Top 6 Best Lesson Plans on "Observation, Imagination, Comparison, and Commentary in Descriptive Writing" for Grade 6

I. ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE TO MASTER

1. The role and impact of observation, imagination, comparison, and commentary in descriptive writing.

2. Developing these skills when analyzing descriptive paragraphs and when practicing this writing style.

II. LESSON STUDY GUIDE

1. Read the three passages in the textbook.

2. Answer the following questions:

a) Each passage helps readers visualize the most prominent features:

- Passage 1: The image of the skinny, weak, and pitiable Dế Choắt.

- Passage 2: The poetic and grand scenery of the Cà Mau region - Năm Căn.

- Passage 3: The vitality of the Gạo tree and the beautiful spring season.

b) These prominent features are expressed through specific words and images:

- Passage 1: skinny, lanky, heavy, sluggish, dazed...

- Passage 2: sprawling like a spider's web, blue sky, green water, green forest, endless murmur, vast, roaring like a waterfall...

- Passage 3: chirping birds, the Gạo tree - a giant lantern, thousands of flowers - thousands of flames, thousands of buds - thousands of clear candlelights...

To describe like this, the writer needs basic abilities: sharp observation, rich imagination, diverse comparison, and accurate commentary.

c) Find sentences with imagery, imagination, and comparison in the passages. Identify their uniqueness.

- The Dế Choắt, thin and lanky like a drug addict; Already an adult, yet his wings are so short they barely reach the middle of his back, exposing his ribs like a man wearing a vest...

- As we head toward Cà Mau, the rivers and canals spread out like a spider's web; The Năm Căn River is vast, with water rushing to the sea day and night like a waterfall, schools of fish swimming in swarms, diving up and down like frogs in the waves; The boat glides along the thousand-meter wide river, with the mangrove forests towering like endless walls on either side.

- From a distance, the Gạo tree stands tall like a giant lantern: thousands of flowers are like thousands of bright red flames, thousands of buds like thousands of clear candles, all sparkling in the sunlight.

These images of imagination and comparison are unique because they are both realistic and delicate, revealing the object in detail while also offering intriguing associations for the reader. Such writing is only possible with sharp observation and abundant imagination.

3. Compare Đoàn Giỏi's passage with the original (section 1, passage 2), noting the words omitted:

- roaring

- like a waterfall

- diving up and down like a frog

The words removed are either strong verbs or impactful comparisons. Without them, the description loses its dynamic quality, as the missing words evoke a sense of imagination and creativity.

III. PRACTICE EXERCISES

Question 1. a) In the passage describing the scenery of Hồ Gươm, the author observed and selected distinctive and representative images:

- the shimmering surface of the lake

- the red-painted Thê Húc bridge

- Ngọc Sơn temple

- the old banyan tree with lush roots and leaves

- The Turtle Tower standing on a small mound in the middle of the lake.

b) Suitable words to fill in the blanks that describe the outstanding features of Hồ Gươm could include:

- the lake like a giant mirror

- curved like a shrimp

- the temple roof peeking out from the old banyan tree

- ancient moss-covered walls

- lush green grass.

Question 2. In Tô Hoài's passage, find characteristic and vivid images that highlight the beauty and strength of the Dế Mèn, as well as his proud and stubborn personality:

- Wobbling, shiny with fat

- A large head, with bulging lumps

- Jet black teeth, chewing loudly

- Long antennae, curled

- Carefully and slowly raising both legs to stroke his antennae.

Question 3. Observe and record the most prominent features of your house or room. Pay attention to:

- The exterior form

- The furniture and arrangement inside...

Question 4. If you were to describe the morning scenery in your hometown, you might use comparisons like:

- The sun (a giant fireball)

- The sky (a faint purple birdcage)

- The row of trees (a perfectly aligned squadron of soldiers)

- The hills (like inverted bowls or rice plates)

- The houses (scattered bright spots on the horizon).

Question 5. From Đoàn Giỏi's story about the rivers of Cà Mau, write a descriptive paragraph about the scenery of a river or forest you've encountered. Be sure to describe it from a distance to close up, or vice versa, highlighting the most impressive details.

I. OBSERVATION, IMAGINATION, COMPARISON, AND COMMENTARY IN DESCRIPTIVE WRITING

Question 1: Carefully read the provided paragraphs in the textbook.

Question 2: Think about and answer the following questions:

a. What key features of the objects and landscapes being described can you visualize in each paragraph?

The first paragraph helps us envision the thin, frail, unbalanced, and unattractive form of Dế Choắt.

The second paragraph brings to life the untamed, vibrant nature of the Cà Mau region with its many canals and rivers, accompanied by the constant hum of the forest and the sea, and an endless stretch of blue—the sky, water, and foliage all blending into one vast expanse.

