1. Explanatory Writing Essay #4
Question 1. Based on the explanatory writing topics in the textbook, suggest 5 additional explanatory topics and write them down in your exercise book.
Answer:
Consider various subjects such as people, nature, plants, objects... almost anything can be explained. However, when assigning topics, it is best to choose those that are familiar and relatable to students. For instance, introduce a classmate to be elected as class president, explain a literature textbook, talk about your village, describe your notebook, introduce a pen, a hat, a magnolia tree, or even a banana tree or a custard apple tree...
Question 2. Read the following explanatory essay and perform the tasks listed at the end.
THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF SMOKING ON YOUTH
Young people are the future of the country, the hope of their families. Every young person should strive to improve their physical health.
To enhance physical health, it is crucial to eliminate harmful factors, and smoking is one such harmful factor because it introduces toxins into the body.
Why should young people avoid harmful substances? It is because their bodies are still in the developmental stage, fragile, not yet fully matured, and their resistance to toxins is very weak, which makes the damage more significant. For example, in areas with heavy pollution, where there is much carbon dioxide and less oxygen, the first group affected is children, with higher infection rates and more severe illness.
Smoking is entirely harmful with no benefits. Cigarettes hinder lung development, and in addition to causing chronic bronchitis, they have also been linked to lung cancer. Long-term smokers develop yellowing on the tips of their fingers, and autopsies reveal that their lungs are dark yellow. Although those who smoke less may not suffer as much damage to their lungs, it still affects their development.
The nicotine in cigarettes can cause coronary artery disease and high blood pressure. Smoking decreases the effectiveness of physical exercise. The carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke reduces the oxygen supply to the body, reducing the blood flow to the brain, and long-term smoking impairs brain function.
Since smoking is so harmful, it is better for young people to stay away from cigarettes.
(Student's essay)
Tasks:
- Outline the essay's structure.
- Use knowledge from the lesson on smoking and diseases to enrich the essay.
Answer:
Pay attention: What does this essay mention that the lesson on smoking and diseases did not cover? Conversely, what does the lesson on smoking and diseases discuss that the essay does not mention?
Question 3. Given the following materials, combine them with your knowledge to create an outline for an explanatory essay introducing the Vietnamese conical hat.
a) The conical hat typically has a bamboo frame and is covered with leaves. The hat's peak is sharp, the brim is wide, and the three-layered hat is more delicate than the round-brimmed hat. All these types require a chin strap. The most common type is the fabric chin strap hat, and Hue is famous for its poetry hat, which is thin and when held up to the light, you can see the poems written inside (historically, there were poems written on it).
(Trần Ngọc Thêm, Vietnamese Cultural Foundation)
b)
The hat shields hands from the sun, it's like a reminder to the lover.
(Folk Verse)
c)
The white hat tied with black cloth
When I see you polite, I want to get to know you.
(Folk Verse)
d)
It's not a bucket but it's used to dip water.
It's not a fan, but it helps cool the body.
It's not a basket, but it's used for storage.
It's not a hat, yet it's worn on the head.
(Vietnamese Riddle)
e) According to some sources, the art of making hats originated during the Tran Dynasty, around the 13th century. The hat is made from three materials: bamboo for the frame, leaves for the covering, and thread for stitching. There are many different types of conical hats to suit the needs of various users. Tam Giang hats were for the elderly, leaf hats for the rich and powerful, Tu Lo hats for monks, and the soldiers wore wide-brimmed hats. In the past, hats had wide, heavy brims. At the beginning of the 20th century, the design was improved to make them lighter and more graceful.
Famous hat-making regions in Vietnam include Chuong village (Hà Đông), Quảng Bình, and Hue. The Hue hat has become a symbol in poetry and is also a significant export product of the region.
(According to Vietnam's Water and Land)
Answer:
Construct an outline for an explanatory essay about the Vietnamese conical hat. Be sure to introduce the hat's role in Vietnamese life.
- When did the conical hat originate?
- How is the conical hat constructed?
- What are the different types of conical hats?
- What are the uses of the conical hat?
The conical hat is a symbol of Vietnam.
Question 4. The structure of an explanatory essay should generally follow the order below:
a) Spatial order: from the outside to the inside, from farther to nearer, from top to bottom.
b) Temporal order: from the past to the present, following the development process of the subject.
c) Process order: preparing materials, processing the materials, distilling the process...
d) Logical order: general introduction, detailed description, presenting qualities, and stating methods of preservation.
Read the explanatory essays in the textbook: Coconut Trees of Binh Dinh, Why Are Leaves Green?, Hue, The Three-way Junction of Dong Loc, The Bicycle,... and determine which order each essay follows.
