Top 6 Best Lesson Plans for 'Dialogue' (Continued) for 8th Grade

A- KEY KNOWLEDGE FOCUS

I- TURN-TAKING IN DIALOGUE

Review the section describing the conversation between the character, the boy Hong, and his aunt (which was covered in the previous Dialogue lesson). Answer the following questions:

1. How many turns do each character take in the conversation?

2. How many times was Hong supposed to speak, but remained silent? What does his silence reveal about his attitude toward his aunt's words?

3. Why didn't Hong interrupt his aunt when she said things he didn't want to hear?

Answers:

1. In this dialogue, the aunt speaks 6 times, and Hong speaks 2 times.

2. Hong remains silent three times when he could have spoken. His silence shows his dissatisfaction with his aunt's words.

3. Hong doesn't interrupt his aunt, even when she says things he dislikes, because he is aware that as her nephew (a subordinate role), he should not disrespect her.

B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS
Question 1: page 101, Literature 8, Volume 2
Based on the description of the conversation between the character the tax collector, the village chief's family, Mrs. Dau, and Mr. Dau in the excerpt from *Water Breaks the Dam* (Literature 8, Volume 1, p. 28), how do the personalities of the characters come through in their dialogue?

Answer:
The tax collector is arrogant and ruthless, always trying to assert authority. In the dialogue, he often cuts people off: "Hey, you! Thought you died last night? You’re still alive? Pay the tax now!", "Think you can talk to your father about this? No one dares defy the state tax!"
The village chief's family is sycophantic, bowing to the tax collector but acting superior to Mrs. Dau: "He’ll be in for a rough night like last night!", "You promised to pay the tax by tomorrow afternoon, right? Well, tell the tax collector so he can go report to the authorities for you.", ...
Mr. Dau is gentle and always fearful, avoiding conflict: "You can’t do that! If they beat you, it’s fine, but if you strike them, you’ll be jailed."
Mrs. Dau is loving and hardworking, but when necessary, her personality becomes decisive and strong: "Please, sir, my family has just recovered a little; please let us be!", "My husband is ill, you have no right to mistreat him!",...

Question 2: page 103, Literature 8, Volume 2
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions below. (Textbook, p. 103-104): "Seeing her mother at the gate, the boy Dan happily skipped around...then sadly put his hat on and carried his shirt under his arm."
(Ngô Tất Tố, *The Lantern*)
Questions:
a) How does the initiative in the conversation between Mrs. Dau and little Ti develop in opposing directions?
b) Is the way the author describes the conversation consistent with the character’s psychology? Why or why not?
c) How does the author highlight the innocence and filial piety of Ti in the early part of the conversation, and how does this add to the tension in the story?

Answer:
a) The conversation develops in opposite directions: at first, Ti speaks more while Mrs. Dau stays silent, but later, Ti speaks less and Mrs. Dau speaks more. Ti is eager and concerned when he sees his mother return, asking about her being beaten by the tax collector. Mrs. Dau stays silent, sad because she has to sell Ti to the wealthy family.
Later, when Ti finds out about being sold, he cries and begs to stay with his mother. Mrs. Dau is heartbroken but tries to comfort him with words.
b) The way the conversation develops is consistent with the characters' psychology. Initially, Ti is innocent and unaware of his fate, only concerned about his mother, while Mrs. Dau is distressed by the necessity of selling her child, hence her silence. As Ti learns of his fate, he becomes quiet and fearful, while Mrs. Dau becomes more talkative, trying to persuade her children to accept the situation.
c) The description of the conversation emphasizes Ti's innocence and filial piety in the beginning, which creates a sense of tragedy as the tension in the story builds, highlighting the emotional impact of the mother's difficult decision.

Question 3: page 107, Literature 8, Volume 2
Based on what you know about the story *The Picture of My Little Sister* (Literature 6, Volume 2, p. 30) and the following excerpt, explain what the silence of the narrator signifies?
"In the picture, a boy is sitting looking out of the window... That is the soul and kind-heartedness of my younger sister."
Answer:
The narrator's "silence" signifies a mix of surprise, embarrassment, and shame. The narrator feels guilty because he had previously focused on his sister's faults, while his sister had always shown love and care for him.

Question 4*: page 107, Literature 8, Volume 2
Western proverbs say: Silence is golden. But poet Tố Hữu wrote:
"Crying is disgrace. Groaning is cowardice. Begging is weakness.
And silence is the behavior of the mute
Walking in silence, carrying pain in silence."
(Reunion)
In your opinion, in what situations is each of these observations true?

