Top 6 Best Essays on 'Practicing Writing Argumentative Paragraphs' for Grade 7

Topic 1: There is a Vietnamese proverb: 'Đi một ngày đàng, học một sàng khôn' (A day of travel is a day's worth of wisdom). However, some argue: If one does not have the will to learn, how can there be any 'sàng khôn' (wisdom)? Express your opinion and justify it.

In the treasure trove of Vietnamese wisdom, there are many meaningful proverbs, including 'Đi một ngày đàng, học một sàng khôn,' which offers positive advice for people's social lives. Indeed, in our current world, we must constantly strive to learn and grow to keep pace with the rapid developments in society and to integrate into the new, fast-paced social environment. The proverb suggests that by traveling and exploring, we broaden our knowledge and learn valuable life lessons. However, not everyone gains wisdom from it. For those who take initiative and are responsible for their own learning, the proverb holds true. On the other hand, if a person lacks commitment, they won't gain any knowledge. Thus, it is essential for each of us to be self-aware, have the determination to progress, and seize every opportunity to gain wisdom.

Topic 2: Prove that literature 'elicits feelings that we do not have.'

We cannot deny the immense power of literature. Some argue that literature 'elicits feelings that we do not have,' and this is indeed true. As we know, literature is inspired by human emotions, and when these emotions connect, they create a deep, resonant bond. Whether it’s reading a novel, a romantic story, or an emotionally charged poem, we instantly feel a rush of unexpected emotions. The words, rhythm, and phrases of literature stir human emotions. Thus, literature draws people in and awakens feelings that may otherwise remain dormant.

Topic 3: Prove that literature 'cultivates the emotions we already possess.'

Originating from human emotions, literature constantly and consistently 'cultivates the emotions we already possess.' Each of us harbors a wealth of personal feelings, which are often hidden until the right moment. Literature serves as a special medium that brings these emotions to light. Reading literary works, we feel love, hate, joy, sorrow, and happiness. We sympathize with the fate of Mị in Tô Hoài’s novel, or we find laughter and relaxation in fables. We express our anger and hatred towards the cruel society depicted in Ngô Tất Tố’s works, or we empathize with the character of Chị Dậu. All these emotions are already within us, and literature acts as a strong wind, stirring up those feelings within our souls.

Topic 4: Prove that lying is harmful to oneself.

One of the bad habits of humans is lying. So, what is lying? It is telling falsehoods, fabricating events, and distorting the truth. The consequences of lying primarily affect the liar. Whether it’s once, twice, or many times, lying will inevitably cause others to lose trust in you. Consequently, this damages relationships, leading to social isolation. In the workplace, no one will want to assign tasks to you; in social circles, no one will want to befriend you; and within families, no one will appreciate you. In short, lying isolates you from true connections and affection from others. To avoid such undesirable outcomes, one must take responsibility for their words, cultivate integrity, and refrain from lying.

Topic 5: Prove that President Hồ Chí Minh always loved children.

President Hồ Chí Minh, the beloved father of the Vietnamese nation, always devoted immense love and care to everyone, especially children. His love for children and his concern for their well-being were reflected in many songs and poems written by various authors and artists. As we know, every year during Children’s Day, Hồ Chí Minh would write letters to visit and encourage children. He cherished and revered the future generation, and his love for them deeply touched the hearts of every Vietnamese person. His love continues to inspire and guide the nation's young ones in their journey forward.

Topic 6: Prove that President Hồ Chí Minh was fond of trees and nature.

Despite his busy political life, President Hồ Chí Minh maintained a simple and modest lifestyle. He was particularly fond of trees and nature. Outside of his work in politics and military affairs, Hồ Chí Minh spent time tending to plants, trimming trees, and gardening. His love for nature and trees is reflected in his poetry, such as his poem 'Cảnh khuya,' where he beautifully describes trees and flowers. Through his respect and admiration for nature, it was clear that the natural world was an integral part of Hồ Chí Minh’s life.

Topic 7: Prove that it is necessary to choose books wisely.

Books represent a valuable treasure trove of human knowledge. They provide us with insights into various fields like culture, society, politics, and the arts. However, there are countless books available, and choosing the right one is crucial. A book may be fascinating, but if it is not relevant to our current pursuits, it will offer no benefit. Moreover, reading a book that is not suitable for our age or interests can lead to negative thinking and behavior. Therefore, selecting the right book is essential, as it will provide us with useful knowledge that can be applied to our work and life.

