Top 6 Best Essays on 'Discussion about a Phenomenon in Life' for 12th Grade

1. UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC AND CREATING AN OUTLINE

The topic: Express your opinion on the phenomenon presented in the following text:

Who do you share your piece of cake with?

If you consider your day as a perfect round cake, how would you divide it between your parents, work, family, and yourself?

While many young people today waste their cake on pointless games, Nguyễn Hữu Ân, the "Typical Young Man of Ho Chi Minh City in 2007," devotes all his time to helping terminal cancer patients.

A strange story...

(Tạ Minh Phương)

a) Understanding the topic

- The topic asks for your opinion on the actions of Nguyễn Hữu Ân, who, out of love, "gave all his time" to care for two mothers with terminal cancer.

- The essay should include the following main ideas:

+ Nguyễn Hữu Ân, an exemplary role model for young people today in terms of filial piety, selflessness, and sacrifice.

+ The current generation of youth includes many individuals like Nguyễn Hữu Ân.

+ However, there are still some selfish, indifferent young people who waste their time on trivial pursuits, which deserves criticism.

+ Young people should allocate their time to personal development, character building, and nurturing values such as filial piety and selflessness to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life.

- Use examples of young people who contribute positively to society, as well as those who waste time on meaningless activities, as reported in the media. The story of Nguyễn Hữu Ân can also be used as a reference from textbooks.

- The essay should apply main argumentative methods such as analysis, evidence-based argumentation, refutation, and commentary.

b) Creating an outline

Introduction: Introduce Nguyễn Hữu Ân’s actions as the background for the topic and raise the question: Who do you share your "cake" with?

Body:

- Summarize Nguyễn Hữu Ân’s actions as an exemplary role model for filial piety, selflessness, and sacrifice in today’s youth.

- Many other young people today are similar to Nguyễn Hữu Ân.

- Commentary: Still, some young people waste their time on useless activities, which is highly criticized.

- Young people should emulate Nguyễn Hữu Ân’s example of selflessness and sacrifice to make life more beautiful and meaningful.

Conclusion: Share the writer’s personal reflections.

2. After discussion, students should understand:

- Argumentation on a life phenomenon is not only socially significant but also serves to educate proper thoughts, ethics, and a positive way of life for young people like us.

- The correct approach to writing an argumentative essay on life phenomena (Refer to the Memory section in Literature 12, Volume 1).

PRACTICE EXERCISES

Exercise 1.

a) In the text above, Leader Nguyễn Ái Quốc discusses the phenomenon of many Vietnamese young people and students studying abroad who waste time on excessive entertainment rather than focusing on their studies and self-improvement to contribute to the country upon their return. This phenomenon was evident in the early 20th century.

Today, this issue is still present. Many young people studying abroad still spend excessive time seeking ways to make money or indulging in mindless activities, rather than dedicating themselves to their studies, learning advanced scientific techniques, and honing professional skills to return and contribute to the country’s development. This leads to further discussion on the topic.

- Raising the issue: Criticize the phenomenon of Vietnamese students studying abroad wasting time on trivial pursuits.

- Causes: These young people may lack clear life goals, fear difficulties, or only live for money and small personal gains. There is also a part of the issue rooted in poor organizational and educational efforts from those responsible.

- Discussion: Provide examples of young people studying abroad who focused on their studies and returned with advanced qualifications to work in higher education or in the country’s advanced sectors like economics and scientific fields.

- The lesson: One must define a clear life goal, whether studying at home or abroad, and strive for self-improvement. If given the chance to study abroad, one should dedicate time to learning and developing expertise to return and serve the nation.

b) In the text above, Nguyễn Ái Quốc uses the following argumentative techniques:

- Analysis: Discussing how students studying abroad waste time, and how students in Vietnam "do nothing" and are "old" and lack organization, which is harmful to the nation’s future.

- Comparison: Mentioning the diligent and hardworking Chinese students studying abroad.

- Refutation: What, then, are our young people doing?