Answer:
Whether silence or speaking out is appropriate depends on the context and situation:
"Silence is golden" is true when words or actions might cause harm or escalate a conflict, and silence is needed to preserve peace, unity, and avoid unnecessary quarrels.
In Tố Hữu's poem, silence is viewed as cowardice when one fails to stand up for the truth. If one is unable to act on behalf of justice, remaining silent in such moments is seen as weakness or guilt.

Key Concepts to Understand

- Definition of a turn in dialogue: A turn in dialogue refers to each time a person speaks during a conversation.
- How to use turns in dialogue:
+ When participating in a dialogue, it is important to respect others' turns, avoid interrupting, speaking out of turn, or inserting unnecessary comments.
+ If a conversation leads to unpleasant, negative, or potentially harmful exchanges, it is better to stay silent to maintain harmony and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
+ Sometimes, choosing to remain silent during one's turn can also convey certain emotions: anger, disagreement, embarrassment, shyness, or confusion.

I- Turn-Taking in Dialogue

Question 1, Page 102, Literature 8, Volume 2:

In the dialogue between the boy Hong and his aunt:

Hong has 2 turns
The aunt has 6 turns

Question 2, Page 102, Literature 8, Volume 2:

The moments Hong should have spoken but remained silent: after turns 1 and 3 of the aunt.

His silence reflects dissatisfaction with his aunt's unkind words.

Question 3, Page 102, Literature 8, Volume 2:

Hong did not interrupt his aunt because he was trying to maintain politeness and control his emotions.

II- Practice

Question 1, Page 102, Literature 8, Volume 2:

Character traits in the excerpt:

Mrs. Dau: patient, yet strong and decisive
Mr. Dau: passive, weak
The tax collector: arrogant, rude, and cruel

Question 2, Page 103, Literature 8, Volume 2:

a. How the participation of Mrs. Dau and little Ti in the conversation develops in opposite directions:

Initially, Ti is innocent and talkative, while Mrs. Dau remains silent.
Later, Ti becomes quieter, while Mrs. Dau speaks more.

b. The author's portrayal is consistent with the characters' psychology: at first, Ti is unaware of the situation and speaks freely, while Mrs. Dau is heartbroken over selling her child. As the conversation progresses, Ti becomes sad and silent, while Mrs. Dau speaks more to comfort him.

c. The author emphasizes Ti's innocence and filial piety early in the conversation, which increases the emotional tension of the story. Mrs. Dau’s pain is deeper as she has to sell her kind-hearted daughter.

Question 3, Page 107, Literature 8, Volume 2:

The surprise of the narrator signifies:

Surprise and embarrassment at the love and affection of the younger sister.
Shame for having previously envied her.

Question 4, Page 107, Literature 8, Volume 2:

In cases where secrecy is required or the speech is negative, silence is golden.
However, when it is necessary to speak up for what is right, remaining silent is a sign of cowardice.

I. TURN-TAKING IN DIALOGUE:

1. In this conversation, the boy Hong speaks twice, while his aunt speaks six times.

2. Hong was supposed to speak two more times in this dialogue.

- Hong’s silence shows his patience, his ability to endure pain, and his effort to ignore the harsh words his aunt says to him.

3. Hong does not interrupt his aunt when she says things he doesn't want to hear because, as a younger person, he feels it is important to show respect.

II. EXERCISES:

Question 1: Character traits:

+ The tax collector: arrogant, domineering, and dismissive of others.

+ The village head’s family: submissive to the tax collector, yet acting superior to Mrs. Dau.

+ Mr. Dau: timid and avoids confrontation.

+ Mrs. Dau: a woman deeply devoted to her family, yet strong-willed. When necessary, she becomes decisive and assertive.

Question 2:

a. The development of Mrs. Dau’s and Ti's involvement in the conversation is opposite:

+ When Ti sees Mrs. Dau, he eagerly asks her about what happened with the tax collector, while Mrs. Dau remains silent.

+ When Ti learns that his mother is selling him, he cries and begs her to change her mind, while Mrs. Dau, although heartbroken, seeks to comfort and calm him.

b. The author’s portrayal of the conversation reflects the characters' emotions. Initially, Ti is unaware of his mother's actions, so he innocently asks her about them. However, once he learns the truth, he rejects it, crying and pleading with his mother to keep him. Meanwhile, Mrs. Dau, though devastated, tries to reason with him and console him.

c. The author highlights Ti's innocence and filial piety in the early part of the conversation, which enhances the emotional impact of the story. Ti’s innocent questions deepen Mrs. Dau’s grief, showcasing her boundless love for him and her unwillingness to part with him.