Topic 8: Prove that protecting the natural environment is protecting human life.

The natural environment is intertwined with human existence and is vital for our survival. Hence, protecting the environment is both our responsibility and duty to ensure the continuation of life. Without land, we cannot cultivate crops or create homes. Without water, we cannot sustain life or maintain agriculture. Most importantly, without air, life itself would cease. Other natural elements also directly influence human existence. Therefore, the essential task for humankind is to protect the environment, as doing so is equivalent to safeguarding our own lives.

To write an argumentative essay, four steps must be followed: understand the topic and generate ideas, create an outline, write the essay, and review and revise it.
Outline:
Introduction: State the argument that needs to be proven.
Body: Present reasons and evidence to support the argument.
Conclusion: Summarize the significance of the proven argument. Note that the conclusion should correspond to the introduction.
Ensure proper transitions between sections and paragraphs.

Paragraph 1. Literature cultivates emotions that we already possess.

“Reading folk songs about human relationships makes us love our grandparents and parents more. Through these songs, we understand and appreciate our ancestors, especially the women of old Vietnam. Similarly, reading the poems of Li Bai, Ha Tri Chang, and Du Fu enhances our love for our homeland with the fine nuances of their emotional expressions. Through essays like 'A Gift of Young Rice: Green Rice Flakes' and 'My Spring,' we deepen our appreciation for the beauty of Vietnam's rice plants, the spring in Hanoi, and the spring of our homeland... There are countless examples demonstrating the profound impact of literature. (According to Vu Duong Quy)

Paragraph 2. Lying is harmful to oneself.

Lying is harmful to oneself. Those who lie can never remember everything they have said, which means sooner or later their lies will be uncovered. At that point, no one will trust them anymore, and their honor and reputation will be lost. You probably remember the story of 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf.' The tale tells of a shepherd boy who once shouted, 'A wolf is attacking the sheep,' and everyone rushed to the scene only to find it was a prank. The next time a wolf actually appeared, the boy cried out for help, but no one came. This is the dangerous consequence of lying. Let’s not lie anymore!

Humans are not perfect. Even if born good, we can never become a flawless statue like those of the ancient Greek gods. Humans have emotions like joy, anger, love, and hate, and sometimes we are right, but sometimes we are wrong. However, some mistakes are shameful when we intentionally create them. Lying is one of the worst behaviors that needs to be corrected. People must realize the consequences and harms of lying as soon as possible. Lying is a statement made to hide the truth; it can be harmless or harmful, but ultimately, lying is a way to cover up and justify mistakes. This leads to unforeseen consequences. Firstly, lying corrupts the human heart as individuals constantly try to hide the truth, which breeds deceit and erodes sincerity. This leads to a loss of trust between people, and trust is the most crucial element for the soul to exist. Without trust, we are heading toward the edge of death. Furthermore, lying causes unnecessary misunderstandings. Sometimes it’s just a joke, but sometimes a lie creates conflicts, destroys morality, and can even lead to death. Therefore, lying is a bad habit that must be corrected, and we should never lie, even if the lie seems beneficial.

Paragraph 3. Proof must be backed by selecting the right books to read.

Books are the knowledge of humanity, the horizon of life. But there are both good and bad books, so we must choose carefully according to our age, level, and profession. As students, you should choose books that answer questions about natural sciences, social sciences, the universe, trees, and human bodily functions. For example, books like 'Thousands of Whys?' 'Vietnamese History in Pictures,' 'World Famous People,' and 'The World of the Soul' are excellent choices. Avoid books with harmful content:

Obscene, reactionary content. Such books darken the human soul, leading people to trivial and shallow pleasures. Of course, you should also limit reading comic books. The sentences in comic books are often short, lacking literary quality, and their images often contain violence. The storylines are overly simplified, and we miss the psychological development and the beauty of the characters' inner worlds.