The third paragraph paints the image of the cotton tree in bloom, with its flowers and leaves in spring, becoming a bustling gathering spot for many types of birds such as the chào mào, sáo sậu, and sáo đen.

b. These features stand out through numerous descriptive words and images:

In the first paragraph: frail, elongated like a drug addict, with stubby wings, ribs exposed like a shirtless man wearing a vest, broad and heavy, with a stubby beard, and a blank, dazed face.

In the second paragraph: sprawling in every direction like a spider’s web, the sky above is blue, the water below is blue, and everything is enveloped in green—the color of trees and leaves. The endless hum of the forest, the thundering sound of the sea, crashing like a waterfall, schools of fish swimming in black masses, popping up and diving like people swimming like frogs. The mangrove forest rises towering like two endless Great Walls.

In the third paragraph: the sound of birds calling, chirping incessantly, standing tall like a massive lantern tower, thousands of flaming flowers, thousands of bright candles twinkling, flying in flocks, circling up and down, chatting, teasing, arguing—a spring festival in full swing.

• To write such descriptions, the writer must be able to observe, comment, associate, imagine, compare, and use language precisely and delicately.

c. Sentences involving comparison and association in these three paragraphs:

- The rivers and canals sprawl like a spider's web, the water rushes to the sea, day and night like a waterfall.

- Schools of black fish rise and dive like people swimming like frogs, amidst the white waves.

- The mangrove trees rise tall like two endless Great Walls.

- The cotton tree stands firm like a massive lantern tower.

- Thousands of flowers are like thousands of red flames.

- Thousands of buds are like thousands of clear, glowing candles.

- It’s the spring festival.

• The comparisons and associations are full of originality:

For example: Comparing the canals and rivers to a spider's web evokes the image of the intricate and interwoven channels of water.

Comparing the cotton tree to a towering lantern and its fiery flowers and tender buds to green candles is an exceptionally creative and fresh comparison.

Question 3. The passage by Đoàn Giỏi omits the words: thundering, like a waterfall, rising and diving like people swimming like frogs, and like two endless Great Walls.

The omission of these words makes the landscape less vivid, less dynamic, and reduces its emotional appeal.

Note:

To describe effectively, one must first observe, then comment, imagine, associate, compare, and use figures of speech to highlight the most striking characteristics of the object being described.

II. PRACTICE

Question 1: The following paragraph describes Hoan Kiem Lake. What distinctive and representative images has the author selected based on their observations?
Choose from the following words: oval mirror, glass pane, curved, sleek, slightly cloudy, ancient, deep green, vivid green. Select five words that fit best to fill in the blanks from 1 to 5 in the parentheses.

"My house is not far from Hoan Kiem Lake. From the high balcony, the lake looks like a (1...) mirror, sparkling with brightness.

The red Thê Húc Bridge, (2...) like a shrimp, leads into Ngọc Sơn Temple. The temple's roof (3...) next to the ancient banyan tree, with roots and leaves sprawling. A bit farther is the Turtle Tower, its walls covered in (4...) moss, standing on an earth mound in the middle of the lake, with grass growing (5...)."

- Answer: In the above passage, the author has observed and selected the following distinct and representative images: the lake is compared to a large, oval mirror sparkling with brightness; the Thê Húc Bridge is curved like a shrimp; the temple's ancient roof sits beside an old banyan tree with sprawling roots and leaves; the Turtle Tower's moss-covered walls rise from the earth mound in the middle of the lake, surrounded by lush, deep green grass.

Question 2. The representative and distinctive images highlight:

- The beautiful, strong body of Dế Mèn.

As I took a leisurely walk, my body shimmered with a shiny, glossy brown hue, reflecting in the mirror, and I looked quite handsome. My two large, dark, sharp teeth.

- The stubborn, arrogant nature:

My head is large and prominent, very stubborn. My long mustache exudes a powerful majesty. I take great pride in it... and I often take time to carefully stroke my mustache with both feet.

Question 3. Observe and describe the characteristics of your current home (in a few sentences).

For reference:

The house is built with brick walls and a corrugated iron roof.

The walls are painted yellow.

The width is about four meters, and the length is about sixteen meters.

The doors and windows have metal frames with glass, so the house is always bright.

The floor is made of brown ceramic tiles, always spotless.

The house consists of three rooms. The outermost room is the living room, which contains a large wooden cabinet, a small cabinet for the TV, and a black faux leather sofa. A ceiling fan with three blades painted in light green is mounted above. The inner room is the bedroom, which has a large wardrobe and two wooden beds. The innermost room contains a dining table, a cabinet for dishes, a kitchen with a stove, a wash basin, and a bathroom with a toilet.