Question 3: The silence of the narrator signifies:

+ The narrator is shocked to discover his sister’s feelings, something he had not previously noticed.

+ The narrator feels ashamed for having misunderstood his sister in the past.

Question 4: The Western saying “Silence is golden” and poet To Huu’s comment depend on the circumstances:

- If speaking will cause harm, negativity, or conflict, silence is necessary to preserve friendship and harmony, emphasizing the importance of peace and unity.

- However, if the truth needs to be spoken, then silence in the face of injustice becomes a moral fault.

Remember:

• In a dialogue, everyone gets a turn to speak. Each time someone speaks is considered a 'turn.'
• To be polite, one must respect others' turns and avoid interrupting, speaking out of turn, or adding unsolicited comments.
• Sometimes, remaining silent when it is your turn to speak can also communicate your attitude.

I. TURN-TAKING IN DIALOGUE

1. In the conversation between little Hong and his aunt, each character speaks as follows:

+ Little Hong speaks 2 times.

+ The aunt speaks 6 times.

2. Hong was supposed to speak 2 more times, but he chooses to remain silent.

→ His silence reflects his ability to suppress his pain, showing patience and attempting to ignore his aunt’s harsh words.

3. Hong does not interrupt his aunt because he understands her malicious intentions and is aware of his role (as a younger person, he must remain respectful and not insult or be disrespectful to elders).

II. EXERCISES

Exercise 1 (Page 102, Literature 8, Volume 2):

- The tax collector is a tyrant, heartless and always showing off his power. In the dialogue, he frequently interrupts others:

+ "Hey you! I thought you died last night. You're still alive? Pay your taxes now!"

+ "You’re trying to talk to your father about this? You dare to ask for a delay in paying government taxes!"

- The village head's family is servile to the tax collector but acts superior to Mrs. Dau:

+ "He’s going to get the same treatment as last night!"

+ "You said you’ll delay the payment until tomorrow, right? Tell the tax collector so he can inform the authorities."

- Mr. Dau is a timid character who avoids confrontation:

+ "No! You can’t do that! People can hit me, but if I hit back, I’ll be punished!"

- Mrs. Dau is a loving and diligent woman, but when necessary, she becomes decisive and strong:

+ "Please, sir, my family has just recovered, please show mercy!"

+ "My husband is ill, you cannot torture him!"

+ "Tie him up, and you’ll see what happens!"

Exercise 2 (Page 107, Literature 8, Volume 2):

a. Mrs. Dau and Ti's involvement in the dialogue develops in opposite ways:

+ Ti eagerly and anxiously asks his mother about the incident with the tax collector.

+ Mrs. Dau, at that moment, remains silent, feeling sorrowful about selling Ti to the Nghi Que family.

- Upon learning that his mother has sold him, Ti cries and begs to stay.

+ Mrs. Dau, heartbroken, tries to comfort Ti and persuade him to listen.

b. The author’s portrayal of the conversation aligns with the characters' psychology. Initially, Ti, unaware of the situation, innocently asks his mother questions and expresses concern. When he learns the truth, he cries and pleads with her. On the other hand, Mrs. Dau, initially silent due to the heartbreaking situation of selling her own child, tries to comfort and reason with Ti despite her deep sadness.

c. Ti’s innocence and filial piety in the early part of the dialogue intensify the story’s drama:

+ Ti’s innocent, caring words strike Mrs. Dau’s heart, deepening her sorrow and helplessness.

+ The more Ti expresses innocence and filial love, the stronger Mrs. Dau’s love and reluctance to part with him become.

Exercise 3 (Page 107, Literature 8, Volume 2):

The silence of the narrator in the story 'The Picture of My Sister' (Literature 6, Volume 2) signifies:

+ The narrator’s astonishment and surprise upon realizing his sister’s loving gaze towards him—something he had never noticed before.

+ The narrator feels ashamed, as he had previously only focused on his sister’s flaws, while she had always shown him affection.

Exercise 4 (Page 107, Literature 8, Volume 2):

Whether to remain silent or speak out depends on the circumstances and timing:

- If speaking will only bring harm, negativity, or conflict, silence is necessary to maintain friendships and unity. It’s essential to avoid unnecessary arguments and tensions.