Topic 4: The proverb says, 'A journey brings a wealth of wisdom.' However, someone argues: If there is no awareness of learning, how can one acquire this 'wealth of wisdom'? Prove this statement:
The proverb and the above statement are two different views, yet they complement each other. 'A journey brings a wealth of wisdom' means that the ancients believed in the learning process as we gain knowledge by experiencing and traveling. The more we explore the world around us, the more we realize that knowledge is infinite, like the ocean, and what we know is just a drop in it. Just like our great leader, who traveled across the world for 30 years. If he hadn’t traveled, how could he have understood and known so much, especially the hardships of the people? Only by understanding France could he defeat France. That’s why Uncle Ho regained independence for our nation. However, some argue, 'If there is no self-awareness in learning, how can there be a 'wealth of wisdom'? Indeed, if each of us doesn’t make an effort to learn, practice, and improve ourselves, hoping to learn from others, it would be pointless. Therefore, these two statements complement each other, creating a solid understanding that without exploration and self-learning, we would remain shallow. And without self-study, we would have nothing to understand the vast world and its infinite knowledge. In conclusion, although these two statements seem opposing, they comprehensively support each other, showing us how to learn and make ourselves better.

I. GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. Preparation at home
Write a short paragraph based on one of the following topics:
Topic 1: The proverb says: "A day on the road is a day of learning." But some say: If there is no awareness of learning, how can one have a "heap of wisdom"? Share your opinion and support it with evidence.
Topic 2: Prove that literature "evokes feelings we do not have."
Topic 3: Prove that literature "cultivates feelings we already possess."
Topic 4: Prove that lying harms oneself.
Topic 5: Prove that Uncle Ho always loved children.
Topic 6: Prove that Uncle Ho was fond of trees.
Topic 7: Prove that we must choose books wisely.
Topic 8: Prove that protecting the natural environment is safeguarding human life.
Note: Write a paragraph analyzing the reasoning or providing evidence.
2. In-class practice
- Take turns reading for everyone in the group to listen;
- Discuss and exchange, paying attention to the writing of others, and consider their feedback;
- Take notes of the teacher's comments about your writing or that of your peers to draw lessons for improvement.

II. PRACTICING SKILLS
1. Which topic did you choose to write your paragraph on?
2. When writing a short paragraph, do you still follow the steps as when preparing an outline for an argumentative essay? Why or why not?
3. In your paragraph, did you use passive voice? If so, explain its purpose.
Suggestion: Choosing a topic is up to you, but keep in mind:
- Follow the steps as if you were preparing an outline for an argumentative essay: Understand the topic (following the steps), find ideas, create an outline;
- Choose a smaller thesis (within the main thesis) to prove or select an argument to develop into a paragraph.

Topic 1: The proverb says: "A day on the road is a day of learning." But some say: If there is no awareness of learning, how can one have a "heap of wisdom"? Share your opinion and support it.
Suggestion:
In life, we have many things to learn: learn from friends' good actions, learn about diligence, honesty, etc. However, learning is not something that happens in a day or two; it is a lifelong process. To learn effectively, we must have good and correct methods. This is what our ancestors want to convey through the proverb: "A day on the road is a day of learning."
- Explain the proverb: We need to travel, to experience new things, in order to accumulate valuable life experiences and lessons.
- But there is another opinion: If there is no awareness of learning, how can one have a "heap of wisdom"?
=> This opinion is valid but cannot be entirely conclusive.
- Agree with the valid part of the opinion but reaffirm the truth of the proverb, as it represents a well-proven principle.


Topic 2: Prove that literature “evokes feelings we do not have.”
- Explain that literature evokes feelings we do not have: These are new feelings we acquire through reading, understanding, and interpreting literary works. These may include: compassion, forgiveness, perseverance, etc.
Nature is humanity’s good companion. People need to love and protect nature. Prove this point.
Folk poetry truly represents the voices of labor and the emotional expressions of working people. Prove this.
Prove that one of the themes of folk poetry is expressing deep love for the country and the homeland of our people.
- Literature forms these feelings in us:
+ Through the plot, theme, and ideas of the story.
+ The more we read, the more we absorb and become convinced.
- How you feel and think each time you finish reading a literary work.
Other topics are similar.

Part I

1. Preparation at Home.

Write a short paragraph on one of the following topics:

Topic 1: There is a proverb: "A day of traveling brings a basket of wisdom." However, some people say: If you don’t have the right attitude toward learning, then you might not gain any "wisdom" at all! Share your opinion and provide evidence to support your viewpoint.