Question 4. When describing a morning scene in my homeland, one could use comparisons and associations:

The rising sun is large and red like a red tray.

The vast sky is spread wide, with pink clouds glowing at the eastern horizon.

The rows of trees with their fresh green leaves gently sway in the early morning breeze.

The mountain peaks high above receive the first rays of sunlight, which slowly spread downward.

The houses seem to awaken after a long night’s sleep, with sounds of roosters crowing, pigs squealing, children crying, and adults chatting.

A new day has begun.

Question 5. For practice: From the work *Sông nước Cà Mau* by Đoàn Giỏi, write a paragraph describing the scenery of a river or a forest.

Reference paragraph:

"In the golden sunlight, the dry forest stands majestic and grand. The trunks of the cajeput trees stretch straight up like enormous candles. Their leaves droop and flutter in the wind like drooping leaves in a vast sea of green that gradually turns yellow, releasing the scent of cajeput trees heated by the sun. The sound of birds incessantly echoes, rising into the endless blue sky. On the broad plains and surrounding the low shrubs, one hears the endless buzzing of countless winged insects. They constantly flutter back and forth over the vibrant tropical flowers.

The sweet, heady fragrance of the unnamed wildflowers mingles with the midday sunlight, making one feel drowsy. People might easily lie down beneath the shade of a tree and drift into a sleep that comes without waiting...".

(Excerpt from *Đất rừng phương Nam* by Đoàn Giỏi)

I. BASIC KNOWLEDGE

Question 1. Read the following excerpts and answer the questions:

(1) The grasshopper, Chochat, is a thin and lanky creature, resembling a drug addict with his spindly body and short wings that barely reach the middle of his back, exposing his ribs like a man wearing a vest with his shirt off. His legs are wide and clumsy, making him look quite unattractive. His mustache is stubby, and his face always seems dazed and confused.

(Tô Hoài)

(2) The further one moves toward the Cà Mau region, the more the rivers and canals spread out like a spider's web. Above, the sky is blue; below, the water is also blue, and all around is nothing but the green of the trees. The endless murmuring of the forests, together with the sound of the waves from the East Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, can be heard day and night, carried on the salty breeze […]. The Năm Căn River flows powerfully, rushing to the sea continuously like a waterfall, and schools of fish swim in black swarms, rising and diving like swimmers in the white waves. The boat drifts along the river, which is over a thousand feet wide, and on both banks, mangrove forests rise like endless walls of fortifications.

(Đoàn Giỏi)

(3) In spring, the gao tree summons countless birds to chirp happily. From a distance, the tree stands tall like a giant lighthouse: thousands of red flowers shining like fiery lanterns, and countless budding flowers gleaming with a cool green light, all sparkling in the sunlight. The birds—mynas, starlings, and others—fly in groups, swooping up and down. They call to each other, gossip, tease, and argue, creating a noisy yet joyful atmosphere. It is the spring festival in full bloom!

(Vũ Tú Nam)

Question 2. a) Based on the descriptive passages above, what distinct features of the objects or landscapes can you imagine? What words or images convey these characteristics?

Suggestion:

Excerpt (1): From this passage, we can imagine the thin, weak appearance of Chochat. Words and images that highlight this include: thin, lanky, short, clumsy, etc.
Excerpt (2): This passage gives us an image of the sky and water in Cà Mau. Its features are illustrated by phrases such as: spread out like a spider's web, blue sky, blue water, the constant murmur of the waves, fish swimming in dark swarms, etc.
Excerpt (3): This passage portrays the vibrant beauty of spring. The imagery used to depict this includes: birds chirping, the gao tree standing tall like a giant lighthouse, thousands of red flowers like flaming lanterns, and birds flying in groups, swooping up and down, etc.
c) What abilities must the writer have to describe objects and landscapes in this way?

Suggestion: The writer must possess abilities such as observation, imagination, comparison, and metaphor.

d) Find sentences that include metaphorical or comparative imagery and discuss the effect of these techniques.

Suggestion: You may find sentences such as:

In excerpt (1): “… thin and lanky like a drug addict; always looking dazed and confused…”
Excerpt (2): “… spreading out like a spider's web, water rushing to the sea like a waterfall, fish swimming in dark swarms…”
Excerpt (3): “The gao tree stands tall like a giant lighthouse, the flowers like flaming lanterns…”
Such sentences create unique characteristics and emphasize the distinctive traits of objects or phenomena, making them more engaging and attention-grabbing for the audience.

Question 3*. Compare the following passage with the original excerpt from above (section a-(2)) and explain how omitting certain words affects the descriptive effectiveness.

