1. Essay on "Practical Application of Implication (Continued)" No. 4
Question 1, page 99, Literature 12, Volume 2:
a. The action of the character Phô is a plea, and Mr. Lí responds with a sarcastic action, mocking the emotional weakness and personal bias, as he believes that public matters should be dealt with rationally, firmly, and objectively. Through this sarcastic action, Mr. Lí firmly rejects Phô's request.
b. Choose answer D
Question 2, page 99, Literature 12, Volume 2:
a. The first question from Mr. Từ does not only inquire about time, but more importantly, it implies that the house has run out of money and subtly reminds of the due time to receive the monthly payment.
b. Mr. Từ's second remark subtly hints at reminding Hộ about the overdue house rent payment.
c. Both remarks avoid discussing financial struggles:
Mr. Từ understands that Hộ has been under pressure in life, caught between broken dreams of literature and harsh reality...
=> Financial issues are sensitive for Hộ, as he has sacrificed much in his youth.
=> Mr. Từ's words aim to prevent discomfort or irritation for Hộ.
Question 3, page 100, Literature 12, Volume 2:
The explicit meaning of the poem discusses the sea waves.
Implication: the deep love of a girl.
The waves are an aesthetic signal, and the words describing waves have a second meaning, referring to love between couples. These two meanings harmonize throughout the poem. Literary works that use implication highlight their symbolic nature, rich in meaning.
Question 4, page 100, Literature 12, Volume 2:
Choose option D
Question 5, page 100, Literature 12, Volume 2:
Responses with implications to the question “Do you like Nam Cao's story Chí Phèo?” include:
Who wouldn’t like it? (really like it)
Top quality! (I really like it)
As old as the Earth! (don’t like it)
Who’s going to give up the night? (Outstanding, I like it a lot)

2. Essay on "Practical Application of Implication (Continued)" No. 5
Question 1. Read the excerpt (Question 1, page 99) and answer the questions below (SGK).
Answer:
a. The character Phô asks for mercy: "Please spare my house, don’t make it go watch football anymore". Mr. Lí’s response is: "Oh, it’s a matter of state, not the trivial concerns of women like you".
If it were a straightforward response, it would either accept the plea or decline it. Mr. Lí’s reply, while seeming to exaggerate, conveys sarcasm in this context.
b. Choose answer D.
Mr. Lí’s response implies: asserting his authority, showing a strong rejection of Phô's plea, and mocking the feminine way of thinking.
Question 2. Read the excerpt (Question 2, page 99) and answer the questions below (SGK).
Answer:
a. The first question from Mr. Từ: "It’s probably the second or third of the month, right?". This is not just asking about the time, but Mr. Từ is subtly reminding his husband about the time to pick up the monthly allowance.
b. The second "hint": "No wonder the rent collector came this morning..." Từ doesn't directly mention the rent payment. He subtly hints to Hộ to collect money to pay the debts (implicitly violating conversational principles).
c. Effect of this indirect way of speaking:
Mr. Từ expresses his desire through the subtle question about the date, reminding Hộ of another related issue (the rent collector). This indirect way of speaking achieves its goal while avoiding a heavy tone, easing the tension in their relationship during difficult times.
Question 3. Read the poem Waves by Xuân Quỳnh and explain the explicit meaning and implications of the poem. How is implication expressed in literary works?
Answer:
a. Explicit meaning and implication of the poem Waves:
- Explicit meaning: Perceptions and descriptions of the sea waves with its characteristics and states.
- Implicit meaning: By exploring the similarity between the image of "waves" and "me", the poem expresses a woman’s deep, passionate, and faithful love, seeking to transcend the challenges of time and human life’s limitations. This highlights that love is a noble feeling and a great happiness for humanity.
b. Implication is conveyed through a variety of linguistic means, primarily through metaphors and context.
c. Literary works using implication create a rich, multi-layered meaning, conveying the author’s emotions and thoughts in a subtle and profound way.
Question 4. From the exercises on implication, what do you think the effect of using implied speech is?
Answer:
The correct answer is: D. Depending on the context, implication can have one or several effects.
Question 5. Choose an implied response to the question: - Do you like Nam Cao’s story Chí Phèo?
+ Who wouldn’t like it?