Topic 2: Prove that literature "creates emotions that we don't possess".

Topic 3: Prove that literature "cultivates the emotions we already have".

Topic 4: Prove that lying harms oneself.

Topic 5: Prove that Uncle Ho always loved children.

Topic 6: Prove that Uncle Ho was a lover of trees.

Topic 7: Prove that one must choose books wisely.

Topic 8: Prove that protecting the natural environment is protecting human life.

Part 2

2. Classroom Practice

Topic 1

There is a proverb: "A day of traveling brings a basket of wisdom." However, some people say: If you don’t have the right attitude toward learning, then you might not gain any "wisdom" at all! Share your opinion and provide evidence to support your viewpoint.

Detailed Solution:

First, we need to fully understand the proverb. "A day of traveling" refers to human interaction with society. When we travel, we meet many people, hear different stories, and learn various perspectives on social issues. From this, our knowledge expands, and we can gain useful life lessons. It's not just books that teach us, but life itself provides many essential lessons. Therefore, by "traveling for a day," we gain "a basket of wisdom." Wisdom is abstract, but here it's made tangible, like a basket used to sift rice or other materials. The term "basket of wisdom" implies a large amount of wisdom.

Topic 2

Prove that literature "creates emotions that we don't possess".

Detailed Solution:

Literature is the voice of human emotions. And literature—part of the arts—contributes to this common expression. Even if you're a person who is usually dry or harsh, can you truly say that you wouldn't shed a tear when witnessing the farewell between the two siblings Thành and Thuỷ in "The Farewell of the Dolls"? Sharing and an open heart are the most beautiful spiritual gifts that literature brings to us. Pay attention to the word "create" in the prompt. The word "create" suggests a pulling or drawing in, almost as if it's a negative action. Just like life, literature is composed of many different pieces; some parts enhance the uniqueness and richness of literature, while others contribute to the darker aspects and its vices. This means that alongside positive emotions, literature also brings us negative thoughts and lifestyles.

Topic 3

Prove that literature "cultivates the emotions we already have".

Detailed Solution:

In the text "The Meaning of Literature," literary critic Hoài Thanh wrote: "Literature creates emotions that we don't possess, and cultivates the emotions we already have." Indeed, literature brings us into situations, circumstances, and fates we may never have encountered in life. Through characters, their emotions, and their attitudes, literature generates new emotions, creating a sense of empathy between the reader and the author. The short story "The Farewell of the Dolls" by Khánh Hoài touches the reader's heart, stirring compassion for the unfortunate children witnessing their parents’ divorce. Not only that, the reader empathizes with the feelings of the children who are about to be separated from their loved ones. This happens when we read folk songs, the works "My Beloved Saigon," "Looking at Lư Falls," etc. As a result, we gain lessons and build our emotions toward the good, the beautiful, and even the ugly or evil in life. Furthermore, literature also "cultivates" the emotions we already have. From the moment we are born, we all have certain feelings toward our family, friends, teachers, and homeland. Literature helps us visualize and create life, reflecting these emotions and even beautifying them, deepening our understanding of these feelings. For example, reading folk songs about family love with images like "Mount Tai Son, water from the source" and "Brothers are like hands and feet"... Or reading Xuân Quỳnh's poem "The Noon Chicken" and folk songs about the homeland... We come to cherish the happiness of our family and deepen our love for our beautiful homeland. These qualities make literature an essential art form in human life.

Topic 4

Prove that lying harms oneself.

Detailed Solution:

Lying is a very bad habit and a common affliction in today's society. Lying is an act of dishonesty, leading others to misunderstand our words. These actions can make people lose trust in us if they discover we have lied repeatedly. If lying becomes a habit, the liar will live in their own fabricated stories, which will make them lose peace of mind and degrade their moral character. Some even begin to deceive themselves, believing they are intelligent or that their words are always right. This is a dangerous path in today's society.

Topic 5

Prove that Uncle Ho always loved children.

Detailed Solution:

It’s not a coincidence, nor is it because Uncle Ho was a great leader of Vietnam that children adore him. Vietnamese children are pure and innocent, so when they express deep affection and admiration for someone, it shows that the recipient of their love is truly special and reciprocates that love. Indeed, Hồ Chí Minh was not only a remarkable politician and military leader but also someone greatly loved by Vietnamese children. Despite being busy with national duties, he always made time to play with children, show concern for their education, and support their development. This is why, no matter where he is, children in Vietnam always cherish him the most. During school seasons, Uncle Ho often wrote letters to encourage children, and even when he couldn't attend their school ceremonies, his words were shared. This is why, even though Uncle Ho is no longer with us, every school year begins with his letters being read to students.