- However, when the truth needs to be spoken and someone is too timid or hesitant to speak up, silence becomes a moral wrongdoing.

Part I: TURNTAKING IN CONVERSATION

Review the conversation between the young boy Hồng and his aunt (as seen on pages 92-93 of the dialogue). Answer the following questions:

Question 1: How many turns does each character take in this conversation?

Answer:

In the conversation, the boy Hồng speaks twice, while his aunt speaks five times.

Question 2: How many times could Hồng have spoken but remained silent? How does his silence reflect his attitude towards his aunt’s words?

Answer:

In the conversation, Hồng could have spoken two more times but chose to stay silent. His silence reflects his dissatisfaction and frustration with his aunt’s words.

Question 3: Why didn’t Hồng interrupt his aunt when she said things he didn’t want to hear?

Answer:

Hồng did not interrupt his aunt because he understood his lower status and knew he shouldn’t be disrespectful to an elder.

Part II: PRACTICE

Question 1 (from page 102, Literature 8, Volume 2)

How is the personality of each character portrayed in the dialogue between the headman, the housekeeper, Chị Dậu, and Anh Dậu in the excerpt from "The Flood Breaks the Dike" (Literature 8, Volume 1, page 28)?

Answer:

- In the conversation, the headman and Chị Dậu speak the most, the housekeeper speaks less, and Anh Dậu only speaks to Chị Dậu after the conflict between his wife and the headman has settled.

- The headman interrupts others at one point during the conversation.

- In terms of social roles: Chị Dậu shifts from a lower position (calling the headman “uncle”) to an equal one, showing resistance (using informal language). The headman’s tone is arrogant and authoritative, while the housekeeper is more polite and reserved.

The way the characters address each other reveals their personalities: Chị Dậu is strong and capable, the headman is rude and condescending, and the housekeeper is cautious and respectful.

Question 2: Read the excerpt (pages 103-106, Literature 8, Volume 2) and answer the following:

a) How does the active involvement of Chị Dậu and Cái Tí in the conversation develop differently over time?

b) Does the author’s portrayal of the conversation align with the characters’ emotions? Why?

c) How does the author emphasize Cái Tí’s innocence and filial piety in the early part of the conversation to increase the story’s dramatic tension?

Answer:

a) In the conversation, Cái Tí speaks a lot at first, in a carefree tone, while Chị Dậu remains silent. Later, Cái Tí speaks less, and Chị Dậu speaks more.

b) The author’s depiction fits well with the characters’ emotional development: Cái Tí speaks innocently when unaware that he’s being sold, but once he learns the truth, he becomes frightened and speaks less. Meanwhile, Chị Dậu, initially silent due to her guilt about selling her child, later speaks more to comfort and persuade her children.

c) Emphasizing Cái Tí’s innocence and filial devotion increases the emotional impact of the story: Chị Dậu feels even more heartbroken about selling such a good, obedient child. Meanwhile, Cái Tí’s misfortune and despair add to the tragedy.

Question 3 (from page 107, Literature 8, Volume 2)

Based on what you know about the story "My Sister’s Painting" (Literature 6, Volume 2, page 30) and the excerpt below, what does the character's silence signify?

The painting depicts a boy sitting by the window, gazing out at the clear sky. His face emits a strange light… His mother anxiously whispers in my ear:

- Do you recognize yourself?

I froze. I didn’t understand why I had to cling to my mother’s hand so tightly. First, I was surprised, then proud, and finally embarrassed. Could I really appear so perfect in my sister’s eyes? I stared intently at the words on the painting: "My Brother." But to me…

- Have you recognized yourself yet? – My mother asked, still anxious.

I didn’t answer because I was overwhelmed with emotion. If I had spoken, I would have said: “No, that’s not me. That’s the soul and kindness of my sister.”

(Tạ Duy Anh, My Sister’s Painting)

Answer:

The character’s silence reflects a mix of surprise, pride, and embarrassment. He feels conflicted between his sister’s idealized image of him and his own self-perception.

Question 4 (from page 107, Literature 8, Volume 2)

There is a Western saying: Silence is golden. However, poet Tố Hữu wrote:

“Crying is shameful, groaning is cowardly. Begging is weakness,”

“And the foolish are those who are mute,

Walking like shadows, carrying pain in silence.”

(United Again)

Which of these sayings is correct in which situations?

