Top 6 Best Essays on 'How to Write an Argumentative Essay on a Philosophical or Ethical Issue' for 9th Grade

A. KEY CONCEPTS

I- TOPIC FOR ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY ON A PHILOSOPHICAL OR ETHICAL ISSUE

Topic 1: Reflection on the Fable 'The Carpenter Who Chiseled in the Middle of the Road'

Topic 2: The Ethical Principle of 'Drinking Water, Remember the Source'

Topic 3: Discussing Competition and Generosity

Topic 4: The Virtue of Humility

Topic 5: 'Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way'

Topic 6: The Virtue of Integrity

Topic 7: The Spirit of Self-Learning

Topic 8: The Harmful Effects of Smoking

Topic 9: Gratitude for Teachers

Topic 10: Reflection on the Folk Saying 'A Father’s Love is Like Mount Tai – A Mother’s Love is Like the Flowing Water'

Questions:

a. What similarities can you find between these topics? Identify the common trait.

b. Come up with a similar topic yourself.

Answer:

a. Similarities: All topics discuss philosophical or ethical issues.
Differences: Topics 1, 3, and 10 have specific instructions (reflect, discuss, etc.), while the others do not provide explicit instructions. However, they all share a common demand: argumentative writing, meaning the writer must analyze, explain, comment, or prove a point.
b. Example: Discuss the proverb 'Appreciate the One Who Plants the Tree When Eating the Fruit'.
Reflect on the importance of integrity in studying.
Unity is strength.
It’s the inner quality that matters more than appearance.

II- HOW TO WRITE AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY ON A PHILOSOPHICAL OR ETHICAL ISSUE

For the topic: Reflection on the ethical principle 'Drinking Water, Remember the Source'

Steps:

1. Understand the topic and brainstorm ideas

2. Create an outline

a. Introduction: Introduce the proverb and outline its general idea

b. Body: Explanation of the proverb
Evaluation of the proverb’s meaning

c. Conclusion:

Affirm a noble tradition of the nation
Discuss the relevance of the proverb today

3. Write the essay

4. Review and revise your essay

III- KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER

To excel in writing an argumentative essay on a philosophical or ethical issue, in addition to general writing requirements, focus on employing reasoning, proof, analysis, and synthesis techniques.
General Outline:
Introduction: Introduce the philosophical or ethical issue being discussed

Body:

Explain and prove the meaning of the philosophical or ethical issue
Analyze and evaluate the issue within the context of life

Conclusion: Summarize and conclude with new insights or advice

Choose a specific perspective to explain, evaluate, and present the writer’s opinion.

B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS

III- PRACTICE EXERCISES

Create an outline for the topic 'The Spirit of Self-Learning'

Example answer:
1. Understand the topic and brainstorm ideas:
What is the topic of discussion? (The Spirit of Self-Learning) What is the command in the topic? (While the topic does not provide a specific command, you must still identify specific tasks for your essay: analysis, explanation, proof…)

Ideas: What is self-learning? Why is self-learning important? What are the benefits of self-learning? What does a self-motivated learner look like? What examples of self-learners do you know? Do you consider yourself a self-motivated learner?

2. Create an outline:
a. Introduction:
To succeed academically, each student must not only learn the material taught by the teacher but also adopt an effective study method, have a spirit of self-learning, and be proactive in their studies.

b. Body:
Explanation:
'Self-learning' means creating a plan, setting methods to improve one’s learning independently.
Self-learning is working at home before class to prepare better.
Therefore, a spirit of self-learning is an effective study method that helps students make progress.

Commentary:
The benefits of having a self-learning spirit:
Studying in advance helps students absorb lessons more effectively when the teacher explains.

Preparing lessons and completing assignments solidify knowledge and improve understanding.

'Self-learning' is a method that encourages students to independently search for knowledge.

'Self-learning' also helps students become more proactive and creative in their learning.

Examples:
Many self-learners have become well-known, such as Mac Dinh Chi who passed the imperial exams by self-studying, or Ho Chi Minh who learned many languages on his own.

Expansion: Criticize those who avoid learning, treating it as a burden and a chore.

Conclusion: Conclude by emphasizing the importance of self-learning in improving one’s knowledge, taking control of their learning, and planning their academic journey. Every student needs to develop their own self-learning method.