Topic 6

Prove that Uncle Ho was a lover of trees.

Detailed Solution:

The place where Uncle Ho lived and worked was always in harmony with nature, trees, and plants. Those who have visited Uncle Ho's mausoleum can see the lush greenery surrounding it. Beneath the house on stilts where Uncle Ho lived, the trees thrived and flourished. The greenery symbolized the love Uncle Ho had for nature. He once asked a comrade to roll up the roots of a banyan tree that had fallen and bury them in the ground. Soon, the roots grew and flourished. It's remarkable that any group of children visiting Uncle Ho's garden would, without being asked, play around the roots of the banyan tree. Uncle Ho loved both children and trees and could not bear to dispose of them. His love for plants was profound, symbolized by flowers like the hibiscus representing his patriotism and the guava tree he planted in honor of the southern people. In 1955, the people of the South sent Uncle Ho a guava tree and a coconut, which he planted beside his house in the Presidential Palace. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time to water and care for the guava tree.

Topic 7

Prove that one must choose books wisely.

Detailed Solution:

Reading books helps develop and enhance one's knowledge. It also fosters and nurtures positive emotions. However, the intellectual and emotional content of the books we read must match our age. In primary school, we start learning basic arithmetic and simple stories. By middle school, our cognitive abilities grow, so we tackle more complex math problems and write longer, more detailed essays. Thus, choosing age-appropriate books is as important as choosing suitable learning content for our cognitive development.

Topic 8

Prove that protecting the natural environment is protecting human life.

Detailed Solution:

Everyone in the community wants to enjoy good health, see their loved ones free from illness, and live in peace. However, due to some people's habits, trash is often thrown carelessly in public places. In this era of industrialization and modernization, such behavior is no longer acceptable. We must change this by maintaining cleanliness everywhere—at home, on the streets, and in nature—to ensure a healthy environment for ourselves and others. In today's globalized world, maintaining a clean environment will not only benefit us but also help create a good impression of our country for international visitors. Let us live by the principle: "I live for others, and others live for me."

I. PREPARATION AT HOME

Each student should write a short paragraph on one of the following topics:

Topic 1: There is a saying: 'A day of travel brings a chest of wisdom.' However, some may argue: 'Without a learning mindset, how can one acquire that wisdom?' Share your opinion and provide evidence to support it.

Topic 2: Prove that literature ‘stirs emotions that we do not possess.’

Topic 3: Prove that literature ‘nourishes emotions that we already have.’

Topic 4: Prove that lying harms oneself.

Topic 5: Prove that Uncle Ho always loved children.

Topic 6: Prove that Uncle Ho was fond of trees and nature.

Topic 7: Prove that we must choose the books we read carefully.

Topic 8: Prove that protecting the environment is protecting human life.

II. PRACTICE IN CLASS

Based on the knowledge of argumentative writing and proof techniques that we have learned before, let’s explore the following suggested topics:

Topic 1:

- In life, there are many things to learn: learning from a good friend, learning from someone’s skill in making beautiful flowers, learning from their diligence... but learning is not a one-day or two-day task, it’s a lifelong process.

- To learn and absorb effectively, we must have proper methods and approaches to studying.

- This is the message our ancestors conveyed through the proverb: “A day of travel brings a chest of wisdom.”

- Explaining the proverb:

+ What does 'A day of travel brings a chest of wisdom' mean?

+ We must strive to learn and absorb knowledge from everything around us.

- However, there is another view: Without a study mindset, one cannot truly gain wisdom.

=> While this opinion is partially true, it cannot be considered an absolute rule.

- I agree with the reasonable part of this opinion but emphasize that the wisdom in the proverb is indeed a truth proven over time.

Topic 2:

- Literature indeed stirs emotions in us that we did not have before.

+ As readers, we consume and appreciate literary works.

+ These are emotions that we acquire after reading, understanding, and engaging with a literary work. They could include compassion, kindness, determination to succeed, etc.