The Năm Căn River flows powerfully, water (…) rushing to the sea day and night (…), fish swimming in dark swarms (…) between the white waves. The boat drifts along the river, which is over a thousand feet wide, and on both banks, the mangrove forest stands tall (…).

Suggestion:

Omitting words that convey comparisons or metaphors reduces the passage's ability to fully capture the essence of the Cà Mau river and makes it less captivating. This example illustrates the importance of observation, imagination, comparison, and reflection in descriptive writing.

II. SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Question 1. a) Choose 5 words from the following list: oval mirror, glass shard, curved, bend, barely visible, gloomy, ancient, deep green, emerald green, and fill in the blanks in the passage below.

My house is not far from Hoan Kiem Lake. From the high floor, looking down, the lake resembles a large (…) mirror, sparkling brightly.

The The Huc Bridge, red in color, (…) like a shrimp, leads to the Ngoc Son Temple. The temple’s roof is (…) beside the old banyan tree, its roots and leaves growing thickly. A little farther is the Turtle Tower, covered with moss (…), built on a mound in the middle of the lake, with grass growing (…)

(According to Ngô Quân Miện)

Suggestion: oval mirror, curved, barely visible, ancient, deep green.

b) How did the author observe and select the imagery in the passage above?

Suggestion: In this passage, the author demonstrates sharp observation and imagination. The comparisons created through the chosen imagery captivate the reader’s attention and make the description more engaging. For example: the lake is compared to a sparkling oval mirror, the bridge curved like a shrimp, and the temple roof barely visible behind the banyan tree with its thick roots and leaves.

Question 2. In the following passage, what distinct images has the author used to highlight the appearance of a strong and bold grasshopper, Dế Mèn, whose body is impressive but whose personality is stubborn and proud?

When I go for a walk, my whole body shakes with a glossy brown sheen, which looks great in the mirror. My head is large and stands out in blocks, very stubborn. My two black teeth are always grinding like the blades of a working machine. My mustache is long and curved in a very powerful way. I take great pride in my mustache. Every now and then, I solemnly and slowly lift both my legs to stroke my mustache.

(Tô Hoài)

Suggestion: Some distinct, characteristic images that emphasize the impressive, strong physique and proud, stubborn nature of Dế Mèn are: my body shakes with a glossy brown sheen; my head is large and stands out in blocks, very stubborn; my black teeth like the blades of a machine; my mustache is long and curved with a powerful appearance; I take great pride in my mustache, and I frequently stroke it with solemnity.

Question 3. Observe and describe your house or room and select the most prominent features to describe.

Suggestion: Depending on the features of the house or room you are in, each person may choose specific aspects (such as wall color, window frames, study corners, or furniture layout) to describe. Pay attention to what stands out.

Question 4. If you were to use the following images to describe the landscape of your homeland in the morning, what would you compare them to?

The sun
The sky
The trees
The mountains (hills)
The houses
Suggestion: To select good and appropriate comparative imagery, you should draw on knowledge gained from reading books, as well as your own creative and unique associations. When choosing comparison images, also consider the season you plan to describe (spring, summer, etc.), as the season influences the selection of comparison images.

Question 5. Write a descriptive paragraph about a river or forest that you have had the chance to observe (either directly or through television).

Suggestion: Refer to the following paragraph as a sample (describing a river):

My hometown lies on a dyke along the Red River. In the afternoon, on hot summer days, we children would gather and go swimming in the river. Dozens of us would shout and dive, teasing each other, causing a ruckus along the river. On those days, the river was very calm, flowing slowly. Small waves on the river’s surface gently lapped at the shore. The sound of the waves was cheerful and pleasant. On both banks, people washed clothes, fetched water, and chatted happily. The most beautiful sight along that river was the endless green fields of corn. My childhood, the river, and the life of those days felt so peaceful, poetic, and gentle!

(Ngô Tuần)

Question 6. From the following passage, what can you learn about the role of observation, imagination, comparison, and reflection in descriptive writing?

One hundred birch trees are all alike, one hundred flames are all alike. At first glance, they seem the same, but upon closer inspection, each birch tree is different, each flame is unique. In life, we meet many people, and we must realize that each one is different, no one is exactly the same as another.

(Tô Hoài, Some Writing Experiences, Education Publishing House, 1997)

Suggestion: Observing objects that appear similar at first may lead us to think they are identical. However, in reality, nature has made each object (and each person) unique in its own way. Therefore, to write well, one must observe carefully. Only through detailed observation can we create comparisons and metaphors that are both original and meaningful.

