem.

Answer:
Other key points in the poem include:
From the image of the beautiful spring of nature, the poet sees the country and its people entering into the vibrant, energetic season (stanzas 2 and 3).
The poem is also an anthem praising the independence, unity, and territorial integrity of the country (the final stanza).
The poem reflects not just Thanh Hải’s personal wish, but also a heartfelt message to each reader, encouraging them to contribute to the nation as part of their duty and right.

Question 1. The topic: Reflect on and share your thoughts about the image of the moon in the poem 'Ánh trăng' by Nguyễn Duy.

Please answer the following questions:

- What does this topic require?

- What key points are necessary to address the topic? How should they be organized?

Answer:

Use your knowledge of the poem 'Ánh trăng' (Lesson 12, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1), referring to the requirements of writing a critical essay about the excerpt or the entire poem to identify the specific demands of the topic.

It is widely known that the moon is a common symbol in poetry, but its meaning can vary depending on the context.

When developing the main points for the essay, the moon should be placed within the flow of time and events, reflecting the attitude and emotional state of the lyrical character (the poet). Focus on the symbolic meaning of the moon, with its most apparent significance found in the poem's final stanza. Additionally, ensure that the essay’s points involve personal commentary and emotional insights.

Question 2. Create a detailed outline (including Introduction, Body, and Conclusion) for the following topic:

The beauty of comradeship in the poem 'Đồng chí' by Chính Hữu.

Answer:

Carefully read the 'Note' section in the textbook to grasp the requirements for each section: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion of the critical essay about an excerpt or poem. Then, apply your understanding of the poem 'Đồng chí' (Lesson 10, Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1) to create an outline that meets the topic's demands.

When was 'Đồng chí' written? What is its main theme and its distinctive features? What is its significance in the context of wartime poetry during the resistance against French colonialism?

How is the beauty of comradeship portrayed in the poem? What images and language does Chính Hữu use to express this? How do you personally feel about the beauty of comradeship and the poet's expression?

What is the poem’s underlying message?

Question 3. Analyze the artistic portrayal of the emotional state of Thúy Kiều in Nguyễn Du's 'Kiều at the Pavilion of Quietude' (Vietnamese Literature 9, Volume 1).

Answer:

When analyzing the artistic depiction of Thúy Kiều's loneliness in 'Kiều at the Pavilion of Quietude,' focus on the technique of depicting nature as a reflection of the inner emotional state. Nguyễn Du’s use of this technique is fluid, subtle, and profound.

- Kiều's sense of isolation is conveyed through the natural surroundings, evoking feelings of space and time.

- The poet emphasizes her loneliness through direct expressions, paired with imagery that mirrors her fragile, unsettled, and insecure fate. The repetition of the phrase 'Buồn trông' conveys a sense of overwhelming sadness, with each repetition intensifying her emotional turmoil.

The analysis should emphasize Nguyễn Du's emotional depth and artistry, avoiding a mere re-examination of the text.

Question 4. Identify the key points for the Body section of the essay on the following topic:

Analyze the respect and deep emotion expressed by Viễn Phương in the poem 'Viếng lăng Bác.'

What supporting points are needed to highlight the emotion in the poem?

Answer:

Clarify the connection between two related but distinct aspects in the poem: Viễn Phương’s respect and his deep emotional reaction to visiting Hồ Chí Minh’s mausoleum.

In analyzing emotional content in a lyrical poem, be mindful of concrete expressions such as imagery, language, and tone.

Question 5. In developing an outline for the topic 'Reflections on the father's love for his child in the poem 'Nói với con' by Y Phương,' a student proposed the following points for the Body section:

a) The father's love for his child is tied to the warmth of family and is intertwined with the beauty of nature and homeland.

b) The father instills in the child a sense of pride in the determination and resilience of the people of their homeland and the nation's roots.

c) The father's affection for his child is linked to his desire for the child to mature and live up to the noble traditions of their homeland, confidently navigating life's journey.

Do you think these points are appropriate for the topic? Are they logically ordered?

If you need to elaborate on point (b), how would you present supporting arguments?

Answer:

Apply your knowledge of the poem 'Nói với con' to evaluate whether these proposed points meet the requirements of the essay topic and if they are adequately structured.

Reflect on how Y Phương conveys themes like the resilience of the people and the nation's traditions, and illustrate these ideas using vivid imagery.

Question 6. Read the following paragraph and answer the questions: What issue does the author address? What is the topic sentence of the paragraph? How are the sentences linked together?

