1. Essay on "Practicing Writing Narrative Paragraphs with Argumentative Elements" No. 4
Practice Understanding Argumentative Elements in Narrative Paragraphs
Read the passage titled "Mistakes and Gratitude" and answer the following questions
Question 2 - Page 160 in the Textbook
In the passage above, which sentences contain argumentative elements? What role do these elements play in emphasizing the content of the paragraph?
Answer:
- The argumentative elements in the passage "Mistakes and Gratitude" include:
+ The structure of the text: The first two sections present two different situations with contrasting thoughts, and this contrast calls for an explanation.
+ The explanation provided by the friend contains a profound life philosophy, stating: "What is written in the sand will be quickly erased by time, but no one can erase what is engraved in stone or in the heart of a person."
- Without these argumentative elements, the text would lack internal coherence, and the events would not form a cohesive narrative.
- Rewriting the conclusion:
The story conveys a profound philosophical lesson. It encourages people to write their sorrows and grudges in the sand, and to engrave gratitude in stone. This lesson is a variation of a well-known proverb: forgive your grievances, but cherish the bonds of love.
Practice Writing Narrative Paragraphs with Argumentative Elements
Question 1 - Page 161 in the Textbook
Write a narrative paragraph describing a class activity where you presented your argument that Nam is a great friend.
Guidance:
a) How did the class activity unfold? (time, location, who led it, and what was the atmosphere like?)
b) What was the main topic of the class activity? What issue did you address, and why did you choose to discuss it?
c) How did you convince the class that Nam is a great friend? (arguments, examples, analysis).
Question 2 - Page 161 in the Textbook
Write a narrative paragraph about the thoughtful actions or wise lessons your beloved grandmother shared with you that deeply moved you [...]
Sample Essay:
I lived with my grandmother since childhood. The first steps of a person are often marked by hesitation and timidity. However, when I took my first steps, I was confident. I knew that there was always a hand reaching out to support me and be my anchor. That hand belonged to no one else but my grandmother—rough, weathered by life’s challenges, yet always comforting. The first lessons I received in life didn't come from a teacher’s lecture but from the fairy tales my grandmother told me before bed. Her stories planted seeds of hope, dreams, and reflections within me. I often found myself pondering the lessons hidden in her tales. I vividly remember when she told me the story of "The Little Mistress" and said: "Don’t live indifferently; cherish the simple, familiar beauties of life, especially relationships. Never overlook friendship and family, for tomorrow, when you look back, they will be precious treasures." Despite never having attended school or learned to read, my grandmother’s wisdom shone brightly. It’s not about formal education or literacy; what matters is the heart. A clear heart gives a person a deeper understanding of life, making them truly beautiful, just like my grandmother. Today, though she’s no longer with me, her voice telling stories still echoes in my mind as I journey through life...


2. Essay on "Practicing Writing Narrative Paragraphs with Argumentative Elements" No. 5
I. Practice Understanding Argumentative Elements in Narrative Paragraphs
Question 1, Page 160, Textbook for 9th Grade, Volume 1
Read the passage.
Question 2, Page 160, Textbook for 9th Grade, Volume 1
The argumentative elements in the story "Mistakes and Gratitude" are evident in:
The response from the character who was saved: "What is written in the sand will soon fade away..."
The concluding sentence: "Thus, each of us should learn to write our pain, sorrow, and hatred in the sand and engrave our gratitude in stone."
Meaning:
This allows the reader to appreciate the compassion, kindness, and ability to forgive, as well as the importance of remembering acts of kindness.
It deepens the story, adding philosophical depth and educational value.
II. Practice Writing Narrative Paragraphs with Argumentative Elements
Question 1, Page 161, Textbook for 9th Grade, Volume 1
Write a narrative paragraph about a class event where you prove that Nam is a good friend:
Nam and I sat next to each other for a whole semester, but we weren’t close until the recent class meeting. That meeting revealed to me that Nam is indeed a good friend. After the initial formalities, our teacher kindly stepped up and shared a story about a student who bravely intervened when a group of bullies was picking on a younger student. And that student was no other than the quiet, seemingly cold Nam sitting right next to me. I was utterly surprised, as Nam is a brilliant but reserved student, and I often thought he didn’t care about much. But that day taught me not to judge anyone by appearances. Perhaps, it is those who show little who carry the most unexpected passion and warmth. That’s the lesson I learned from the class activity.