- How literature develops these emotions in us:

+ Through the storylines, themes, and ideas within the text, we gain new insights.

+ The more we read, the more we internalize these feelings and become convinced of their validity.

- The emotions and moods I feel after finishing a literary work.

Topic 3: Suggested Outline:

a. Introduction: Present the issue and origin of the topic, referring to Hoai Thanh’s view in 'The Meaning of Literature' that literature 'nourishes emotions we already have.'

b. Body: Use logical arguments and examples from literature to clarify the idea that literature 'nourishes emotions we already have.'

- Explaining Hoai Thanh’s opinion:

+ Literature is the creation of writers and poets in the form of works that are meant to be read, enjoyed, and contemplated by others.

+ Literature works wonders in shaping the emotions of readers: it nourishes the emotions we already have. These are the feelings we have experienced, such as joy, sadness, anger, and love. Literature deepens and enriches these pre-existing emotions.

- Proving the power of literature in nourishing these existing emotions:

+ Literature reflects the joy and sorrow of human life, enriching and deepening our capacity to empathize with others. Folk songs expand our love for our homeland and country, deepen our attachment to nature (e.g. 'Thoughts on a Quiet Night,' 'Unexpectedly Writing on Returning to My Hometown'); deepens our love for nature and patriotism ('Full Moon of January,' 'Night Scene'); friendship ('A Visit to a Friend’s House'); sympathy for women’s suffering ('The Tale of Kiều,' 'The Sad Song'); sorrow ('The Little Match Girl'); hatred for greed ('The Old Fisherman and the Golden Fish'); betrayal ('Thach Sanh')...

+ Literature reflects noble human values and ideas, broadening our love and enthusiasm for people, history, and country, like love for our nation ('The People’s Love for Our Country'), love for our mother tongue ('The Beauty of Vietnamese'), respect for national heroes ('The Proclamation of the King,’ 'The General's Decree,' 'The Great Declaration of Bình Ngô')...

+ Literature enhances our appreciation for the beauty of language: beautiful words, vivid imagery, harmonious rhythms (e.g. couplets, quatrains, balanced prose...)

c. Conclusion:

- Confirm the significance of literature in enriching and deepening the good emotions of humanity.

- Share personal reflections on the value of reading and studying literature.

Topic 4:

Lying is a very bad habit and a widespread issue in today’s society. Lying is an act of dishonesty that misleads others. Such behavior can cause those around us to lose trust in us if they discover that we have been lying repeatedly. If one continues to lie, they will eventually live within their own fabricated stories, losing inner peace, and their moral integrity will suffer. In some cases, these individuals may deceive themselves into believing they are superior or that their words are always right. This is a dangerous situation in today’s society.

Topic 5:

It is no coincidence that the children of Vietnam love President Ho Chi Minh so dearly. Vietnamese children are pure and innocent, and when they express such love and admiration, it reflects that the person they adore is equally wonderful and reciprocates that affection. Indeed, Uncle Ho was not only an exceptional politician, military leader, and the great leader of Vietnam but also a beloved figure in the hearts of Vietnamese children.

Even though Uncle Ho was constantly occupied with national duties, he always found time to engage with children, supporting their education and development. As a result, it is no surprise that he became the most cherished figure among the children of Vietnam. During school openings, Uncle Ho would either attend the ceremonies or send heartfelt letters to greet the children. This is why, despite his passing, schools nationwide continue to read his letters to students at the beginning of each school year.

Topic 6:

Uncle Ho’s living space was closely intertwined with nature, trees, and flowers. Anyone who has visited his mausoleum will witness the greenery surrounding it. Beneath the stilt house where Uncle Ho lived, trees grew thick and lush. Everywhere you look, there is greenery, symbolizing Uncle Ho's deep love for plants.

He even instructed a comrade to bury a root of a banyan tree that had fallen from its branch. After some time, this banyan root began to grow and thrive. Visitors, especially children, would playfully crawl through the round shape formed by the banyan root. Uncle Ho loved not only the children but also the banyan root and refused to discard it.

Uncle Ho’s love for plants and nature was profound, and he expressed his feelings through the symbols in nature: the hibiscus flower representing his patriotism, and the sapodilla tree symbolizing his deep affection for the people of the South. In 1955, the people of the South sent Uncle Ho a sapodilla tree and a coconut as gifts. Uncle Ho planted the sapodilla tree near his house in the Presidential Palace. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time to water the sapodilla tree.