It is a sad truth: They do nothing.

c) The text uses persuasive writing techniques such as specific and relevant examples, combining various sentence types like declarative, interrogative, and exclamatory sentences: "What, then, are our young people doing? Oh, the poor Indochina! The youth will perish if the old, lifeless youth do not revive soon!"

Exercise 2.

Excessive obsession with "karaoke and the internet" is a negative phenomenon that is prevalent among the youth of our country today.

To complete this exercise, students can refer to the text by Nguyễn Ái Quốc and apply their knowledge from school.

A. KEY KNOWLEDGE

I- UNDERSTANDING THE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY ON A SOCIAL PHENOMENON

Read the following text and answer the questions:

THE TARDINESS DISEASE
There is a rather common phenomenon in current life that everyone notices but often ignores: the disease of tardiness, with disrespect for time being one of its manifestations. A meeting scheduled for 8 a.m. may only start at 9 a.m. or an invitation for a seminar at 2 p.m. may see people arriving only at 3 p.m. This issue appears in many organizations, becoming a difficult-to-cure illness.
Those who are tardy may hesitate to arrive late when going to the airport, taking the train, or attending a theater, as being late would affect their own immediate interests. But when attending meetings or conferences, which are collective activities, they think that arriving late does not harm them. Hence, this delay becomes a repeated behavior and the tardiness disease remains unsolved.
The disease of tardiness is ultimately caused by individuals lacking self-respect and not knowing how to respect others. They value their own time but disregard the time of others. They do not see themselves as responsible for the collective work.
Tardiness harms the group. If people arrive late to a meeting, many issues are not discussed thoroughly or require extended time. Tardiness also harms those who respect time. Those who arrive on time must wait for others to show up. Tardiness creates an unhealthy habit: to ensure punctuality, invitation cards often list the start time 30 minutes or an hour earlier!
A civilized modern life requires mutual respect and cooperation. Unnecessary meetings should not be held, but for essential meetings, everyone must attend on time out of self-discipline. Being punctual is the behavior of a cultured individual.
(Phương Thảo)

Questions:
1. What life event or phenomenon does this essay discuss? Is the issue being discussed important for society?
2. How does the author make the reader recognize the disease of tardiness? What are its manifestations? Does the author clearly highlight the important aspects of this phenomenon?
3. Does the essay identify the causes of the tardiness disease? What are these causes? How does the writer analyze the harms of tardiness?
4. How does the writer express their attitude towards the discussed phenomenon?
Answer:
1. The author discusses the phenomenon of tardiness in lifestyle.
Manifestations of this phenomenon include: Being late for meetings and seminars, valuing one's own time but disrespecting others' time, creating bad habits like printing earlier start times on invitation cards.
The author effectively highlights the importance of the phenomenon by presenting both its pros and cons.
2. The causes of this phenomenon include:
Not valuing time within organizations or groups.
Not recognizing one's responsibility to others.
3. The harms of tardiness include:
Becoming a habit, hard to change.
Lack of self-respect and selfishness.
Harming the group.
The author analyzes the harms of tardiness in a concise, convincing manner.
4. Structure:
The essay is brief, coherent, and well-structured. It first introduces the phenomenon, then analyzes the causes and harms, and finally proposes solutions.

B. EXERCISES AND GUIDELINES

Question 1: page 21, 9th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2

Discussion: List some positive, praiseworthy actions you have observed in your school or society. Discuss which phenomena are suitable for writing an argumentative essay and which are not.
Essay:
Some praiseworthy actions observed at my school or in society include: a passion for reading, honesty in academics, strict adherence to traffic laws, returning lost items to their owners, helping others in studying, striving for academic excellence, etc.
Among these praiseworthy actions, honesty in academics and adherence to traffic laws are both suitable topics for an argumentative essay.