Question 1. Which of the following topics belong to the category of argumentative essays on moral or ideological issues? Which belong to the category of essays discussing life events or phenomena?

Topic 1. Advice for a friend who has just started smoking.

Topic 2. The poem 'Moonlight' by Nguyễn Duy.

Topic 3. Your thoughts when you meet a war veteran who lost both eyes.

Topic 4. The virtue of honesty.

Topic 5. The spirit of self-study.

Topic 6. Thoughts when you meet a peer who has to quit school and work as a street vendor.

Topic 7. Gratitude towards teachers.

Topic 8. The virtue of humility.

Topic 9. Characters in the short story 'Silent Sa Pa' by Nguyễn Thành Long.

Answer:

The exercise presents two major categories: social argumentative essays and literary argumentative essays. The first category can be further divided into two subcategories: essays on life events or phenomena, and essays on moral or ideological topics. Review the definitions and characteristics of these categories to identify each topic correctly.

Question 2. Read the following passage and answer the questions below.

"Nowadays, people often talk about civilization, democracy, and fairness, but rarely mention sacrifice. During the war, the concept of sacrifice was a key focus. In 2005, the nation commemorated the 30th anniversary of the complete liberation of the South and reunification of the country. It was also the 40th anniversary of the 'Three Responsibilities' movement, which began in Dan Phuong district, Ha Tay province, initiated by young women. Initially named the 'Three Responsibilities' movement, it implied doing tasks for others. With the suggestion of Uncle Ho, it was renamed 'The Three Responsibilities' to emphasize active and positive involvement. This movement was not a general youth movement but specifically for young women, many of whom became soldiers and youth volunteers. The once perceived weaker gender, women, rose to become a dominant, active force. Millions of women directly contributed to fighting and supporting the war. People have spoken of the sacrifices made, such as those of the 10 girls in Dong Loc, but these are just symbolic statues. We must remember the thousands of female soldiers and youth volunteers who never returned. These are the true sacrifices of the body. However, we must also acknowledge the unnamed and unnoticed sacrifices: the loss of youth, the ability to bear children, and the abandonment of roles as wives and mothers. Many people of today, now in their 50s and 60s, left their youth behind on the front lines."

(Source: Phạm Tiến Duật, Nhân dân Digital)

Question:

a) Does this passage address an ideological or moral issue, or is it a discussion of a life event or phenomenon? What is the main issue discussed? What argumentative techniques does the author use?

b) Which sentences represent the writer’s unique opinions?

Answer:

a) The passage focuses on a social phenomenon that reflects the heroic spirit, specifically how women, once considered the weaker gender, rose to take on roles of strength and sacrifice. The author uses various argumentative techniques such as contrast (comparing the present with the wartime past), explanation (describing the 'Three Responsibilities' movement), and escalation (increasing the levels of sacrifice, from death to enduring lifelong suffering). The author emphasizes the profound nature of sacrifice by highlighting how these women continued to sacrifice even after the war ended.

b) The writer provides a distinct and thoughtful opinion on the depth of sacrifice, stating that we must understand sacrifice in a more comprehensive and profound manner, especially those sacrifices made in silence, such as the loss of youth and the abandonment of familial roles, as highlighted in the concluding lines of the passage: "People have spoken of the sacrifices like those of the 10 girls in Dong Loc. But these are only symbolic monuments. We must remember the thousands of female soldiers, youth volunteers, and civilian workers who never came back. These represent the true sacrifices. We also need to acknowledge those nameless and unnoticed sacrifices: the loss of youth, the ability to bear children, and the abandoning of roles as wives and mothers. Many individuals in their 50s and 60s today have left their youth on the battlefield."

I - ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE TO MASTER

- To write a good argumentative essay on an ideological or moral topic, in addition to general requirements for any essay, focus on applying argumentative techniques such as explanation, proof, analysis, and synthesis.

- General outline:

+ Introduction: Introduce the ideological or moral issue to be discussed.

+ Body:

Explain and provide evidence for the ideological or moral issue.

State and evaluate the issue in the context of personal, community, or societal life.

+ Conclusion: Summarize, provide new insights, and express personal attitudes or actions.