+ Top quality!
+ As old as the Earth!
+ Who’s going to give up the night?
Answer:
Choose these responses:
- Who wouldn’t like it?
- Top quality!
- As old as the Earth!
- Who’s going to give up the night?

3. Essay on "Practical Application of Implication (Continued)" No. 6
I. Implicit Meaning of Usage
Question 1. (page 90, Vietnamese Language Textbook 9, Volume 2):
- "You can only eat at home this one last time." implies: After this meal, I will sell you, and you will no longer be able to eat at home.
- "I will eat at Mr. Nghi’s house in Thon Doai." implies: I have been sold to Mr. Nghi’s family in Thon Doai.
* Chị Dậu does not dare to speak directly to her child because, if she were to reveal the truth, it would cause immense pain for both of them. Instead, she uses implicit language to conceal the harsh reality and reduce the emotional pain, thus avoiding further heartbreak.
Question 2. (page 91, Vietnamese Language Textbook 9, Volume 2):
The implicit meaning in the second sentence is clearer. Chị Dậu needs to explain more explicitly because Tí still doesn’t fully understand the hidden meaning in the first sentence. Tí’s reaction—expressed through the actions of "wriggling," "throwing potatoes into the basket," and crying—demonstrates their grasp of the implied message in her mother's words, including the question, "Is it true that you sold me, mom?..."
II. Practice Exercises
Question 1. (page 91, Vietnamese Language Textbook 9, Volume 2):
Sentence
Speaker – Listener
Implicit Meaning
Details showing the listener understood the implicit meaning
a
Young man – Painter and his daughter
Inviting the doctor and the daughter to have some tea
The painter followed the young man inside immediately...
b
Mr. Tấn – Sister in charge of the tofu shop
We cannot give these items away
The sister’s sarcastic tone: "Oh, how rich and generous you are..."
c
Thúy Kiều – Hoạn Thư
(1): Mocking Hoạn Thư for having to face Kiều’s judgment.
(2): A cruel person like Hoạn Thư will eventually face retribution.
Hoạn Thư’s spirit was shattered...
Question 2. (page 92, Vietnamese Language Textbook 9, Volume 2):
The implied meaning of the sentence, "The rice is boiling, it will get mushy now," is "Please drain the water so the rice won’t become mushy." Bé Thu uses implicit language because her earlier direct request was ignored. This time, with more urgency (since the rice would get mushy if boiled too long), she conveys the message implicitly.
- The use of implicit language fails because Mr. Sáu remains unmoved, as though he didn’t hear, showing a lack of cooperation.
Question 3. (page 92, Vietnamese Language Textbook 9, Volume 2):
- One might mention actions planned for the next day (which would prevent them from going), for example: "I’m busy studying for exams," "I need to visit a sick person,"...
- It’s important to use a sentence with implicit meaning to "decline" as requested, avoiding vague statements such as "Let me think about it!" or "Maybe tomorrow!"...
Question 4. (page 92, Vietnamese Language Textbook 9, Volume 2):
- Lu Xun writes: "Once there is hope, you cannot distinguish between what is real and what is false. It is like the roads on the surface of the earth; in fact, there are no real roads, but if people walk persistently, a road will appear."
- The implied message from the author is: "To create a path, people must persistently walk a particular way. If you have hope, continue to nurture it, and the impossible will turn into reality."
Question 5. (page 93, Vietnamese Language Textbook 9, Volume 2):
- Sentences with implicit meanings suggesting an invitation:
+ "We play from dawn until dusk."
+ "We play with the golden sunrise, we play with the silver moon."
+ "We sing from morning till evening."
+ "We wander here and there, not even knowing where we’ve been."

4. Lesson on "Practice of Implicit Meaning (Continued)" No. 1
Question 1 (page 99, Vietnamese Language Textbook 12, Volume 2)
a. The words of Ms. Phô were begging, while Mr. Lí's response was a sarcastic gesture mocking her emotional, biased habits.
With that sarcastic gesture, Mr. Lí firmly rejected Ms. Phô's request.
b. Mr. Lí's refusal was indirect, rejecting the plea while mocking the weakness he perceived in Ms. Phô.