I. Basic Knowledge

Question 1 (page 27, 6th grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2): Read the excerpt

Question 2 (page 27, 6th grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2):

a. Excerpt 1: The cricket Choat is skinny, frail, and pitiful.

Excerpt 2: A picturesque and majestic natural landscape in the riverine region of Ca Mau.

Excerpt 3: The resilient and life-affirming nature of the cotton tree.

b. Noteworthy words and images:

- Excerpt 1: frail, thin, wobbling, heavy, dazed...

- Excerpt 2: spider-webbed, blue sky, endless murmuring water, vast, rumbling

- Excerpt 3: chirping birds, giant lantern-shaped towers, thousands of fiery red lights, and thousands of bright candles...

=> The writer must possess keen observation skills, a rich imagination, and the ability to compare and accurately comment.

c. Unique comparisons in sentences:

- "The cricket Choat... like a drug addict"; "As a young man... like a bare-chested man in a vest"

- "...the labyrinth of waterways like a spider’s web"; "the fish swimming... like a frog swimmer"; "the mangrove forest... as towering as two great walls"

- "The cotton tree stands tall like a massive lantern...", surrounded by thousands of bright red flames, thousands of bright candles in the green light"

=> These images are vivid and imaginative, effectively capturing the essence of the described objects with finesse and creativity. The author must observe with precision and imagine richly to create such descriptions.

Question 3 (page 28, 6th grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2):

The excerpt by Doan Gioi omits some words such as:

+ loud, like a waterfall, rising and falling like a frog swimming.

- The omitted words are strong verbs and impactful images; if these are removed, the passage will lose its liveliness and uniqueness.

EXERCISE

Exercise 1 (page 28, 6th grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2):

a. The order and position of words and phrases:

- The lake’s surface shimmers brightly.

- The red-painted Thê Huc Bridge.

- The Ngoc Son Temple.

- The old banyan tree with its sprawling roots.

- The Turtle Tower on a small hill in the middle of the lake.

b. The author observes from a distance and from above to capture the entirety of Hoan Kiem Lake, then focuses on describing the most prominent features like the temple’s roof and the banyan tree.

- The images and colors convey an antique, reflective atmosphere.

Exercise 2 (page 29, 6th grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2):

Describing the robust, strong body of the cricket:

+ Shimmering brown, oily.

+ Large head with a stubborn expression.

+ Dark, sharp teeth, chewing noisily.

+ Long, curled antennae that move majestically.

- Mén’s demeanor and behavior:

+ Solemn, unhurried.

+ Majestic.

+ Very stubborn.

Exercise 3 (page 29, 6th grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2):

Describing your classroom:

- The classroom is spacious and airy.

+ The walls are painted in a light pinkish purple.

+ There are two windows with cream-colored curtains.

+ The bookshelf is neatly arranged on the wall.

+ The study area is near the window.

+ Next to the desk is a bunk bed.

The highlight of the room:

+ Many interesting books.

+ Decorative items on the wall.

+ Green plants are on the windowsill and the bookshelf.

Exercise 4 (page 29, 6th grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2):

If you were to describe the morning scene in your hometown:

- The sun is a fiery red ball.

- The sky is a vast, silk-like blue carpet.

- The rows of trees glow like candle flames.

- The hills rise like giant spikes.

- The houses resemble bird nests.

Exercise 5 (page 29, 6th grade Literature Textbook, Volume 2):

If you are a nature lover and adventurer, Cuc Phuong Forest is an ideal destination. With its pristine tropical rainforest and rich ecosystem, the forest offers endless wonders for visitors. From afar, the forest appears as a soft, lush green carpet beneath the vast, clear blue sky. Entering the forest, the cool, fresh air invites exploration further into the heart of the woods. As you venture deeper, ancient trees with trunks wide enough to be embraced by several people stand tall, acting as sturdy pillars supporting the vines that decorate their outer trunks. The trees here are centuries-old, their canopies providing just enough sunlight for playful rays to dance across the uneven ground. Occasionally, small squirrels dart across branches, and shy foxes peek cautiously for a hiding spot. The forest feels natural, welcoming, and unforgettable!

Part I: OBSERVATION, IMAGINATION, COMPARISON, AND COMMENTS IN DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE

Question 1 (Page 27, Literature Textbook 6, Volume 2):

Read the following excerpts:

Excerpt 1:

a) The Grasshopper, thin and lanky like a drug addict, has reached adulthood, but its wings are stubby, barely reaching the middle of its back, exposing its ribs like a man wearing a sleeveless vest. Its legs are bulky, heavy, and quite unattractive. Its mustache is stubby, and its face always looks absent-minded and confused.