Answer:
After reading the above essays or paragraphs, we can see:
a) Coconut Trees of Binh Dinh: The text is divided into two parts:
- Benefits of the coconut tree.
- The position of the coconut tree among the plants in Binh Dinh.
This follows the logical order.
b) Why Are Leaves Green?: The text follows the logical order, starting from the chloroplast cells.
c) Hue: The essay follows the logical order: presenting natural values first, cultural values later.
d) The Agricultural Rebellion of Nong Van Van: The text follows the chronological order.
e) The Earthworm: The text follows the logical order.
f) The Three-way Junction of Dong Loc: The essay combines spatial and historical order.
g) The Bicycle: The essay follows the logical order.

2. Explanatory Essay "Topic on Explanatory Writing and How to Write Explanatory Essays" Number 5
I. EXPLANATORY ESSAY TOPIC
1. An explanatory essay presents the subject of explanation. The subject can be anything: a person, an object, a monument, an animal, a plant, food, toys, festivals, etc.
The essay does not require storytelling, description, or emotional expression, but rather asks for an introduction, explanation, and clarification on the topic given.
2. How to write an explanatory essay.
Read the following essay:
BICYCLE
At one point, bicycles were the primary means of personal transportation for Vietnamese people. A bicycle is a simple form of transport powered by human effort.
A bicycle is made up of various components, mainly the transmission system, the control system, and the carrying system. The transmission system consists of the frame, pedals, central axle, bearings, chain, sprocket, wheels, and front and rear tires. When riding, the person pedals the bike, causing the axle to move, which in turn moves the sprocket and chain, pushing the rear wheel to drive the bike forward. The large diameter sprocket has twice as many teeth as the smaller sprocket, causing the larger sprocket to rotate twice for every one rotation of the smaller one. The wheel diameter is typically 650mm or 700mm, which is about 10 times the diameter of the sprocket, so when the sprocket rotates once, the wheel moves forward a significant distance. Faster rotation of the sprocket results in a faster ride. Early bicycle wheels were made of wood, making the ride quite bumpy. Nowadays, rubber tires with inner tubes are used, providing a smoother ride due to the elasticity of the tires.
The control system includes handlebars with grips that allow for steering, along with a bearing system at the front of the bike to guide the front wheel. The brakes, located at the ends of the handlebars, slow the bike down when necessary. The braking system consists of brake levers, cables, and brake pads that press against the rims of the wheels, creating friction to slow down or stop the bike. Thanks to the brakes, the rider can stop the bike at will.
The carrying system consists of the saddle and the rear rack for carrying goods. The saddle is attached to the frame and serves as the seat for the rider. The rear rack, mounted behind the saddle and attached to the rear wheel axle, allows the rider to carry a variety of items. Some bicycles also feature a front rack attached to the front wheel axle.
In addition to these main parts, bicycles also have chain guards and mudguards for the front and rear wheels, headlights powered by a dynamo on the front fork, a rear signal light, and sometimes a bell near the handlebar.
Bicycles are a convenient mode of transportation for short distances, such as within villages or small cities. Riding a bicycle does not pollute the environment, and it also serves as a form of physical exercise.
Today, motorcycles have become more common, and they often overshadow bicycles, causing traffic congestion and environmental pollution. However, in the future, as public transportation improves, bicycles will still be an essential personal mode of transport, being both clean and convenient.
(Student's work)
3. Explanatory essays differ from descriptive essays. In a descriptive essay, one might describe a specific bicycle, such as the one belonging to the writer or a friend, detailing its color, gender-specific design, or its condition. However, an explanatory essay discusses the bicycle as a common means of transport, focusing on its structure and function, rather than its appearance, decoration, or age.
II. ESSAY STRUCTURE FOR EXPLANATORY ESSAYS
a) Introduction: Introduce the bicycle as a common form of transportation.
b) Body: Describe the construction of the bicycle and how it works: the transmission system, the control system, and the carrying system.
c) Conclusion: Discuss the role of bicycles in the lives of Vietnamese people today and in the future.
When describing the bicycle's structure, one should use an analytical method that divides the object into its components to explain them in turn. This essay breaks down the bicycle into three main parts: the transmission system, the control system, and the carrying system. A mere list of components such as the frame, wheels, pedals, and chain would not effectively explain the bicycle's functioning.
Overall, the essay provides a clear, scientific, and easy-to-understand explanation of the bicycle, the object being discussed.
• Key Points:
- When writing an explanatory essay, the primary goal is to present knowledge that is objective and scientific about the subject.