Question 2, Page 161, Textbook for 9th Grade, Volume 1
Write a narrative paragraph about a simple yet profound lesson from your beloved grandmother that moved you deeply:
It has been three years since my grandmother passed away. Three years seem to have passed so quickly, and I’ve grown a lot, carrying her lessons with me, lessons that have only become clearer over time. One lesson I will never forget was about kindness. I still vividly recall one rainy afternoon when I was about seven or eight years old, carefree and unaware of the world’s complexities. On that stormy day, I was curled up in bed, wanting to sleep, when I saw someone at the gate. My grandmother went out to greet the figure, and it was an elderly beggar, drenched from the rain and in poor condition. I didn’t want him inside, but my grandmother acted differently. She welcomed him with the warmth of a familiar face, offering him water and a meal, and insisted he stay until the rain stopped. I was confused, and once he left, I asked if he was a family friend, but my grandmother simply replied, "I don’t know him, but look at him—he’s human just like us. Why should it matter whether we know each other or not?" I couldn’t understand her words immediately, but they stayed with me. Many years later, I realized the truth in them: "Being human means loving each other."


3. Essay on "Practicing Writing Narrative Paragraphs with Argumentative Elements" No. 6
I. Practice Understanding Argumentative Elements in Narrative Paragraphs
Question 2 (Page 160, Textbook for 9th Grade, Volume 1):
- The argumentative elements are expressed in the following sentences:
+ "What is written in the sand will quickly be erased with time, but no one can erase the good deeds etched in stone, in the hearts of people."
+ "Thus, each of us should learn to write our pain, sorrow, and hatred in the sand and engrave our gratitude in stone."
→ This creates a connection between events and ideas, highlighting the core message of the text.
II. Practice Writing Narrative Paragraphs with Argumentative Elements
Question 1 (Page 161, Textbook for 9th Grade, Volume 1):
The class event that day remains etched in my memory, and I will never forget it. The reason was that during recess, two students, Huy and Nam, had a fierce fight. Nam had accidentally forgotten to submit the test paper for his classmate Thang. During the class meeting, all eyes were on Nam, expressing discontent, and many students began to accuse him. Nam lowered his head and silently listened to the accusations. I stood up to speak, and from the very beginning, I surprised everyone: "Nam is not at fault; Nam is a good friend." Everyone focused on me. My emotions were strong at that moment, but I calmed myself, thinking: "I’m standing up for what is right, defending a good person, so I have nothing to fear." I began to argue: First, Nam had never had conflicts with anyone in class. Second, his actions were unintentional. Third, after the incident, Nam had apologized to Thang and helped him submit the test paper. We cannot judge a good friend like that. As soon as I finished, applause erupted, and the words "Agree! Agree!" followed. Nam looked at me with eyes full of gratitude.
Question 2 (Page 161, Textbook for 9th Grade, Volume 1):
My grandmother, a kind and loving person, is always present in my heart. During her free time, she would often help me with my studies. I remember one time, while teaching me division, she said: "Among the four arithmetic operations, division is the hardest. There are people who grow up to be successful but still cannot perform a simple division." I often thought about her words... Whenever there was food, my grandmother would divide it among our family and the neighbors. Some people thought she was foolish, but she would tell me: "Sharing with others is a way to multiply joy, increase happiness, and reduce worries in your heart. Do you see? The act of division is magical." Her version of division wasn't just about numbers; it brought our neighborhood closer. Her division shared pain, happiness, and empathy with everyone around us, helping me understand the true meaning of life. Perhaps this is why every moment spent with her brought peace to my heart. I realized that division can also elevate people. This lesson has stayed with me, guiding me as I step into life. She was truly an amazing person in my life.


4. Essay on "Practicing Writing Narrative Paragraphs with Argumentative Elements" No. 1
I. Practice Understanding Argumentative Elements in Narrative Paragraphs
Argumentative elements are demonstrated in the following sentence:
+ What is written in the sand will quickly be erased
+ The concluding sentence: "Thus, each of us should learn to write our pain, sorrow, and hatred in the sand, and engrave our gratitude in stone."
+ These elements help make the text more captivating
II. Practice Writing Narrative Paragraphs with Argumentative Elements
1. On weekends, our class usually holds a meeting to review what we have accomplished and what remains to be done, as well as to discuss new tasks. Suddenly, Vy spoke up, accusing Nam of being a bad friend for stealing Vy's tuition money. Everyone in the class knew about Nam’s difficult home situation, so they immediately assumed he must have stolen the money out of necessity. The class began to criticize Nam, but I felt the need to speak up. "Has anyone actually seen Nam take Vy’s money? Why are we so quick to blame him? He’s always ready to help everyone in class and is praised by teachers for his academic achievements. He even teaches children in the neighborhood who can’t afford to go to school. And Vy, didn’t I see you lending money to An from the next class?" At that moment, Vy hesitated, embarrassed, as if realizing something. "Don’t judge others based on appearances," I said, sitting back down, and the entire class fell silent in reflection.