(Tô Hoài)

Excerpt 2:

The further we move toward the Cape of Cà Mau, the more the rivers and canals spread out in a tangled web, much like a spider's net. The sky is blue, the water is blue, and the surrounding landscape is all covered in green foliage. The continuous sound of the forest's rustling year-round blends with the endless waves from the East Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, resonating day and night in the salty breeze. The river, Năm Căn, is vast, its waters roaring as they rush toward the sea day and night, resembling a waterfall, with schools of fish swimming in dark clusters, emerging and diving like frogs between the white waves. Boats glide along the thousand-meter-wide river, while on both sides, the mangrove forest stands tall, like two endless Great Walls.

(Đoàn Giỏi)

In the spring, the giant gourd tree calls to countless birds chirping. From a distance, the tree stands tall like a colossal lighthouse, with thousands of red blossoms resembling fiery flames, and countless buds glowing like tiny green candles, all shimmering in the sunlight. The birds—black-crowned night herons, mynas, and others—flit about, calling to each other, chattering, teasing, and playfully arguing in an endlessly joyful and noisy manner. It is the spring festival!

(Vũ Tú Nam)

Question 2 (Page 28, Literature Textbook 6, Volume 2):

Answer the following questions:

a) What prominent features of the objects or landscapes described in each excerpt can you visualize?

b) How are these features expressed in the words and images used? What skills are needed to write such descriptions?

c) Find sentences containing imagination and comparisons in each excerpt. What makes these comparisons and imaginations unique?

Detailed Answers:

a)

- Excerpt 1: It vividly portrays the weak and pitiable appearance of the Grasshopper.

- Excerpt 2: It highlights the enchanting yet vast and majestic landscape of the Cà Mau rivers.

- Excerpt 3: It describes the vibrant life of the gourd tree during spring.

b) The features above are expressed through specific words and images in each excerpt:

- Excerpt 1: thin and lanky, bulky, heavy, absent-minded.

- Excerpt 2: Spread out like a spider's web, blue sky, blue water, endless rustling, vast, roaring like a waterfall.

- Excerpt 3: Birds chirping, gourd tree like a lighthouse, fiery flowers, green candles.

=> To write such descriptions, the author must possess the ability to observe, imagine, compare, and comment.

c) Sentences with imagination and comparisons in the excerpts:

- Like a drug addict, like a man wearing a sleeveless vest.

- Like a spider's web, like a waterfall, like a frog swimming, like two endless Great Walls.

- Like a lighthouse, like fiery flames, like green candles...

=> The comparisons and imaginations in these sentences are unique because they accurately depict the objects and create an element of surprise and interest for the reader.

Answer to Question 3 (Page 27, Literature Textbook 6, Volume 2):

The following excerpt from Đoàn Giỏi's work has missing words:

The Năm Căn River is vast, and the water (...) rushes to the sea day and night (...), fish swim in dark schools (...) between the white waves. Boats glide along the river, which is over a thousand meters wide, while on both banks, the mangrove forest rises high (...).

Compare this with the original excerpt in the textbook (Page 27, Excerpt 2) and identify the missing words. How do the omissions affect the descriptive quality of the passage?

Detailed Answer:

- The missing words are: roaring, like a waterfall, emerging and diving like frogs, like two endless Great Walls.

- These omitted words include verbs, adjectives, comparisons, and imaginations. Removing them makes the passage feel more general and dry, lacking vividness and emotional appeal.

Part II: PRACTICE

Answer to Question 1 (Page 28, Literature Textbook 6, Volume 2):

a) Given the following words and phrases: oval mirror, piece of glass, curved, bending, faint, gloomy, ancient, lush green, emerald green. Choose five words to fill in the blanks in the following paragraph:

My house is not far from Hoan Kiem Lake. From the high attic, looking down, the lake looks like a (1…) large mirror, shining brightly.

The Thê Húc Bridge, painted red, is curved like a shrimp and leads to Ngoc Son Temple. The temple's roof is faintly visible beside the old banyan tree, with thick roots and leaves. A little further away stands the Turtle Tower, its moss-covered walls ancient, perched on a mound of earth in the middle of the lake, surrounded by lush green grass.

(Ngô Quân Miện)

b) In the above description of Hoan Kiem Lake, what distinctive and representative images did the author observe and choose?

Detailed Answer:

a) The completed paragraph would be:

My house is not far from Hoan Kiem Lake. From the high attic, looking down, the lake looks like a large oval mirror, shining brightly.

The Thê Húc Bridge, painted red, is curved like a shrimp and leads to Ngoc Son Temple. The temple's roof is faintly visible beside the old banyan tree, with thick roots and leaves. A little further away stands the Turtle Tower, its moss-covered walls ancient, perched on a mound of earth in the middle of the lake, surrounded by lush green grass.

b) The author observed and chose the following representative and distinctive images:

- The shimmering surface of the lake.

