Top 6 Best Essays on "On the Art of Learning" by Nguyễn Thiếp for 8th Grade

A. Key Concepts

1. The Author

Nguyễn Thiếp (1723 - 1804), also known as Khải Xuyên, with the pen name Lạp Phong Cư Sĩ, was a distinguished figure from La Sơn. He was famous for his intelligence and deep learning. Born in Mật Thôn, in the Nguyệt Ao commune, La Sơn district (now part of Đức Thọ, Hà Tĩnh province), he initially passed the imperial exams and served as an official under the Lê dynasty. Later, he retired to teach in his homeland.

Nguyễn Thiếp contributed to the political development during the Tây Sơn period, and after the death of Emperor Quang Trung, he withdrew into seclusion, refusing to serve under the Nguyễn dynasty.

2. The Work

Excerpts from Nguyễn Thiếp’s memorial to King Quang Trung in 1791:

Genre: Memorial - A formal communication from a subject to a king presenting ideas or concerns.

The work addresses three essential areas that an emperor should understand: the virtues of a ruler, the hearts of the people, and the art of learning.

B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS

Question 1: (Page 78, 8th Grade Literature, Vol. 2)

The author briefly outlines the true purpose of learning. What is it?

Answer: In the introduction, the author emphasizes that learning serves to cultivate one’s humanity and moral integrity, exemplified in his quotes: 'Just as a gem cannot be shaped without grinding, a person cannot be fully realized without learning' and 'The way is the conduct that governs human interactions every day.' For Nguyễn Thiếp, the true purpose of learning is to become a virtuous person, to learn ethics, and to navigate relationships in society effectively.

Question 2: (Page 78, 8th Grade Literature, Vol. 2)

What misguided forms of learning does the author criticize, and what are the consequences?

Answer: Nguyễn Thiếp criticizes the pursuit of shallow, superficial knowledge aimed solely at gaining fame and wealth, while neglecting the core principles of social relations—such as the Three Bonds and the Five Constant Virtues. This distorted form of learning leads to chaos, disloyalty, and the eventual downfall of the nation.

Question 3: (Page 78, 8th Grade Literature, Vol. 2)

What educational policies does Nguyễn Thiếp suggest to encourage learning?

Answer: To foster learning, Nguyễn Thiếp advises King Quang Trung to implement policies that ensure accessibility to education for all—whether in official schools, private institutions, or even for children of scholars and officials, allowing them to study freely according to their convenience. This would create favorable conditions for widespread learning.

Question 4: (Page 78, 8th Grade Literature, Vol. 2)

The memorial discusses the 'art of learning.' What are these methods, and how do they impact learning? Which learning methods do you find most effective based on your experience?

Answer: The memorial outlines several methods of learning: starting from basic to advanced concepts to build a strong foundation, ensuring breadth of knowledge while maintaining depth in understanding, and integrating learning with practical application. These methods prevent knowledge from becoming abstract and irrelevant, ensuring it is useful and applicable in real life.

Question 5: (Page 78, 8th Grade Literature, Vol. 2)

Illustrate the argument structure of the passage with a diagram.

Answer: The structure of the passage: True purpose of learning → Problems in current learning → Policies to encourage learning → Effective methods of learning

I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND WORK

1. Author

Nguyễn Thiếp (1723-1804), also known as Khải Xuyên and Lạp Phong Cư Sĩ, was highly regarded by his contemporaries, often referred to as La Sơn Phu Tử. He was born in Mật Thôn village, Nguyệt Ao commune, La Sơn district (now part of Đức Thọ, Hà Tĩnh province).

Nguyễn Thiếp was known for his sharp intellect, vast knowledge, and wisdom. He passed the imperial exams, served as a government official under the Lê dynasty, but later retired to teach.

2. Work

The text "On the Method of Learning" is an excerpt from a memorial Nguyễn Thiếp sent to King Quang Trung in August 1791. The essay emphasizes that the purpose of education is to cultivate moral character, gain knowledge, and contribute to the prosperity of the nation.

Genre: In ancient times, a memorial (tấu) was a formal document presented by a subject to the king, offering reports, ideas, or proposals.

II. KEY KNOWLEDGE

Question 1: The opening section of the text (from "A gem that is not polished..." to "the harmful consequences of such practices") discusses both the noble purpose of education and the current negative state of learning. Education is meant to help individuals understand how to be good people, to live rightly, and to act appropriately in society. Nguyễn Thiếp argues that just as a gem must be polished to become valuable, people must engage in learning and self-improvement to be capable of contributing to society. During the feudal era, education and examinations were also a direct pathway to government positions, offering opportunities for individuals to serve their country.

Question 2: However, this noble purpose has led to negative trends in education: learning driven by practical, self-serving goals such as personal advancement, fame, and wealth. Those who pursue false forms of education, prioritizing appearance over substance, create sycophants and undermine the nation, leading to its downfall. La Sơn Phu Tử confronted this reality and expressed these truths in his memorial to King Quang Trung. The next section of the memorial suggests solutions, offering a more accurate and effective approach to learning.