II - GUIDELINES FOR STUDYING THE ESSAY

1. The topics above share the commonality of addressing ideological or moral issues. However, topics 1, 3, and 10 include specific instructions (e.g., reflecting on..., discussing...), while others do not provide explicit instructions but present moral or ideological topics for the writer to consider. For these, all three argumentative techniques should be used.

2. Some similar topics:

- Topics with instructions:

+ Comment on the proverb: 'Remember the tree planter when you eat the fruit.'

+ Your thoughts on the virtue of honesty.

+ Discuss your opinion on the proverb: 'Eat first at a feast, but swim later.'

- Topics without instructions:

+ Unity is strength.

+ Perseverance brings success.

+ The spirit of self-reliance.

III - GUIDELINES FOR PRACTICE

Topic 7: The spirit of self-study.

This is a topic without specific instructions, but the writer must identify it as an argumentative essay on the topic of self-study. To address this, one must explain what self-study means. Self-study refers to the process of an individual independently acquiring knowledge. While teachers and peers can provide guidance, it remains a personal activity. Therefore, self-study is crucial. No one can learn for you or gather knowledge on your behalf. Even after leaving school, individuals must continue learning to refine knowledge for their careers and lives. Self-study is essential to achieving education. Historical examples of self-study include famous figures who succeeded through independent learning. The concept of self-study is essential for knowledge accumulation and character development. Every student sitting in school should embrace the spirit of self-study.

Based on these aspects, create an outline for the essay.

I. Essay Topics on Ideological or Moral Issues

a. Topics 1, 3, and 10 include specific instructions, while the others are open-ended, without explicit directives. All these topics focus on issues related to spiritual or moral life.

b. Some similar topics:

- Compassion

- Envy and jealousy

- The problem of dishonesty

II. How to Write an Argumentative Essay on an Ideological or Moral Topic

1. Understand the topic and generate ideas.

2. Create an outline.

3. Write the essay.

4. Review and revise the essay.

Practice

Outline for the topic: "The Spirit of Self-Study"

1. Introduction

Introduce self-study as an effective learning method, in addition to traditional lectures.

2. Body

∗ Define the concept:

- Self-study means planning and implementing one's own learning methods to improve study outcomes.

- Self-study involves independently acquiring knowledge, processing information, and gaining wisdom.

∗ Provide examples:

Numerous self-study role models exist, such as Mạc Đĩnh Chi, who passed the national exam through self-study, or President Hồ Chí Minh, who taught himself foreign languages and culture.

∗ Counter-argument: Some students view studying as a burden and may develop negative attitudes towards learning.

∗ Discussion:

+ The primary self-study activities of students include preparing lessons, doing assignments, and reviewing new material.

+ Students can plan their own learning schedules, choosing time, place, and content.

+ Self-study allows students to explore knowledge independently and take initiative in learning.

+ Self-study is essential for demonstrating creative thinking and organizing tasks effectively.

+ Students who adopt self-study strategies take control of their learning journey.

3. Conclusion

The spirit of self-study enhances knowledge, promotes personal autonomy, and helps set goals for educational achievement.

Part I: ESSAY TOPICS ON IDEOLOGICAL OR MORAL ISSUES

Read the given topics and answer the following questions:

Topic 1. Thoughts on the fable 'Carving the wood in the middle of the road.'

Topic 2. The moral of 'Drinking water, remembering the source.'

Topic 3. Discussing competition and compromise.

Topic 4. The virtue of humility.

Topic 5. The importance of perseverance.

Topic 6. The virtue of honesty.

Topic 7. The spirit of self-study.

Topic 8. The harmful effects of smoking.

Topic 9. Gratitude towards teachers.

Topic 10. Reflection on the folk verse: 'A father's work is like the Thái Sơn mountain – A mother's love is like water from the source.'

a) What do these topics have in common? Identify the similarities.

b) Come up with a similar topic on your own.

Answer:

a) Topics 1, 3, and 10 are directive topics. The others are open-ended and do not include directives. All these topics address issues related to spiritual or moral life.

b) Some similar topics include:

- Your thoughts on the phrase: 'Unity is strength.'

- Discuss the proverb: 'Perseverance makes the needle sharp.'

- The virtue of humility.

Part II: HOW TO WRITE AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY ON AN IDEOLOGICAL OR MORAL ISSUE

1. Understand the topic and brainstorm ideas.

2. Create a rough outline.

3. Write the essay.

4. Review and revise the essay.

Part III: PRACTICE

Create an outline for Topic 7 from Part I.