'Poetry exists between Music and Thought. If it falls too much into thought, it becomes profound but dry. If it falls too much into music, it may be entrancing but shallow. Tố Hữu strikes a balance between these two attractions. His poetry blends melody with meaning, as seen in his verses:'

Who goes to the South

Tiền Giang, Hậu Giang

Who enters the city

Hồ Chí Minh

Glorious with golden names.

Who returns to the land of Đồng Tháp

The Việt Bắc, where French invaders lie buried

The birthplace of our roots!

Who journeys to Nam - Ngãi, Bình - Phú, Khánh Hòa...

In the surging waves of music, the ideas emerge, guiding the music, and the music envelops these ideas. A poem’s beauty is fully appreciated not just by reading, but by performing it aloud to express its full musicality.'

(According to Chế Lan Viên, 'Thinking about the Lines of Poetry',

Literature Publishing House, Hanoi, 1981)

Answer:

Every paragraph must present a central idea (thesis). The sentences in the paragraph should be coherently linked. Reflect on how Chế Lan Viên presents his thesis, supports his argument, and concludes with an insightful analysis.

Question 7. At the end of 'The Poem About the Troop of Trucks Without Windows,' Phạm Tiến Duật writes:

Without windows, and the truck lacks lights,

No roof, the cargo is scratched,

The truck still runs, with the South ahead:

As long as there’s a heart inside.

Analyze this verse to highlight the brave and unyielding spirit of the truck drivers in Trường Sơn during the resistance against U.S. imperialism.

Answer:

Ensure your essay has a clear central theme, and that the sentences are well-connected. Express your feelings about the images, tone, and emotions conveyed in the verse.

Question 8. In the poem 'Mùa xuân nho nhỏ' by Thanh Hải, which image or line do you like the most? Present your feelings about that image or line.

Answer:

Choose an image or line that resonates deeply with you in 'Mùa xuân nho nhỏ.' Your essay should analyze the beauty and significance of that image or line and reflect your heartfelt response to it.

I - ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE TO MASTER

- The essay on a poem or a poem excerpt involves presenting one's opinions and assessments of both the content and artistic elements of the selected poem or poem excerpt.

- The content and artistic nature of the poem are expressed through language, imagery, tone, etc. The essay should analyze these aspects to provide specific, accurate judgments.

- The essay needs to have a clear and coherent structure; it should be written with vivid language that reflects the sincere emotions of the writer.

II - GUIDELINES FOR UNDERSTANDING THE LESSON

1. Guide to understanding the essay on a poem or poem excerpt

a) The issue discussed in the text is the image of spring and Thanh Hai's passionate emotions in the poem "Mùa xuân nho nhỏ" (The Small Spring).

b) The key points raised in the poem regarding the image of spring are:

- The image of spring in the poem carries various layers of meaning, with each image evoking emotion.

- The image of spring in nature and the country is expressed through the poet's emotions.

- The image of the small spring reflects a desire to contribute and merge with the grand spring of nature and the country.

To support these points, the author uses selected verses, images, tone, and ending lines to clarify and elaborate.

c) The text is divided into three sections.

Introduction: from the beginning to "deserving of respect".

Body: continues until "the return of these images of spring" - presents specific evaluations and points about the poem's content and artistry.

Conclusion: the remaining part.

The structure is cohesive, balanced, and meets the essay requirements.

d) Observations on the writing style of the essay

The writer approaches the poem with affection and trust, expressing sincere feelings in response to the poem's beauty in both content and form. The language used is clear and emotional.

2. Exercise Guidelines

Additional discussion points about the poem may include:

- The humble, lifelong contribution from all generations to the nation's spring: "Silently giving to life - Whether at twenty - Or when hair turns gray".

- The optimistic spirit of an individual: Singing a folk song to harmonize with spring.

- The tender, affectionate tone of the poet. The general quality reflected in the poet's use of personal pronouns: I - we.

I. Understanding the Essay on a Poem, a Verse

a. Topic of discussion: sincere emotions, deep affection, and the poet Thanh Hai's desire to contribute

b. Theme:

- The imagery in Thanh Hai's poetry holds multiple meanings, evoking pure, lovable emotions

- A spring landscape painted with tender, affectionate, and gentle colors and sounds

- From the beautiful spring of the homeland, the country, to the poet's sincere wish for unity and contribution

→ The writer persuades by analyzing, commenting, and reflecting on the poetic imagery, mood, tone, and structure

c. Balanced structure with three parts

Introduction (from the start... highly admirable)

Main body: paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5

Conclusion: the remaining paragraph

d. The writer appreciates the poem with love and trust, expressing heartfelt emotions that reflect the beauty in both content and art of the poem "Small Spring".