Answer:

Both sayings are correct but apply in different contexts. “Silence is golden” applies when keeping secrets or showing respect to others, while silence in the face of injustice or wrongs (as described by Tố Hữu) is considered cowardly and foolish.

I - FUNDAMENTAL KNOWLEDGE TO MASTER

1. What is a 'turn' in a conversation?

In a conversation, such as between two people, each person can speak multiple times. One person speaks while the other listens, and then the roles may reverse. A conversation can involve several exchanges of speaking and listening. Each instance of someone speaking is known as a 'turn.'

Simply put, a turn is when one participant in the conversation speaks.

2. Important Points to Note

- It is crucial to distinguish between formal and informal participants in a conversation. Informal participants are simply bystanders, observers, or individuals who are not authorized to speak. Only those formally included in the conversation have the right to take a turn. Those simply listening do not have the right to take turns.

- Turns should alternate appropriately. If the listener interrupts the speaker before they finish, this is considered rude and disrespectful, often regarded as 'cutting off' or 'talking over' someone.

- When speaking to someone of higher social status, it is often expected that the lower-status individual yields the floor. Yielding the floor is considered a sign of politeness and respect in these situations.

- Participants should ensure the conversation flows smoothly. There should not be long pauses without anyone speaking, nor should one participant cut in while the other is still speaking. The exchange of turns should happen fluidly for a natural and continuous conversation.

II - PRACTICE EXERCISES

Question 1: In the dialogue between the tax collector, the village official's family, Mrs. Dậu, and Mr. Dậu in Ngô Tất Tố’s story 'Tức nước vỡ bờ', the characters’ personalities are reflected through their turns in the conversation:

- The tax collector is domineering and authoritative. For example:

+ 'Hey! I thought you were dead last night. Still alive? Pay your tax now!'

+ 'You plan on telling your father? You dare ask for a delay on the state tax!'

- The village official’s family is obsequious toward the tax collector but arrogant toward Mrs. Dậu. For example:

+ 'He’s about to cause trouble again like last night!'

+ 'You want to delay your tax payment until tomorrow? Tell the tax collector and he will speak to the magistrate for you.'

- Mrs. Dậu is a loving and patient wife and mother, but when necessary, she becomes assertive, strong, and resolute. For example:

+ 'Please, sir, my family just recovered. Please let us off.'

+ 'My husband is ill. You have no right to treat him this way!'

+ 'Tie him up, and you’ll see what happens!'

- Mr. Dậu is fearful, avoids conflict, and is reluctant to confront those in power. For example:

'Don’t do that! If they hit us, it's fine, but if we hit them, we’ll be jailed.'

Question 2: In the excerpt from 'Tắt đèn' by Ngô Tất Tố, the main points include:

a) The contrasting ways in which Mrs. Dậu and Cái Tí engage in the conversation:

- When Mrs. Dậu returns home, Cái Tí eagerly starts a conversation with her, asking about his father and inquiring about her situation with the tax collector. However, Mrs. Dậu, feeling troubled after selling Cái Tí and preparing to send him to Nghị Quế’s house, remains silent and does not engage with him.

- When Cái Tí learns that his mother sold him to Nghị Quế’s house, he cries and pleads with her to stay with his siblings. Meanwhile, Mrs. Dậu tries to comfort him and persuade him to go to Nghị Quế’s house.

b) The dialogue accurately reflects the characters’ emotional states in the story.

c) Cái Tí’s innocence and filial piety at the beginning of the conversation increase the emotional tension of the story:

- The more innocent and devoted Cái Tí is, the more heartache Mrs. Dậu feels.

- The more innocent and devoted Cái Tí is, the stronger Mrs. Dậu’s love and reluctance to part with him become.

Question 3: The silence of the narrator in the story 'The Picture of My Sister' (Grade 6 Literature) signifies:

- The narrator’s surprise and astonishment at the loving gaze from his sister, something he had never noticed before.

- The narrator’s shame, unable to speak when he realizes he has always seen his sister’s faults, while she sees so many good qualities in him.

Question 4: The decision to remain silent or speak depends on the situation and timing:

- If speaking only leads to negative or harmful consequences, silence is golden. In such cases, silence preserves friendships, unity, and avoids unnecessary arguments.

- However, if one is supposed to speak but refrains due to fear or a desire to avoid conflict, it may result in feeling regretful for not voicing what was necessary. As the saying goes, 'Fools are those who remain silent when they should speak.'