Question 3: To encourage education, Nguyễn Thiếp advises King Quang Trung to make learning widely accessible. The idea is for everyone to be aware of the importance of education and to have the freedom to study anywhere: "Teachers and students in districts, towns, private schools, and children of scholars and officials should be free to study wherever is convenient for them."

Question 4: When discussing the method of learning, Nguyễn Thiếp insists that learning should follow a logical sequence, starting from the basics and building up: "Begin with elementary education to lay the foundation, and then advance gradually." It is essential to acquire a broad knowledge base, but more important to focus on the core and most meaningful knowledge. Furthermore, education must be paired with action—what is learned in books must be put into practice: "Learn and apply it." This approach ensures that knowledge is not just theoretical but actively contributes to the country's stability and prosperity.

In any era, genuine education is crucial for progress and development. Nguyễn Thiếp's ideas remain valid across time.

Question 5*: The logical flow of the argument in the passage is: Purpose of learning -> Negative trends in education -> Policies to promote education -> Methods of learning

III. SKILL DEVELOPMENT

1. Reading Technique

As this is a memorial, it should be read with a slow and clear pace.

2. Analyze the necessity and effectiveness of the method of "learning through practice".

Refer to the following excerpt:

... “Our country, like many others in the East, has had a long period under feudalism. Having inherited the educational framework and textbooks of China, our education system was traditionally focused on theory. Such a method of learning is no longer effective in meeting the fast-evolving demands of modern life..."

The method of "learning through practice" is highly effective. By engaging in practical activities, learners can continuously evaluate and improve their knowledge, enhancing their abilities. Moreover, practice is the best way to transform theoretical knowledge into tangible skills. The more proficient these skills become, the more effective one’s work will be...”

(Ngô Tuần)

I. General Overview

1. Author

La Sơn Phu Tử Nguyễn Thiếp (as mentioned in the textbook)

2. Work

Genre: Memorial. The work was written by Nguyễn Thiếp and sent to King Quang Trung in August 1791.

II. Analysis

Question 1 (Page 78, Grade 8, Volume 2)

In the section "A gem that is not polished..." the author highlights the true purpose of education:

Education to understand morality
Education to be a good person and behave appropriately

Question 2 (Page 78, Grade 8, Volume 2)

The author condemns the following wrong approaches to learning:

Learning for show, seeking fame and wealth, shallow and practical learning
Ignoring core moral principles, losing the true meaning of learning
People who learn falsely, aiming only to gain positions and power, bring harm to the nation

Question 3 (Page 75, Grade 8, Volume 2)

To encourage learning, Nguyễn Thiếp suggests the following solutions:

Expand schools and accessibility, create favorable conditions for learners
Learning should follow a systematic approach
Learn broadly and then condense the knowledge
Learning should go hand in hand with practice

Question 4 (Page 75, Grade 8, Volume 2)

The essay "On the Method of Learning" discusses the following approaches to education:

Start from simple concepts and move to complex ones
Progress from basic to advanced
Transition from theory to practical application

Question 5 (Page 75, Grade 8, Volume 2)

Diagram based on the following ideas:

• The true purpose of learning:
• Criticism of opportunistic and superficial learning methods
• Proposing solutions for proper learning

=> Long-term benefits of genuine education.

III. Practice: Discussing the Method of Learning

The necessity and benefits of the "learning by doing" approach: Learning is the process by which people acquire new knowledge and skills that they did not know before. This knowledge can come from various fields such as history, geography, culture, society, science, etc. Although these fields offer vast and diverse knowledge, simply absorbing it theoretically is not enough. One must practice and refine those lessons and skills to apply them in real life. Without practice, learning remains a theoretical abstraction and becomes forgotten over time, wasting effort. Therefore, the old saying "Learning must go hand in hand with practice" reflects how both activities work together to build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills necessary for life.

Structure: 4 Parts

- Part 1 (From the beginning... to the negative consequences): The purpose of education

- Part 2 (From now on... please do not overlook): Discussing the method of learning

- Part 3 (The moral education... prosperity): Expected results

- Part 4 (The remaining section): Conclusion on the method of learning

Question 1 (Page 78, Grade 8, Volume 2):

In the opening section, "A gem that is not polished..." the author clearly expresses the true purpose of education:

+ Education to "understand morality"

+ Education to be a good person, to live well, and to act appropriately.

→ Education holds great and noble significance: learning to live according to moral standards.

Question 2 (Page 78, Grade 8, Volume 2):

The author critiques the following educational approaches:

+ Learning for show, seeking fame and fortune → a shallow, self-serving approach to education focused on advancement, acquiring titles, and seeking rewards.

+ Ignoring core moral principles → a superficial learning process that loses the true meaning of education.

+ The author is frank and honest in his assessment of the current state of education focused solely on personal gain.