Question 2: page 21, 9th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2
There is the following phenomenon:
According to a survey of 2,000 young men in Hanoi in 1981: 25% of 11-15-year-olds smoked, 52% of 16-20-year-olds, and 80% of those over 20. This rate is comparable to European countries. Among those who smoked, 80% experienced symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, and chest pain, while less than 1% of non-smokers had these symptoms.
(According to Nguyễn Khắc Viện)
Can this phenomenon be a topic for an argumentative essay on social issues? Why?
Essay:
This is a societal phenomenon, a pressing issue concerning the smoking habits of today’s youth. Discussing this phenomenon helps highlight the reality and harms of smoking, raising awareness for people to avoid it. From there, solutions can be proposed to mitigate or eliminate this issue. Therefore, it is indeed a valid topic for an essay.

Part I

Question 1 (Page 66, Textbook of Literature 12, Volume 1)

a. Understand the topic

- Phenomenon: the actions of Nguyen Huu An – due to his love, "dedicating all the time of his life" – taking care of his mother and those suffering from serious illnesses.

- Key points to include:

+ Nguyen Huu An has presented a shining example of filial piety, selflessness, and sacrifice of the youth.

+ Citing examples of other inspiring acts of selflessness: today's generation has many such examples like Nguyen Huu An.

+ However, there are still some selfish and insensitive behaviors among some youths...

+ Evidence: Based on real-life experiences.

+ It is necessary to apply techniques such as analysis, proof, refutation, and commentary.

b. Outline

* Introduction: Introduce the phenomenon of Nguyen Huu An and then lead into the essay topic, raising the question “who should I share my bread with?”

* Body

- Summarize the phenomenon of Nguyen Huu An.

- Analyze the phenomenon.

- Its meaning and the lessons learned.

- Broaden the topic.

* Conclusion: Express personal thoughts.

Question 2 (Page 67, Textbook of Literature 12, Volume 1)

- An argumentative essay on a social phenomenon usually includes: identifying the phenomenon, analyzing its good and bad aspects, its benefits and harms, pointing out its causes, and expressing the writer’s attitude and opinion on the phenomenon.

- The expression needs to be precise, and the use of rhetorical devices and emotional elements, especially in expressing personal views, is encouraged.

Practice

Question 1 (Page 67, Textbook of Literature 12, Volume 2)

a. Content:

Nguyen Ai Quoc discusses the phenomenon of: the waste of time by An Nam youth. This phenomenon occurred in the early 20th century, and even today, it still persists in the social context of our country.

b. The argumentative methods: analysis, comparison, and commentary.

For example, the author compares An Nam youth with Chinese youth.

c. Simple and unadorned language, using logical statements in an argument structure, where one sentence flows logically to the next. The expression is clear, making the argument more persuasive.

Example: “But we... that's all"

d. Identifying the life ideal, life goals, and the correct attitude towards studying.

Question 2 (Page 69, Textbook of Literature 12, Volume 1)

Discuss the phenomenon of "addiction" to karaoke and the internet among many young people today.

Outline

a. Introduction:

Karaoke and the internet are among the most popular entertainment activities among young people today, to the extent that it can be called an "addiction".

b. Body:

- The current state of karaoke and internet use in today’s society.

- The positive impact and negative consequences it has on the younger generation.

- The causes behind the “addiction” to karaoke and the internet.

- The consequences of this phenomenon.

- The proper attitude the youth should have toward these phenomena.

c. Conclusion

Express personal thoughts, encouraging everyone (especially students) to exercise self-control in the face of temptations posed by these entertainment activities.

1. Understand the topic and create an outline

a. Understanding the topic

- The argumentative issue: life phenomenon: the use of time as a resource

+ Use examples from life, highlighting exemplary figures

+ Logical strategies: analysis, proving, refutation, commentary

b. Create an outline

Introduction: Introduce the phenomenon to argue about

Main body:

+ Summarize the actions of Nguyễn Hữu Ân: dedicating time to people with terminal cancer

+ Analyze Nguyễn Hữu Ân’s actions: displaying noble qualities, living a good and meaningful life

+ This phenomenon has a great educational value for the youth

+ Praise Nguyễn Hữu Ân’s actions, affirm that many young people today share the same positive values and live beautifully for society