- The red Thê Húc Bridge.

- The Ngoc Son Temple, the old banyan tree, and the lush greenery surrounding the Turtle Tower.

Answer to Question 2 (Page 29, Literature Textbook 6, Volume 2):

The following excerpt from Tô Hoài describes a grasshopper with a beautiful and strong body but a very stubborn and arrogant personality. What distinctive and significant images highlight this characteristic?

When I took a stroll, my whole body trembled in the mirror-like brown, glossy color that looked very attractive. My head was large, with protruding lumps, very stubborn. My two dark teeth were always chewing fiercely like two sickles working away. My antennae were long and curved, exuding a proud aura. I was very proud of my antennae, often pausing to gently stroke them.

(Tô Hoài)

Detailed Answer:

- Images depicting the Grasshopper's strong and attractive body:

+ Trembling brown glossy color.

+ Large head with protruding lumps, very stubborn.

+ Dark, fierce-chewing teeth.

+ Long, curved antennae, exuding pride.

- The Grasshopper's personality and mannerisms:

+ Proudly and leisurely stroking its antennae.

+ Very stubborn.

+ Majestic posture.

Answer to Question 3 (Page 29, Literature Textbook 6, Volume 2):

Observe and write down the characteristics of the house or room you live in. Which characteristic stands out the most?

Detailed Answer:

Characteristics of my study room:

- The room is spacious and airy.

+ The walls are painted in soft pinkish purple.

+ There are two windows with cream-colored curtains.

+ The bookshelves are neat and organized.

+ The study desk is near the window.

+ Next to the desk is a bunk bed.

Most striking feature of the room:

+ The abundance of interesting books.

+ Decorated walls.

+ Potted plants on the windowsill and shelves.

Answer to Question 4 (Page 29, Literature Textbook 6, Volume 2):

If you were to describe a morning scene in your hometown, what images and objects would you use to make comparisons and connections?

Detailed Answer:

Possible comparisons:

- The sun is like a burning ball of fire.

- The sky is clear and cool, like a refreshing ice cream cone.

- The trees are like soldiers marching in formation.

- The mountains are like giant inverted pens.

Answer to Question 5 (Page 29, Literature Textbook 6, Volume 2):

Write a paragraph describing the scenery of a river or forest you have observed.

Detailed Answer:

Sample paragraph:

My house is located by the Mã River, a place full of childhood memories. Every autumn morning, I wake up to see the river water clear and inviting. The still water flows gently, with the occasional splash of a shrimp jumping up. The river winds around the village, with lush green bamboo groves along the north bank, their reflections in the large mirror-like surface of the water. Sunlight dances across the river, casting a golden hue on everything.

A. Core Knowledge

I. Observation, Imagination, Comparison, and Commentary in Descriptive Writing.

1. Read and Understand

2. Answer the Questions

a. Notable Features of the Objects and Scenery Described:

Paragraph 1: The frail, pitiful image of the cricket Dế Choắt.
Paragraph 2: The beautiful, vast, and majestic landscape of the waters of Cà Mau.
Paragraph 3: The lively image of the cotton tree in spring.

b. Images and Words that Emphasize the Key Features:

Paragraph 1: The thin, lanky person, with short wings, ribs exposed, broad legs, stubby antennae, and a blank, absent-minded expression.

Paragraph 2: The rivers, canals, and waterways are thick like a spider's web, the sky is blue, the water is green, the green of the leaves, the endless sound of the forest, the waves, "The River Năm Căn... two endless walls of the Great Wall."

Paragraph 3: The cotton tree stands tall... a giant candle in the bright sky, the chào mào bird, the sáo sậu bird... noisy but lively.

c. Sentences that Use Imagery and Comparison in Each Paragraph:

Paragraph 1: The person is so skinny and long, resembling a drug addict; the wings are short, like a shirtless person wearing a vest
=> This evokes the image of a weak and staggering cricket, appearing quite miserable.

Paragraph 2: The water flows like a waterfall; the fish swim like frogs; the mangrove forest stands like two endless walls
=> Creating the vast and magnificent feeling of the river and the mangrove forest.

Paragraph 3: The cotton tree stands like a giant lamp, with thousands of flowers like thousands of red flames, thousands of buds like thousands of bright candles.
=> Evoking the image of the cotton tree sparkling brilliantly.

=> The function of comparison in descriptive writing is to create vivid, rich imagery that brings excitement.

3. Remember

To describe effectively, one must first know how to observe, then make judgments, draw inferences, imagine, use metaphors, and make comparisons to highlight the prominent features of things.