→ Choose answer D
Question 2 (page 99, Vietnamese Language Textbook 12, Volume 2)
a. Từ’s question was not about time but implicitly reminded Hộ of the date to collect the royalties.
b. Từ's second remark subtly reminded Hộ of the due date for paying living expenses.
c. Từ intentionally avoided mentioning financial struggles:
+ Từ understood that her husband had to give up his literary dreams for the sake of practicality.
+ Financial issues were a sensitive topic for Hộ, as he had to sacrifice many personal ambitions.
→ Từ cleverly avoided causing discomfort for her husband.
Question 3 (page 98, Vietnamese Language Textbook 12, Volume 2)
The surface meaning of the poem talks about the sea waves.
- The implicit meaning: it refers to a woman’s emotions when in love.
- The waves serve as a symbol, with the terms describing waves also suggesting the nuances of romantic love.
+ The layers of meaning intertwine throughout the poem, showing that literary works using implicit meaning convey deep, rich symbolism.
Question 4 (page 100, Vietnamese Language Textbook 12, Volume 2)
Answer D
Question 5 (page 100, Vietnamese Language Textbook 12, Volume 2)
The implied meaning of the question "Do you like Nam Cao's novel Chí Phèo?"
- "Who wouldn’t like it?" → "I really enjoy it."
- "The quality is top-notch." → "I love it!"
- "It’s as ancient as the Earth." → "I don’t like it."
- "I would give it to someone else." → "I like it."

5. Preparation on "Practice on Implicature (Continued)" Number 2
Question 1 (page 99, Vietnamese Literature 12, Volume 2)
a. The woman Phô pleaded with the official; how did the official respond with his words?
b. What implicature is present in the official's reply? Choose the correct answer.
Solution:
a. Phô begged: "Please forgive my family, do not make him go watch the football game anymore." The official responded sarcastically: "Oh, official matters are not for the women like you to understand!"
b. Choose answer D.
Question 2 (page 99, Vietnamese Literature 12, Volume 2)
a. Was the first question by Từ merely asking about the time, or was there an additional implicature?
b. What was the real meaning behind Từ's second remark to Hộ?
c. In both of Từ's questions, she avoided directly addressing financial matters. Discuss the effect of this indirect approach.
Solution:
a. Từ's first question: "It seems today is the second or third day of the lunar month, right?" was not only asking about time but was actually a subtle reminder to her husband about receiving money (every month, her husband would go collect payment at the beginning of the month).
b. The second remark: "No wonder I saw the bill collector come by this morning"... Từ did not directly mention the issue of paying the rent. Instead, she subtly nudged Hộ to go collect the money to settle debts (violating the principle of directness).
c. The effect of this indirect method:
- Từ communicated her intent through a vague question about dates, subtly mentioning another matter (the bill collector)...
- This soft approach allowed her to achieve her goal without creating a harsh impression, making the tense atmosphere between husband and wife more bearable during difficult times.
Question 3 (page 100, Vietnamese Literature 12, Volume 2)
Read Xuân Quỳnh's poem "Waves" again and identify the explicit and implicit meanings. How are the implicatures expressed in the poem, and what artistic effect do they contribute to the work?
Solution:
* The explicit and implicit meanings of the poem "Waves":
- Explicit meaning: The poem describes the sea waves, its characteristics and states.
- Implicit meaning: By comparing the image of "waves" to "me", the poem expresses a woman's passionate, devoted, and faithful love, striving to overcome the challenges of time and the limitations of human life. This portrays love as a noble emotion and a great happiness.
- The implicature is conveyed through various linguistic means, mainly metaphors and context.
- The use of implicature in literature creates a multi-layered meaning, allowing the author’s thoughts to be expressed delicately and profoundly.
Question 4 (page 100, Vietnamese Literature 12, Volume 2)
Based on the exercises on implicature, what effect does indirect communication have in language interactions? Choose the correct and complete answer.
Solution:
Choose answer D: Depending on the context, implicature can have one or multiple effects.
Question 5 (page 100, Vietnamese Literature 12, Volume 2)
How to respond indirectly to the question: "Do you like the story Chí Phèo by Nam Cao?"
Solution:
Possible indirect responses to the question: "Do you like the story Chí Phèo by Nam Cao?":
- Who wouldn't like it?