+ Mention a group of youths who live passively: indifferent, wasting time on trivial pursuits

Conclusion: Reflect on personal lessons learned from the discussed phenomenon

2. How to write an argumentative essay about a life phenomenon

- Clearly state the phenomenon, analyze both the positive and negative aspects, highlight attitudes and causes

- Express the writer’s opinion about the social phenomenon

- Write coherently, using rhetorical devices and emotional expression

EXERCISES

Exercise 1 (page 68 of Literature 12, Volume 1)

Content: The topic of discussion: the phenomenon of youth (in the 20th century) living without ideals or goals, lacking determination and drive, only seeking pleasure and indulgence

b. The author uses logical strategies: comparison, analysis, commentary

c. Nguyễn Ái Quốc’s writing style is clear, pure, with a logical argument, passionate and persuasive tone

d. The lesson: one should be proactive, responsible, live with dignity and self-respect

Exercise 2 (page 68 of Literature 12, Volume 1)

Introduction: Present the phenomenon, quote the topic, provide a general view on the phenomenon of “internet and karaoke addiction”

Main body:

- Karaoke is a form of entertainment that relieves stress and brings people closer together

- The internet, in addition to providing entertainment, offers useful knowledge, helps access a wide variety of information quickly and conveniently

- “Addiction” to karaoke and the internet means spending excessive time on them, neglecting studies and self-improvement

* Causes:

- Due to laziness, indulgence, failure to form ideals or goals in life

- Lack of proper education

* Consequences

- Criticizing the bad habits: wasting time and money, being lazy, cultivating negative habits, and damaging intellect

* Solutions

- Focus on studying, improving character

- Develop a positive lifestyle

Conclusion: Extract lessons from the discussed phenomenon

Exercise 1, page 54, Literature Textbook 12, Volume 1

Identify the main arguments of the article. What differences do you observe in how the arguments are organized compared to the usual order?

Answer:

The main arguments of the article are:

1. Raising the issue: The author introduces the main argument: One must have a proper view of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's literature and poetry: "In the sky, there are stars with unusual brightness, but our eyes must focus to see them, and the more we look, the brighter they become, so does the poetry of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu."

2. Solving the issue: The author presents additional arguments to support the initial argument.

- Summarizing Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's life and his creative philosophy.

- Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s patriotic poetry (exemplified by 'Văn tế nghĩa sĩ Cần Giuộc').

- 'Truyện Lục Vân Tiên' – a remarkable work of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu (both in content and artistry).

3. Concluding the issue: (Conclusion, the purpose of the article)

Correctly assessing Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s position in national literature through a fresh perspective as presented at the beginning: Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s life and career stand as a shining example, highlighting the significance and impact of literature and art, and emphasizing the role of writers in the cultural and ideological battles.

* The arrangement of arguments differs by starting with the author’s views on Nguyễn Đình Chiểu's character, followed by a focus on his major works. This structure helps readers gain a deeper understanding of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s life and character, as well as the essential values in his life and poetry.

Exercise 2, page 54, Literature Textbook 12, Volume 1

What are your thoughts on the phenomenon of "karaoke addiction" and internet usage among many young people today?

Draft an outline for your essay.

Answer:

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s literature is like "those stars with extraordinary brightness" which "our eyes must focus on to see, and the more we look, the brighter they become" for the following reasons:

- People have long been accustomed to evaluating poets on the basis of refined and embellished art, but Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s writing is not sleek and polished, it is simple, at times even rough. That’s why it requires focused attention to truly appreciate its depth and clarity.

- The "extraordinary brightness" mentioned by the author refers to the simple, rustic, and populist beauty of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s poetry – a beauty of literature that resonates deeply with the common people and serves their interests.

- Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s poetry is beautiful because of the profound thoughts and warm, noble emotions it conveys. It is not the beauty of gentle winds sweeping through green rice fields but the beauty of golden, ripe rice – solid and meaningful. This extraordinary beauty is even more precious considering that the poet composed his works in the midst of blindness and hardship.