Topic 7:

Suggested Outline:

a) Introduction: Introduce the topic of the necessity of choosing the right books to read.

b) Body: Prove the importance of selecting books wisely:

* The role of books:

- Books contain essential knowledge for our lives.

- Books open doors to our future.

- Books provide emotions that we cannot experience in real life.

- Books offer entertainment and an outlet for our thoughts and feelings.

- Books are loyal companions for those who love reading.

* The consequences of choosing the wrong books:

- We fail to understand the valuable lessons in books.

- We may not appreciate the true importance of books.

- We may not find reading enjoyable or relaxing.

- We may become confused, unable to apply the knowledge gained from the books.

* The benefits of choosing the right books:

- We can apply the knowledge gained from books.

- We feel relaxed and more joyful.

- We develop a love for life and the world around us.

- We experience emotions that are beyond what nature can offer.

c) Conclusion: Share your thoughts on the importance of choosing the right books to read.

Topic 8:

Suggested Outline:

a) Introduction: Present the environmental issue and its significance.

- The world’s environment is increasingly polluted due to various factors, with human actions being the primary cause.

- This issue is receiving global attention.

b) Body

* Current environmental situation:

- The environment is being severely damaged and polluted by human actions.

- Every year, millions of people die from respiratory diseases and cancers caused by environmental pollution.

* Proof that when humans destroy the environment, they harm themselves:

- Cities release waste, including medical waste, into the environment, polluting soil and water sources, leading to various health problems.

- The increasing number of vehicles generates more air pollution, causing respiratory illnesses.

- Factories discharge wastewater into rivers, polluting the water and soil. Air pollution and ozone depletion are significant issues.

- Deforestation and the destruction of primary forests lead to floods, landslides, and soil erosion, directly impacting both nature and humanity.

- Overexploitation of natural resources from rivers, lakes, and oceans depletes ecosystems.

=> Provide more examples and highlight the direct consequences of human actions on the environment to demonstrate that protecting the environment is synonymous with protecting our own lives.

* Actions for environmental protection:

- Call for practical actions to protect the environment, starting with small steps like disposing of waste properly.

- Raise awareness of environmental protection among students at school.

- Participate in community clean-up events to promote environmental awareness.

c) Conclusion:

- Protecting the environment means directly protecting our living conditions.

- Take action today because it is never too late to make a difference.

Question 1: The proverb says: "A day of travel brings a basket of wisdom." However, some argue that without the awareness to learn, there may not be any 'wisdom basket' at all! What is your opinion? Justify your view.

Answer:

"A day of travel brings a basket of wisdom" is indeed a valid saying. However, for those who lack the awareness and spirit to learn, the act of traveling would lose its meaning. This proverb advises us not to stay in a confined, safe circle, but to explore new places and learn from them. Through such experiences, one becomes more mature and gains wisdom. However, if one travels without the intent to learn, it’s no different than attending class without paying attention. As a result, nothing would be learned. Have you ever watched a falling apple and asked yourself why it resembles what Newton discovered about gravity? Or while sitting in class, your mind wanders to the view outside the window, oblivious to the teacher’s lecture? In the end, would you retain the lesson? But if you don’t travel, can you witness the breathtaking landscapes of Sapa, the poetic beauty of Da Lat? Therefore, travel with the intent to learn in order to truly gain wisdom.

Question 2: Prove that literature "arouses feelings we never knew we had."

Answer:

Literature is a medium that conveys joy, sorrow, emotions, and stirrings within us. Perhaps you’ve never been to the majestic Phong Nha caves, nor met the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Yet, you’ve read about Phong Nha caves and the letter of the Red Chief in the 6th-grade literature program. Do you not feel the mystical beauty of walking through the caves, understanding the sacredness of Mother Earth to the local people? These emotions remain with you. As students born in a time of peace, how could we understand the hardships and losses caused by war? It is literature, the heartfelt words of those before us, that allows us to feel the struggles and to develop a deep love and admiration for our history. All of this is vividly recreated in the pages of books, where our hearts resonate with the words of literature.

Question 3: Prove that literature "shapes the feelings we already have."