2. I grew up surrounded by the love and care of my grandmother. Since I was young, I lived with her while my parents worked to earn a living, so she became both my caregiver and teacher. Living with her, I was taken care of in every way, from meals to rest. She would wake up early to go to the market and often came home late. Many times, she took me along. The items she sold were usually small snacks that both children and adults enjoyed, like sticky rice and various types of cakes. She was very skilled in cooking, and whenever she made cakes or rice, she would teach me how. She taught me that "only through hard work can one find happiness and live a meaningful life." This lesson shaped my love for work and life itself. Now that she has passed, I am forever grateful for her sacrifices and the lessons she imparted, motivating me to strive for better every day.


5. Essay on "Practicing Writing Narrative Paragraphs with Argumentative Elements" No. 2
I. PRACTICE UNDERSTANDING THE ARGUMENTATIVE ELEMENTS IN NARRATIVE PARAGRAPHS
Answer to Question 2 (page 160, Literature 9, Volume 1):
In the paragraph above, which sentences illustrate the argumentative elements? Point out the role of these elements in highlighting the main idea of the paragraph.
Answer:
- The story is about two friends traveling through the desert.
- The main argumentative elements are shown in:
+ "What is written in the sand will quickly be erased..."
+ The closing sentence: "Therefore, we should learn to write our sadness and hatred in the sand, and engrave our gratitude and kindness on stone."
- These argumentative elements add depth, philosophical richness, and a strong educational value to the story. The lesson drawn from this story can be stated in many ways, but it mainly emphasizes the importance of compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and remembering the kindnesses we receive.
II. PRACTICE WRITING A NARRATIVE PARAGRAPH WITH ARGUMENTATIVE ELEMENTS
Answer to Question 1 (page 161, Literature 9, Volume 1): Write a paragraph recalling a class meeting. During the meeting, you presented an argument proving that Nam is a good friend.
Detailed Solution:
Suggestion:
a) What happened during the class meeting? (When, where, who led the discussion, and what was the atmosphere like...)
b) What was the main topic of the meeting? What point did you make, and why?
c) How did you convince the class that Nam is a good friend? (reasoning, examples, analysis).
Sample Essay:
I still vividly remember that class meeting. The atmosphere was tense, and everyone was discussing the incident that happened during break time.
The cause of the tension was a disagreement between Nam and Thanh, as Thanh accused Nam of stealing money from his bag. Early in the morning, Thanh had brought money to school to pay his fees and had talked about it with Nam. All eyes turned to Nam, showing disapproval, and many people started blaming him—one person, then two, then three—until Nam kept his head down, silently listening to the accusations without being able to defend himself.
Amid this tension, the teacher asked the class to quiet down and questioned Nam about what had happened. Nam firmly denied the accusation, and his eyes looked so pitiful. I stood up and told the teacher: "Nam is a good friend. I've studied with him for nine years, and I can assure you, he is not guilty." I then presented reasons to prove Nam's innocence. I was deeply moved, reassuring myself: Stay calm, because I am defending what is right, clearing the name of a good person, and there’s nothing to fear." I began to argue:
First, Nam is a very kind person. He even saved up his pocket money to contribute to the school charity fund. Nam is always willing to help classmates in need.
Second, Thanh hastily accused Nam just because he assumed Nam knew about his money, without any proof. This misunderstanding led the class to wrongly accuse Nam.
Third, Thanh should carefully check his bag again or ask if anyone had seen an outsider enter the classroom.
After my comments, the class urged Thanh to carefully search his bag, and the money was found—dropped from a book.
The whole class breathed a sigh of relief, and Nam looked at me with grateful eyes. Even though the incident happened long ago, it serves as a reminder that we should be thoughtful and careful when judging others to avoid misunderstandings.
Answer to Question 2 (page 161, Literature 9, Volume 1): Write a paragraph recalling simple yet profound actions or words of your beloved grandmother.
Detailed Solution:
Suggestion:
a) Who is the person being recalled?
b) What action or advice did this person offer? Under what circumstances?
c) What was the content, and why was it simple yet profound and touching?
d) Reflect on the lesson you learned from the story.
Sample Essay:
My grandmother is now quite old, with dim eyesight and weak legs. To me, she is a great teacher, guiding me with valuable life lessons. Every time I return to my hometown, I feel happy to hold her frail yet warm hand and listen to her stories. These stories have helped me mature in life. The lesson that I remember the most is her compassionate heart and the importance of sharing with others.
Since childhood, my favorite time was when I visited my grandmother’s garden, filled with delicious fruits she never sold but saved to share with the local children when they ripened. I once asked why she didn’t sell them for money, and she smiled kindly, saying: "Those children are very poor, dear. They never get to eat such fruits. Sharing with others adds joy to our own lives. Life can be tough for everyone, but we help each other in times of need." Grandma also taught reading to underprivileged children who couldn’t go to school. Her small house was always full of children's laughter. I followed her example and brought old textbooks from my city friends to share with the children in the village. They appreciated it, and we would play around the village after school.