- It's a high-quality piece!
- It's as old as the Earth!
- If it were a part of a tragic collection, it would surely win the top prize, who could beat it?

6. Lesson plan "Practice on Implication (Continued)" number 3
Question 1. Read the excerpt below and answer the question that follows.
Ms. Pho, gently, placed a betel branch on the table, squatted in the corner, scratching her ear, and said to the official:
- Sir, my house hasn't been built yet, I'm afraid of your scolding, so I dare not come to ask. Please, sir, forgive my house and don't make us go watch football.
- Oh, official matters are not things for women like you to worry about!
(Nguyen Cong Hoan, The Spirit of Exercise)
Question:
a) Ms. Pho's words perform the act of pleading; how did the official respond to this act?
At the beginning of the conversation, Ms. Pho pleads: "Please forgive my house, don't make us go watch football anymore." The official's response carries a sarcastic and mocking tone (Oh, official matters are not things for women like you). If this were a typical response, it would either accept or deny the plea directly. The official's reply does not directly answer Pho's plea but rather indirectly rejects it. At the same time, it reveals an attitude of superiority and mocks the way women think. This shows how the sentence conveys an implication.
b) What implication is contained in the official's response? Choose the most accurate and complete answer.
The official's response, in addition to indirectly refusing the plea, mocks Pho's womanly behavior and suggests his own self-assurance and authority (different from a clear statement like: No, I do not allow this). Thus, option D is the most complete answer.
Question 2. Read the excerpt below and answer the following questions:
When he stopped speaking, it had been quite a while, and Tu seemed to suddenly remember:
- Perhaps it's the second or third of the month already, don't you think?
- Oh yes! Today is the third... if you hadn't asked, I would have forgotten... I need to go to the market.
Tu subtly reminded:
- No wonder I saw the bill collector this morning...
Ho's face darkened:
- Rent... laundry... medicine... fish sauce... I still owe for all of it! Last month I spent too much, and by the tenth, I ran out of money. Fortunately, I still have some land I can buy on credit.
(Nam Cao, The Surplus Life)
Question:
a) Does Tu's first question inquire about time or is there another implication?
Tu's first question is not only asking about the time but more importantly implies that the family has run out of money, and she subtly hints that it's time to collect the monthly allowance.
b) What is the hidden message in Tu's second remark?
Tu's second remark subtly hints at reminding Ho about the due date for the rent payment.
c) In both instances, Tu avoids directly mentioning the issues of "life necessities". Analyze the effect of this indirect approach.
In both instances, Tu avoids discussing the sensitive issues of basic needs: Because Tu understands that Ho has endured many pressures in life: the bitterness of abandoning his literary dreams, the torment of living between aspirations and reality... The matter of daily expenses is a delicate topic for Ho, as he has sacrificed many things in his younger days. Thus, Tu speaks in this way to avoid causing discomfort or annoyance to her husband.
Question 3. Read the poem "Waves" by Xuan Quynh and explain the clear and implicit meanings of the poem. How is the implicit meaning conveyed through language techniques? What artistic effect does the implicit meaning bring to the literary work?
The clear meaning of the poem is about the sea waves.
The implicit meaning: the deep love of a young woman.
The sea is a metaphor for love, and the words about the waves carry a secondary meaning that speaks of romantic love. These two meanings intertwine, complementing each other throughout the poem. The use of implicit meaning in literary works highlights the distinctive features of symbolism, conciseness, and richness of meaning.
Question 4. Through the exercises on implication, how do you see the effect of using implicit language in certain contexts in communication? Choose the most accurate and complete answer.
Option D is the best answer: Depending on the context, the use of implication can have one or multiple effects, making communication more powerful and profound than direct speech. It reflects politeness, subtlety, and respect in communication.
Question 5. Choose the most implied answer for the question: 'Do you like the story "Chí Phèo" by Nam Cao?'
Here are the implied answers to the question "Do you like the story "Chí Phèo" by Nam Cao?":
Answer: Who doesn't like it? => I really like it.
Answer: It’s top quality! => It's great, I like it.
Answer: As old as the Earth! => I don't like it.
Answer: Who would give it up? => Excellent, I like it.