→ Those who pursue false education for personal gain, if they rise to power, will become "flatterers" and corrupt officials, leading to the nation's decline.

Question 3 (Page 75, Grade 8, Volume 2):

To encourage learning, Nguyễn Thiếp discusses the structure and methods of learning:

+ Expand schools and access to education, making learning opportunities more accessible.

+ Learning should follow a systematic order: building a foundation first → study the Four Books and Five Classics → then proceed with historical texts.

+ Learn broadly and then condense the knowledge.

+ Learning must go hand in hand with practice.

→ This strategic vision from a loyal subject addresses the real need for genuine education that cultivates talent for the nation.

Question 4 (Page 75, Grade 8, Volume 2):

The memorial discusses the "method of learning" which involves:

- Starting from simple concepts to complex ones: building a strong foundation first

- Progressing from basic to advanced knowledge: learning the Four Books and Five Classics, followed by historical texts

- Moving from theory to practice: combining learning with hands-on application

→ By following this method, the learner will be able to "achieve accomplishments" and contribute to the nation’s stability and prosperity.

→ From my personal experience, the best learning method is to start with the basics and gradually move to more complex concepts. Learning should always be coupled with practice to make the process meaningful and useful.

Question 5 (Page 75, Grade 8, Volume 2):

Argument structure based on the following points:

The true purpose of education

• Criticizing superficial learning for fame and personal gain
• Proposing solutions for the method of learning

→ The long-term benefits of genuine, practical education.

Practice (Page 79, Grade 8, Volume 2)

The necessity and benefits of the "learning by doing" method

Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge and theory. Practice is the application of that theory into real-life situations. The "learning by doing" method combines both understanding and action, creating practical results by reinforcing each other. If we only learn without applying, it becomes mere theory, lacking deeper meaning. Learning by doing is essential and beneficial to everyone. However, in practice, this method has not been sufficiently valued in our country, which is a key factor contributing to the stagnation of the education system. Therefore, we need to set clear educational goals and regularly implement the "learning by doing" method to make education more meaningful.

Summary
The essay on the method of learning is a memorial written by Nguyễn Thiếp to the king, emphasizing the true purpose of education: learning to become a good person. The author outlines a correct approach to education: starting with fundamental knowledge, progressively moving from basic to advanced concepts, learning broadly but focusing on core knowledge, and most importantly, combining learning with practice. This approach not only creates knowledgeable individuals but also contributes to the growth and prosperity of the nation.

Main idea
The essay helps us understand that the true purpose of education is to cultivate moral, knowledgeable individuals who contribute to the nation’s prosperity, not just to pursue personal fame or profit. Effective education requires the right methods: learning widely but focusing on the essentials, and most importantly, learning must always be coupled with practice.

I. Author, Work

1. Author (For reference, check the introduction of the author Nguyễn Thiếp in the 8th-grade Vietnamese textbook, Volume 2).

2. Work

* Origin: 'A Discussion on the Art of Learning' is an excerpt from Nguyễn Thiếp's memorial to King Quang Trung in August 1791.

* Genre: This text is written in the genre of a memorial, a type of formal letter from subjects to the ruler, presenting matters, opinions, or suggestions. Nguyễn Thiếp's memorial to King Quang Trung discusses three things that, according to him, the emperor should know: the ruler's virtue (military virtue), the people's sentiment, and the art of learning.

II. Guide to Reading the Text

Question 1:

In the first part, the author broadly introduces the true purpose of learning through a memorable, easy-to-understand proverb: “A gem will not become an item without polishing, just as a person who does not learn will never understand the way.” The concept of “the way” is also explained simply as “the moral way of treating others daily.”

=> The true purpose of learning is to study to become a true person.

Question 2:

* The author criticizes misguided and wrong approaches to learning, such as studying for superficial success or fame, forgetting core values, and abandoning traditional principles in favor of empty forms.

* The harm of these misguided learning methods is that they promote a society where everyone, from top to bottom, seeks to please others or advance through connections, not through their own merits, leading ultimately to disaster for the nation.

Question 3:

To encourage education, Nguyễn Thiếp advises King Quang Trung to implement the following policies:

Allow teachers and students in both public and private schools, as well as the children of military and civil officials, to study anywhere convenient.
Learning must be progressive, from simple to advanced.
Study broadly, then summarize the essential core ideas.
Apply the knowledge learned to real life.

Question 4:

* The memorial discusses several “principles of learning,” including:

Learning must follow a step-by-step order, from basic to advanced knowledge.
Learn widely, but focus on the essence, not on irrelevant details.
Learning must be practical and applicable to life; only then can it contribute to the country.
* In my opinion, every method of learning is important, but the most crucial aspect is true, genuine learning, acquiring real knowledge. To achieve this, one must combine various effective methods of studying, avoiding aimless or disorganized approaches.

Question 5:

Map out the structure of the paragraph:

The true purpose of learning:

Criticism of misguided learning methods.
Presentation of correct and effective learning principles.
Highlight the benefits of genuine education.