- Clear, expressive language

Practice

(page 79, Literature Textbook, Grade 9, Volume 2): Aside from the main points...

Additional points to consider:

- The poem has a pure, heartfelt rhythm, similar to folk music.

- Natural flow of emotions, well-structured, and full of meaningful insights.

Part I: UNDERSTANDING THE ESSAY ON A POEM OR POEM EXTRACT

Read the text 'Desire for Integration' (pages 77, 78b, Grade 9 Literature Textbook, Volume 2), reflect on life, and answer the following questions:

a) What is the topic of the essay?

b) What main points does the essay raise about the image of spring in the poem 'Small Spring'? What evidence does the author use to clarify these points?

c) Identify the introduction, body, and conclusion; provide comments on the structure of the text.

d) Does the writing in each section of the text highlight the main points effectively?

Answer:

a) The essay discusses the image of spring and Thanh Hải's deep feelings in the poem 'Small Spring'.

b) The essay points out the distinctive features of the image of spring in the poem:

+ The image of spring carries multiple layers of meaning. Each spring is emotionally vivid and charming.

+ The lively spring scene of the nation’s nature, depicted with the poet’s tender affection.

+ The image of 'small spring' expresses the poet's desire for integration and dedication to life, naturally connecting with the spring of the nation’s nature.

To clarify these points, the author interprets specific verses, key images, and the poem's lyrical tone and structure.

c) Introduction: The first part (from 'spring is the season' to 'the dedication is truly admirable').

Body: The next three sections (from 'image of spring' to 'repetition of spring’s images'): Presenting the poet's feelings and evaluating the image of spring and Thanh Hải's sincere emotions. This is where the main points are expanded upon.

Conclusion: The remaining section: General assessment of the poem, noting how the parts of the text are naturally linked both in meaning and expression.

d) The author presents their evaluation in a heartfelt tone with sincere, affectionate emotions.

Part II: PRACTICE

Beyond the points mentioned about the image of spring in the poem 'Small Spring' from the text above, think of and add other notable points about this exceptional poem.

Answer:

Additional points include:

The poem has a pure, tender melody that is closely related to folk music.

The emotional flow of the poem is expressed through a tightly structured, evocative form.

I - Understanding the essay on a poem or excerpt

Read the following text and answer the questions (Text on page 77 - Literature textbook, Grade 9, Volume 2)

Questions:

a) What is the argument of this text?

b) What points does the text make regarding the image of spring in the poem 'Small Spring'? What arguments were used to clarify these points?

c) Identify the Introduction, Body, and Conclusion; comment on the structure of the text.

d) Does the way the text is written highlight the arguments?

Answers:

a) The topic of the essay: The image of spring and Thanh Hai's passionate feelings in the poem 'Small Spring'.

b) Key points:

- Point 1: The image of spring in Thanh Hai's poem carries multiple layers of meaning, with each image being evocative and charming.

- Point 2: The image of spring in nature and the country, expressed through the poet's tender and loving emotions.

- Point 3: The image of small spring reflects the poet's longing to merge and contribute, naturally connecting with the previous images of spring in nature and the country.

To clarify these points, the writer selects significant verses and images for analysis, while also examining the poem's structure and tone.

c) Structure of the text: 3 parts

- Introduction: Paragraph 1

- Body: Paragraphs 2-4

- Conclusion: Paragraph 5

The text structure is clear and logical.

d) The writing style: The language is clear, evocative, and filled with sincere emotions about the work and empathy for the author.

Remember:

- An essay on a poem or excerpt involves presenting one's observations and evaluations about the content and artistry of the poem.

- The content and artistry of a poem are reflected through its language, images, tone, etc. The essay should analyze these elements for precise and accurate evaluations.

- An essay on a poem or excerpt should have a coherent structure, clear language, and convey the writer's heartfelt emotions.

II - Practice (page 79 - Literature textbook, Grade 9, Volume 2)

In addition to the points already made about the image of spring in 'Small Spring' in the above text, think about and propose more arguments regarding this remarkable poem.

Besides the points already mentioned about the image of spring in the poem 'Small Spring,' here are additional insights:

- The humble contribution throughout one's life, from all ages, to the spring of the nation: 'Quietly giving to life - Whether at twenty years old - Or with gray hair.'

- The optimistic spirit of a person: Singing a song about the homeland to harmonize with spring.

- The affectionate tone of the poet.

- The universal quality expressed through the use of personal pronouns 'I' and 'you' by the author.