- Phạm Văn Đồng’s comments offer a methodological approach to the study and evaluation of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s poetry, emphasizing the importance of adjusting our perspectives to properly appreciate his work.

Exercise 3, page 54, Literature Textbook 12, Volume 1

What "extraordinary lights" of the bright star Nguyễn Đình Chiểu on the Vietnamese literary sky does the author discuss through:

- The poet’s life and his creative philosophy;

- His poetry created to support the fight against foreign invasion and protect the homeland;

- 'Truyện Lục Vân Tiên'?

Answer:

Phạm Văn Đồng, through his analysis of Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s life, ethics, philosophy, and literary artistry, reveals the following:

- Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s life is a shining example of passionate patriotism and deep hatred for invaders.

+ Despite facing numerous hardships, he stood tall and lived not for himself but for the people and the nation, embodying the ideal of "A hero must stand firm in justice"; he firmly resisted the colonial French's bribery attempts. His life is beautiful and worthy of admiration.

+ Nguyễn Đình Chiểu had a progressive and correct creative philosophy: "How many doctrines can a boat carry? How many evil forces can my pen strike down?" His poetry was a weapon, directly aimed at foreign invaders and their collaborators. For Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, writing was a divine calling, and he fulfilled it.

- Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s literary works were always a powerful weapon in the fight against foreign invaders, extolling the righteousness and ethics of life.

+ His patriotic poetry contributed greatly to the anti-French resistance, resonating deeply with the people of Southern Vietnam for over two decades. His works, filled with hate for the enemy and love for the country, featured heroic figures of the peasant warriors (such as in 'Văn tế nghĩa sĩ Cần Giuộc') and leaders who stood firm against the enemy (like in 'Văn tế Trương Định').

+ Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s poetry also celebrates noble ideals, such as loyalty to the nation and the moral integrity of people, no matter the hardship or danger, as shown in 'Truyện Lục Vân Tiên'.

- 'Truyện Lục Vân Tiên' is an epic poem that praises the moral values of the people, honoring those who value righteousness over wealth, and who are unwavering in their commitment to a greater cause, despite suffering and peril.

- The author offers a fresh and correct perspective on the artistic and literary value of 'Truyện Lục Vân Tiên', recognizing its inherent cultural significance and the enduring appeal of the work from beginning to end.

Exercise 4, page 54, Literature Textbook 12, Volume 1

Why does the author believe Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s star should shine even brighter, not only in his time but also today?

Answer:

Nguyễn Đình Chiểu’s star should shine brighter because:

- To this day, very few people are aware of his patriotic poetry; some even dismiss his work as rough and unsophisticated.

- Yet, with his moral qualities and the artistic success of his patriotic works, it is clear that Nguyễn Đình Chiểu deserves to be considered a leading figure in anti-French poetry, and his legacy should be elevated both in his time and in the present.

- His works need to be more widely recognized today to restore the true value of Southern Vietnam’s patriotic literature, which had a profound and lasting impact on our people, both in the past and in the present.

Related interests: Collection of essays on social issues

Summary

Argumentation about a life phenomenon involves discussing a phenomenon that has social significance. The essay should clearly present the phenomenon, analyze its pros and cons, identify causes, and express the writer’s stance and conclusions through appropriate logical reasoning. A specific angle should be chosen to express personal thoughts.

Understanding the Topic and Outlining

Assignment:

Express your opinion on the phenomenon described in the following article:

Who do you share your 'cake' with?

If you consider your day as a round cake, how much would you share with your parents, work, family, and how much would you keep for yourself?

While many young people today are wasting their time on meaningless activities, Nguyễn Hữu Ân, the "typical young man of Ho Chi Minh City in 2007," dedicates all his time to helping terminally ill cancer patients.