Answer:

Literature is rich and beautiful, helping to refine our souls. "Literature shapes the feelings we already have." The emotions we naturally possess, such as love for family, a broader love for humanity, and patriotism, are cultivated through literature. When reading Tố Hữu’s poems about maternal love, who can’t help but feel a deeper affection and respect for their own mother? When reading folk songs filled with gratitude for our parents, who doesn’t feel touched by the love they have received? From this, our affection grows into a love for humanity, and literature helps us further appreciate one another and unite to help each other in life. These simple emotions transform into a greater love—love for our homeland. From loving our small house, the river, and the corners of our homeland, we develop love for the nation. In short, literature deepens and elevates the emotions we already have.

Question 4: Prove that lying harms oneself.

Answer:

Lying is telling a falsehood, deceiving others. Lying not only harms others but also damages the liar themselves. It destroys trust, erodes one’s integrity in the eyes of others. The story of the boy who cried wolf is a lesson worth considering. Because of his lies, no one believes him when he speaks the truth. In the end, his sheep are devoured by wolves. Many children lie to their parents about playing video games, which eventually becomes a habit. As we know, while video games may offer entertainment, they also have negative effects, such as children stealing money from their parents or health problems, especially with their eyes. Thus, a chain of wrongs leads to disaster. In reality, there are many situations where lying causes harm, not just to others, but to oneself.

Question 5: Prove that Uncle Ho always loved children.

Answer:

From our elementary school days until now, we have always been taught the "Five Things Uncle Ho Taught." During his lifetime, Uncle Ho showed immense affection for children. This was reflected in both his actions and his poetry. On occasions such as the New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Children’s Day, Uncle Ho would send letters to the children with kind, affectionate, and sincere words. In his speeches at Party Congresses, he always emphasized the importance of children for the development of the nation. And his poetry also conveys his love for children. Who hasn’t heard the song “Who loves Ho Chi Minh more than the young pioneers”? Uncle Ho wrote many poems for children, expressing deep and heartfelt love. His love for children is as profound as his love for the revolution.

Question 6: Prove that Uncle Ho loved trees.

Answer:

Uncle Ho’s life and work were always in harmony with nature, with trees, and flowers. If anyone has visited Uncle Ho’s mausoleum, they would notice the lush green trees surrounding it. Beneath the stilt house where Uncle Ho lived, the trees were thriving and vibrant. Everywhere you look, the green of the trees reflects the love Uncle Ho had for nature.

It is said that Uncle Ho asked a comrade to bury a root of a banyan tree that had been detached from its branch. After a while, the root sprouted and grew very well. Interestingly, every group of children visiting Uncle Ho’s garden instinctively played by crawling through the round-shaped banyan root. Uncle Ho not only loved children but also treasured this banyan root, not wanting to throw it away.

Uncle Ho loved trees and nature with all his heart. He embedded beautiful images into nature: the hibiscus flower symbolized his love for the country, while the soursop tree represented his longing for the people of the South. In 1955, people from the South sent Uncle Ho a soursop tree and a coconut. He planted the soursop tree near the pond at his first residence in the Presidential Palace. Despite his busy schedule as the President, Uncle Ho always found time to water the tree, showing his love for both trees and the people.

Question 7: Prove that we must choose books wisely.

Answer:

Books play an extremely important role in our lives, and reading is a good habit that needs to be cultivated. However, not all books are suitable for reading. When selecting books, one must choose carefully, considering age and purpose. Reading inappropriate books can have negative effects, as it may lead to confusion or even incorrect thinking. For example, if a struggling student reads an advanced book, they may not understand it, causing fear of that subject. If children inadvertently read books intended for adults, it could take away their innocence. Therefore, it is essential to choose books carefully.

Question 8: Prove that protecting the environment is protecting human life.

Answer:

The natural environment is everything around us that nature has granted to us. Protecting the environment is crucial, as it protects human life. Forests provide shelter and protect against floods, preventing soil erosion in hilly areas. The respiration of trees helps regulate the air, protect the ozone layer, and provide oxygen for fresher air. Water is essential for life, no argument there. Soil nourishes human life, and the air we breathe is vital for our health. Without animals and plants, humans would lack nourishment. Nature is truly a close companion to human life. Yet, today, nature is being destroyed, and pollution is severe. Protecting it is urgent and requires collective effort.