Topic 7. The spirit of self-study.

a. Introduction:

- In school, aside from acquiring knowledge from teachers, students need additional methods to excel.

- One effective method is self-study.

b. Body:

- Explanation:

+ "Self-study" means setting your own goals and creating strategies to enhance your learning.

+ "Self-study" is the preparation work done at home before attending classes.

- Proof: Many self-taught individuals have become successful, such as Mạc Đĩnh Chi who passed the national exam by self-study, Mã Lương who mastered painting, and President Hồ Chí Minh who learned multiple languages on his own.

- Criticism: Some individuals, seeing learning as a chore, become discouraged and develop a lack of motivation.

- Evaluation:

+ Students’ self-study at home often involves preparing lessons, doing assignments, studying, and previewing new material.

+ They plan when to study and what to focus on—deciding what to learn first and what to tackle later.

+ Preparing lessons in advance allows students to understand better, respond to teachers' questions, and engage more in the learning process.

+ "Self-study" is a method that encourages students to actively seek knowledge.

+ "Self-study" is a modern approach that encourages students to take initiative in their education.

+ It is a foundation for demonstrating creative thinking and organizing tasks scientifically.

+ A student who practices self-study knows how to control their learning journey.

c. Conclusion:

- The spirit of self-study helps individuals enhance their knowledge, take control of their learning, and set their own study plans.

- The spirit of self-study is crucial for everyone.

- Every student should develop their own self-study strategies.

A. GUIDELINES FOR UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC

I. Essay topics on ideological or moral issues:

Topic 1: Reflection on the fable 'Carving wood in the middle of the road.'

Topic 2: The virtue of honesty.

Topic 3: The harmful effects of smoking.

Topic 4: Reflection on the folk verse:

A father's work is like the Thái Sơn mountain,

A mother's love is like water flowing from its source.

Topic 5: Gratitude towards teachers.

1. These topics are similar in that they all ask the writer to reflect on an ideological or moral issue, such as the moral of 'drinking water, remembering the source,' the value of gratitude towards teachers, or the virtue of honesty.

2. Some similar topics include:

Reflection on the folk verse:

'When trouble arises, we support each other,'

The virtue of diligence.

The spirit of patriotism among the youth of Vietnam in the 21st century.

II. How to write an argumentative essay on an ideological or moral issue

To write a strong essay on an ideological or moral issue, in addition to the general requirements for writing, such as understanding the topic, analyzing the issues to brainstorm ideas, creating an outline, writing the essay, and editing it afterward, focus on using argumentative techniques like explanation, proof, analysis, and synthesis.

The general structure of an argumentative essay on an ideological or moral issue includes three parts:

Introduction: Introduce the ideological or moral issue to be discussed.

Body:

+ Explain and prove the content of the issue.

+ Critically evaluate the issue within the context of both personal and societal life.

Conclusion: Summarize, draw conclusions, offer new insights, or provide advice or actions.

The essay should present a unique perspective to explain, evaluate, and offer the writer’s opinion on the issue.

B. PRACTICE GUIDELINES

Create an outline for Topic 7 from Part I: The spirit of self-study.

1. Introduction:

Introduce the spirit of self-study and summarize its characteristics and role in a student’s life.

2. Body:

a. Explanation:

The spirit of self-study:

Narrow definition: It is the willingness to study without needing reminders from teachers or parents.

Broader definition: It also involves independently seeking out knowledge through books, articles, and other resources.

b. Evaluating the significance of self-study:

The spirit of self-study reflects a high level of awareness about the importance of learning. It demonstrates creativity, a desire for knowledge, and a continuous drive to acquire useful knowledge, which is essential for preparing for life. Only by fostering a strong self-study mindset can students improve the quality of their education.

Effective self-study requires a methodical approach:

+ Set a reasonable study plan that complements classroom learning.

+ Proactively find books and reference materials related to each subject to deepen understanding.

+ Cultivate the habit of taking systematic notes from books, articles, and media.

3. Conclusion:

The spirit of self-study is a valuable trait for everyone, especially for personal success.

It’s essential to promote the spirit of self-study to continuously access the collective knowledge of humanity.