An unusual story…

(According to Tạ Minh Phương, Nguoiduongthoi.com.vn, January 4, 2007)

Discussion:

a. Understanding the Topic:

The assignment asks about the phenomenon: How to use time wisely and meaningfully.
The essay should include the following points and organization:
Summarize the activities of Ân
The significance of Nguyễn Hữu Ân’s actions
Present other role models who use time wisely and meaningfully.
Criticize a few examples of time-wasting behaviors.
Examples to choose from: Trần Quốc Toản, Võ Thị Sáu, “many generations of people like us have lived and died... building the country,” Nick Vujicic (Australia),…
Use the following reasoning techniques:
Analysis
Commentary
Comparison,…
b. Outline the Essay

Introduction: Introduce the phenomenon to discuss: How young people today use their time.
Main Body :
Summarize Ân's actions
Analysis: The meaning of Ân’s actions -> noble, compassionate deeds, positive living, not afraid of hardship, using youth’s time meaningfully…
Commentary: Criticize time-wasting lifestyles.
Conclusion: Express the writer’s personal thoughts.

How to write an argumentative essay on a social phenomenon:

Introduction: Introduce the phenomenon to discuss.
Main Body:
Summarize the phenomenon.
Analyze the phenomenon (correct and incorrect aspects, benefits and harms).
Identify the causes.
Conclusion: Express the writer's personal thoughts (attitudes, opinions) about the phenomenon.
Remember:

An argumentative essay on a social phenomenon typically includes: Clearly identifying the phenomenon, analyzing its correct and incorrect aspects, benefits and harms, identifying causes, and expressing the writer’s attitude or opinion about the phenomenon.
The writing should be precise, coherent, and may include rhetorical devices and emotional expressions, especially in the section where the writer shares personal thoughts.

Practice

Question 1: Read the text on page 67 of the textbook and answer the following questions:

a. What phenomenon does leader Nguyễn Ái Quốc discuss in the text? When did this phenomenon occur?

b. What reasoning techniques did the author use to discuss this phenomenon? Provide examples and analyze their effects.

c. How does the unique use of words, sentence structure, and expression in the text make it persuasive? Analyze specific examples to illustrate?

d. What lessons do you draw for yourself after reading this text?

Answers:

a. Nguyễn Ái Quốc discusses the phenomenon: Vietnamese students studying abroad spending too much time on leisure and entertainment rather than focusing on studying and self-development to contribute to the country’s growth. This phenomenon occurred in the early 20th century.

b. The author uses the following reasoning techniques:

Analysis: Vietnamese students abroad are wasting time playing, while students at home “do nothing,” living “aged,” disorganized lives, which is detrimental to the country’s future.
Comparison: Discusses the hardworking and diligent students from China studying abroad.
Refutation: “Then, what are our youth doing? It’s painful to say, they do nothing.”
c. The text’s expressive techniques:

Effective word choice, accurate examples, and skillful use of declarative, interrogative, and exclamatory sentences.

d. The lesson for myself: Set clear ideals, ways of life, and the right attitude towards studying.

Question 2: What do you think about the phenomenon of "addiction" to karaoke...

What do you think about the phenomenon of "addiction" to karaoke and the internet among many young people today? Outline your essay.

Answer:

a. Introduction: Mention the phenomenon, provide a general observation about the issue.

b. Main Body:

Explain the concept of karaoke and the internet
Karaoke is a form of entertainment that helps relieve stress after a tiring day of study or work. It also strengthens bonds between friends, colleagues, and family members.
The internet, in addition to providing entertainment, offers a wealth of knowledge, giving people quick access to diverse and convenient information. It also increases human engagement with modern technology.
Benefits and harms:
Benefits: Enjoying karaoke and the internet can be positive, helping people relax, self-study, and quickly find useful information. These activities are beneficial if used with healthy and good intentions and if time is used wisely.
Harms: Some people become "addicted," spending too much time on these activities, neglecting studies, and even becoming corrupted due to a lack of self-control.
Comment on the phenomenon of "addiction" to the internet and karaoke.
Express personal opinions on using the internet effectively for study purposes.

c. Conclusion:

Reevaluate the issue
Draw lessons from the phenomenon for discussion.