- The writer must carefully observe and research the subject, presenting the information in a logical order that is easy for the reader to understand.
- The language should be precise, clear, and coherent.
III. PRACTICE
Create an outline and plan for an explanatory essay on the Vietnamese conical hat.
REFERENCE OUTLINE:
a) Introduction: Provide a definition of the Vietnamese conical hat.
b) Body:
- What is the shape of the hat? What materials are used to make it? How is it made? Where is it typically produced? Which regions are famous for making hats?
- What role does the conical hat play in the lives of Vietnamese people?
- Can the conical hat be used as a gift?
- Do you think the conical hat has become a symbol of Vietnamese women?
c) Conclusion:
- Personal thoughts on the Vietnamese conical hat.
- In today's world, does the conical hat still hold the same significance, given the variety of headgear options available?

3. Essay on "Descriptive and Explanatory Essay Writing" number 6
Key Concepts to Master
1.1. To write an explanatory essay, the first step is to fully understand the assignment's requirements, clearly defining the scope of objective, scientific knowledge regarding the subject of the essay.
1.2. An explanatory essay has three main sections:
– Introduction: Introduce the subject of explanation.
– Body: Describe the features, structure, and benefits of the subject.
– Conclusion: Express your stance towards the subject.
A. GUIDANCE FOR STUDYING THE ESSAY
I. Explanatory Essay
In its full form, an explanatory essay typically consists of two parts:
– The first part presents the subject to be explained.
– The second part specifies the task of explaining.
Example: Green bean cake is a specialty of Hai Duong. Describe this cake to tourists.
In the example above:
– The part presenting the subject: Green bean cake is a specialty of Hai Duong.
– The task to explain: Describe this cake to tourists.
Sometimes, in an essay prompt, the teacher might only mention the subject to be explained without explicitly stating the task. In this case, you will need to explain, describe, or provide detailed information about the subject.
Examples:
– Introduce a young athlete in Vietnamese sports.
– Introduce the Vietnamese conical hat.
– Introduce Ha Long Bay.
– Explain the Vietnamese Pho.
– Introduce the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam.
II. How to Write an Explanatory Essay
– To write an explanatory essay, you should:
+ Study the subject thoroughly (object, action, person, etc.).
+ Clearly define the scope of knowledge required to explain the subject (structure, characteristics, color, shape, benefits, etc.).
+ Use an appropriate explanatory method.
+ Use precise, easy-to-understand language.
– The structure of the explanatory essay consists of three parts:
+ Introduction: Present the subject to be explained.
+ Body: Present detailed, clear, and specific information about the subject. The presentation may focus on the most noticeable features or unique aspects of the subject.
+ Conclusion: Express your opinion regarding the subject.
* Essay on Bicycle.
– The subject of explanation in this essay is the bicycle.
– The Bicycle Essay consists of three parts:
+ Introduction: “Once, the bicycle was… moving by human power”: introduces the bicycle.
+ Body: “The bicycle is made up of many parts… an activity for physical exercise”: explains the bicycle’s structure, features, and benefits.
+ Conclusion: “Today, motorcycles are… very convenient”: expresses the writer’s stance on the bicycle.
– To explain the bicycle, the essay breaks down its structure as follows:
+ The bicycle consists of several parts, but the main ones are three systems.
+ These three systems are the drivetrain system, control system, and transport system.
+ The three systems are presented in order: first, the drivetrain system, then the control system, and lastly the transport system.
Presenting them in this order makes sense because the writer starts with the most important part of the bicycle and moves to the less critical ones.
– Methods used in the essay.
+ Defining and explaining methods.
+ Listing method.
+ Using numerical data...
For more: Helping you study well for Literature 8 – Parentheses and colons
B. EXERCISE GUIDANCE
Create an outline for the topic: Introducing the Vietnamese conical hat.
a) Introduction: Define the Vietnamese conical hat.
b) Body:
What is the shape of the conical hat? What materials is it made from? How is it made? Where is it commonly produced? Which region is famous for conical hat making? (For example: Hue hats, Quang Binh hats, Ha Tay hats from Chuong village…).
– What role does the conical hat play in the life of the Vietnamese people?
– Can the conical hat be used as a gift?
– Do you think the conical hat has become a symbol of Vietnamese women?
c) Conclusion: Personal feelings about the Vietnamese conical hat.

4. Lesson Plan on "The Expository Essay Topic and How to Write an Expository Essay" No. 1
I. The Expository Essay Topic and How to Write an Expository Essay
1. Expository Essay Topic
- The range of subjects for an expository essay includes objects, people, festivals, historical sites, etc.