B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS

Question 1: Pages 28,29, Literature 6 – Volume 2

Fill in the blanks with the words: oval mirror, piece of glass, curved, bend, peek, gloomy, ancient, lush, emerald. Choose five words to complete the passage below:

"My house is not far from Hoan Kiem Lake. From the high floor, the lake looks like a (1 ..............) large, sparkling mirror.

The The Huc Bridge, red as a shrimp, leads to Ngoc Son Temple. The temple's roof, gloomy, stands under the old banyan tree with its lush roots and leaves. A little further, there is the Turtle Tower, with moss-covered walls, built on a mound of land in the middle of the lake, and the grass grows lush."

(According to Ngô Quân Miện)

Answer:

Fill in the words as follows:
"My house is not far from Hoan Kiem Lake. From the high floor, the lake looks like a large oval mirror, sparkling.
The The Huc Bridge, red and curved like a shrimp, leads to Ngoc Son Temple. The temple's roof is gloomy, standing under the old banyan tree, with its lush roots and leaves. A little further is Turtle Tower, with ancient moss-covered walls, built on a mound of land in the middle of the lake, and the grass grows lush."

Question 2: Page 29, Literature 6 – Volume 2
In the following passage, the writer Tô Hoài focuses on describing the cricket Dế Mèn with a strong and muscular body but a stubborn, arrogant personality. Find the representative and distinctive images that highlight this:

"When I go for a walk, my body shakes with a glossy brown color, shiny enough to admire. My head is big and has lumps, very stubborn. My two black teeth are always chewing like two sickles working. My antennae are long and bent, giving off a very heroic look. I am proud of them to the village people. Every now and then, I solemnly and leisurely raise both my legs to comb my antennae."
(Tô Hoài)

Answer:
Representative images of Dế Mèn's strong, muscular appearance: Shaking with a glossy brown body…, big head with lumps…, black teeth…, long and bent antennae…
Images showing Dế Mèn's stubborn, arrogant character: Proud of my antennae…, every now and then solemnly and leisurely combing my antennae…

Question 3: Page 29, Literature 6 – Volume 2
Observe and write down the characteristics of the house or room you are in. Which of those features stands out the most?

Depending on the characteristics of the house or room you are in, each person may choose their own prominent feature to describe. Pay attention to the notable points such as: the paint color, the window frame, the study corner, and the arrangement of the furniture in the room, etc.

Answer:

Suggested description of my house:
It is a two-story house with a fresh green paint layer.
The house faces east and is located near the Lam River.
The house has 3 bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen.
There are various plants and flowers in the front yard.
The main room is the living room with a white and black sofa set and a TV cabinet.
The kitchen is where my mother works, with many beautifully arranged cooking utensils.
My two sisters and I sleep in the two rooms upstairs, which are painted pink...
Among these features, the most prominent ones are:
The two-story house with fresh green paint
The front yard with various plants and flowers…

Question 4: Page 29, Literature 6 – Volume 2
If you were to describe the scene of a morning in your homeland, how would you compare and associate the images and objects listed below with what you observe?

The Sun
The Sky
The Trees
The Mountains (Hills)
The Houses

Answer:

If I were to describe the morning scene in my homeland, I would associate and compare the following objects as:

The sun is like a yolk slowly rising high.
The sky is clear with no clouds.
The tree branches gently sway with the breeze blowing from the river.
The mountains stand tall and majestic, receiving the first rays of sunlight of the new day.
The houses seem to be coated with gold under the sun.

Question 5: Page 29, Literature 6 – Volume 2
Practice Exercise
Based on the work "The Waters of Cà Mau" by Đoàn Giỏi, write a short paragraph describing a river or forest that you have observed. (Be sure to highlight the prominent features of the river or forest you describe.)

Answer:

My maternal grandparents' house is located next to the gentle Lam River. It holds many childhood memories, and it seems to call me back whenever I’m far away.
The Lam River is perhaps most beautiful at dawn. At that time, the river is calm, and the golden morning sun creates a glittering surface. Standing on the balcony of my grandparents' house, I see the river resembling a young girl in a shimmering dress. In the middle of the river, a few small boats can be seen fishing, and occasionally the sound of the oars is a pleasant melody. On both sides of the river are lush corn and mulberry fields, slowly stretching up to greet the morning light. The mornings here are strangely peaceful.
In the afternoon, the wind blowing from the river is cool and refreshing, and the village children are playing and shouting, creating a lively atmosphere. As the sun sets behind the mountains, the river seems to widen, and the scenery becomes blurry. Above, the vast sky is filled with countless tiny twinkling stars. The Lam River remains awake, flowing endlessly, merging into the vast ocean.