Grandma’s kindness brought the villagers closer together, as they shared simple things, like a potato or some firewood, or helped each other in times of difficulty. People lived like a close-knit family, and I saw the value of kindness through her small actions.
On bright moonlit nights, she would often tell me folk tales, like the story of the greedy brother in the tale "The Greedy Tree," who paid for his greed with his life, or the story of the rich man in "The Hundred-Joint Bamboo" who made his wealth at the expense of others and was eventually punished. Her stories taught me that kindness and sharing help reduce suffering and bring people closer together, full of humanity.
These lessons from my childhood remain my guiding principles as I move through life. I will always remember my grandmother’s profound advice, treating others with kindness to receive warmth and happiness in return. We live to love each other, for "life is for giving, not just for receiving."


6. Assignment: "Practicing Writing Narrative Paragraphs with Argumentative Elements" No. 3
I. PRACTICE UNDERSTANDING ARGUMENTATIVE ELEMENTS IN NARRATIVE PARAGRAPHS
Question 2, page 160 - 9th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1: Which sentences in the above paragraph reflect argumentative elements? Identify the role of these elements in emphasizing the content of the paragraph.
Answer:
- The argumentative elements are found in the response from the rescued friend and the conclusion of the text:
+ Things written in sand will soon be erased by time, but no one can erase the good deeds etched in stone, in people's hearts.
+ We should learn to write our sadness and hatred in the sand and carve our gratitude into stone. The effect of these argumentative elements in the text: they deepen the story, enrich its philosophical meaning, and provide educational value, reminding people of forgiveness, kindness, compassion, and righteousness.
II. PRACTICE WRITING NARRATIVE PARAGRAPHS WITH ARGUMENTATIVE ELEMENTS
Question 1, page 161 - 9th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1: Write a paragraph narrating a class meeting. During this meeting, you expressed your opinion to prove that Nam is a very good friend.
Answer:
As usual, the last class period on Saturday is always for the class meeting. Today's meeting was quite tense because most of the classmates wanted to criticize Nam for being repeatedly late, affecting the class's performance. The homeroom teacher asked the class leader to tally Nam's late arrivals and suggested that the class discuss possible solutions. Nga, the leader of Group 1, suggested inviting Nam's parents to school to sign a commitment with the teacher, urging Nam to stop being late. Bình proposed disciplining Nam by making him clean the classroom for two weeks... All the students agreed that strict disciplinary measures should be taken to make Nam aware of his lack of responsibility and set an example for others in the class. While the classmates were discussing, Nam remained silently bowing his head. The homeroom teacher summarized the class's suggestions: “We have agreed on an appropriate disciplinary method for Nam, but I believe everything has its reasons. I want to hear Nam's opinion.” Nam quietly stood up and said: “I have no objection, I will accept any punishment the class decides.” After hearing this, I raised my hand to ask if I could speak. With the teacher's consent, I said: “Teacher and classmates, first of all, I apologize to Nam for not keeping my promise to him. The reason Nam has been late repeatedly is that his father has been seriously ill and is being treated in the hospital. His mother is on a business trip and cannot come home immediately. Therefore, Nam has been taking care of his father in the hospital and taking his younger sibling to school every day. Despite trying his best, he could not arrive at school on time. When I found out, I advised Nam to inform the teacher, but Nam did not want to trouble the teacher, as she already had so much to worry about.” After hearing me, the teacher looked at Nam kindly and said: “Nam is truly a filial son with self-respect. However, I also want us to treat each other as members of one family, sharing both joys and sorrows in life. Nam's situation is clear now. We will not impose any punishment on him, but will find ways to help him overcome this difficult time. Is that okay?”
Question 2, page 161 - 9th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1: Write a paragraph about the simple yet profound acts or advice from your beloved grandmother that have moved you (with argumentative elements included in the paragraph). Write a paragraph about your beloved grandmother (with argumentative elements included in the paragraph).
My grandmother is very old now. According to my father, our family was very poor back then and lacked many things. Despite that, my grandmother worked tirelessly, saving every bit to raise her children. Now, our family is better off, but my grandmother still maintains a very frugal lifestyle. She often reminds us to appreciate all things, as they represent the hard work and tears of many people. She told me: “Frugality is a good habit, not only does it help us in life, but it also benefits others. Even something as simple as turning off the water tap after use can save water, reduce our monthly water bills, and provide clean water for many others in need. Frugality is a beautiful trait, my child. But don’t confuse it with stinginess. Frugality means using everything wisely, while stinginess is being so tight-fisted that you suffer, avoiding necessary expenses. Take water as an example. If you need to wash vegetables under running water to keep them clean, saving water by rinsing only once may cause health problems, leading to more costs and difficulties.” My grandmother's words have, unknowingly, become a guide for us in life.