- The essay topics consist of two essential parts:
+ The part that introduces the subject to be explained: the young Vietnamese sports figures, a short story collection, the traditional Vietnamese conical hat, the áo dài, rubber sandals from the resistance era, etc.
+ The part that provides instructions: introduce, explain.
2. How to Write an Expository Essay
a. The object to be explained in the essay is the bicycle
b. Outline
+ Introduction (from the beginning... thanks to human effort): introduce the role of the bicycle in daily life.
+ Body (continuing... as in a sports activity) describe the structure of the bicycle in detail.
+ Conclusion (remaining) assert the importance of the bicycle.
c. To introduce the bicycle, the article explains its structure, covering three main systems:
+ The drivetrain system
+ The transportation system
+ The control system
- The explanation follows the structure of the bicycle, with each system thoroughly and clearly analyzed.
d. The expository methods used in the essay include defining terms, listing details, using statistics, giving examples, and analysis.
Practice
Exercise 1 (page 140, Literature Textbook 8, Volume 1)
Create an outline for the topic: "Introduce the Vietnamese Conical Hat."
- Introduction: general introduction to the Vietnamese conical hat.
- Body: Describe the structure of the conical hat.
+ The shape of the hat.
+ The size of the conical hat.
+ The materials used for the hat.
+ The process of making the conical hat.
+ Name the places in Vietnam famous for making conical hats.
+ Describe the conical hat's role in daily life.
+ Discuss the symbolic significance of the conical hat.
- Conclusion: Share your thoughts on the conical hat and how to preserve its cultural value.

5. Lesson Plan on "The Expository Essay Topic and How to Write an Expository Essay" No. 2
I. THE EXPOSITORY ESSAY TOPIC
1. Expository Essay Topics
a) Introduce a young face in Vietnamese sports (examples: Nguyễn Thúy Hiền, Trần Hiếu Ngân, Nguyễn Ngọc Trường Sơn, etc.).
b) Introduce a collection of stories.
c) Introduce the Vietnamese conical hat.
d) Introduce the Vietnamese áo dài.
e) Explain the bicycle.
g) Introduce rubber sandals from the war period.
h) Introduce a famous historical site or landmark in your homeland (temples, pagodas, lakes, architecture, etc.).
i) Explain a useful animal breed.
k) Introduce the flowers of Tết in Vietnam.
l) Explain a traditional dish (bánh chưng, bánh giấy, phở, cốm, etc.).
m) Introduce the Mid-Autumn Festival.
n) Introduce a traditional toy.
- Review the scope of the essay topics above.
- Based on the nature of the expository essay, identify the topic and the required content for the expository writing.
Answer:
- The range of subjects for an expository essay includes objects, people, festivals, historical sites, etc.
- The given topics contain two essential parts:
+ The part that presents the subject to be explained: young Vietnamese sports figures, a short story collection, the Vietnamese conical hat, the áo dài, rubber sandals from the resistance period, etc.
+ The part that instructs: introduce, explain.
2. How to Write an Expository Essay
a. What is the subject of the expository essay (pages 138, 139 in the Literature Textbook 8, Volume 1)?
b. Identify the Introduction, Body, and Conclusion, and explain the content of each part.
c. How does the essay introduce the bicycle’s structure?
d. What expository methods are used in the essay?
Answer:
a. The subject of the expository essay is the bicycle.
b. Outline:
+ Introduction (from the beginning... thanks to human effort): introduce the role of the bicycle in life.
+ Body (continuing... as in a sports activity): explain the structure of the bicycle in parts.
+ Conclusion (remaining): assert the importance of the bicycle.
c.
- To explain the bicycle, the article introduces the structure of the bicycle in three main systems:
+ The drivetrain system
+ The transportation system
+ The control system
- The explanation follows the structure of the bicycle, with each system clearly and thoroughly analyzed.
d. Expository methods used in the essay include definition, listing, using statistics, providing examples, and analysis.
II. PRACTICE
1. Create an outline for the topic: "Introduce the Vietnamese Conical Hat."
Answer:
* Introduction: general introduction to the Vietnamese conical hat.
* Body:
- Explain the structure of the conical hat.
+ The shape of the hat.
+ The size of the conical hat.
+ The materials used for the hat.
+ The process of making the conical hat.
- Name the famous places in Vietnam known for making conical hats.
- Explain the conical hat’s role in daily life.
- Discuss the symbolic significance of the conical hat.
* Conclusion: Share your thoughts on the conical hat and how to preserve its cultural value.

6. Lesson Plan on "The Expository Essay Topic and How to Write an Expository Essay" No. 3

