Top 6 Best Lesson Plans on "Themes and Outlines of Narrative Essays" for 6th Grade

A. KEY CONCEPTS

1. Read the following story and answer the questions.
Introduction: Tue Tinh was a renowned doctor during the Tran dynasty. He not only expanded the field of traditional medicine but also had a deep compassion for those in need of medical care.
Body: One day, a nobleman from the area invited Tue Tinh to his mansion to treat his back pain. As he was about to leave, a poor farmer couple arrived, carrying their child with a broken leg, desperately asking for treatment. Tue Tinh immediately took the boy’s pulse and told the nobleman: “Please inform your father that I am willing to come, but I must first treat this boy, as his condition is more urgent.” The nobleman was taken aback: “Please come to my mansion first; the servants have already set up a hammock for you.”
“No!” Tue Tinh replied firmly, “I must treat this boy first; delaying could be dangerous.” Tue Tinh began the treatment without paying attention to the nobleman’s displeased attitude. After nearly an hour, the boy was properly bandaged and lying comfortably in bed. Tue Tinh let out a relieved sigh. The farmer couple bowed in gratitude: “If not for you, our son’s life would have been in danger. We don’t know how to repay you.” Tue Tinh replied, “We help each other in times of need. Do not speak of debts. Rest assured, the boy will be able to walk again in a week.”
Conclusion: As the day turned to dusk, Tue Tinh remembered the nobleman and hurried to his mansion without resting.

(According to Quynh Cu, Stars of the Nation, Volume 2, Thanh Nien Publishing)

Questions:

a. What does Tue Tinh’s decision to treat the farmer’s son first tell us about his character as a doctor?
b. The theme refers to the main issue or the primary message the storyteller wants to convey. Does the story primarily praise Tue Tinh’s compassion for people?
c. The title of an essay reflects its central theme. Choose an appropriate title and explain your choice.
Answers:

a. It reflects his medical ethics: treating people in need without considering their wealth or status. He shows genuine concern for his patients.
b. Theme: Praising Tue Tinh’s medical ethics.
The sentence that directly supports this theme is: “He is a person who wholeheartedly loves and helps the sick.”
c. The best title would be “The Medical Ethics of Tue Tinh” because it captures the essence of the story – Tue Tinh’s approach to helping both the nobleman and the poor farmer.

2. Remember

The theme is the primary issue the author aims to address in the text.
A narrative essay typically has three parts:
Introduction: Provides general information about the characters and events.
Body: Describes the unfolding of the events.
Conclusion: Summarizes the resolution of the events.

B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS

Question 1 (Page 45, Textbook) Read the following story and answer the questions:

THE REWARD

A farmer found a precious gem and wanted to present it to the king. He went to the palace and asked the officials how to meet the king. One official asked him why he wanted to meet the king. The farmer explained that he wanted to offer the gem.
The official replied: “I’ll take you to the king, but only if you agree to give me half of whatever the king rewards you.” The farmer agreed, and the official led him to the king. The king took the gem and asked, “So, what would you like me to reward you with?”
The farmer answered, “Your Majesty, I ask for fifty lashes. I desire nothing more. However, I have agreed to share half of your reward with the official who brought me here. So, I ask that you give each of us twenty-five lashes.”
The king laughed, dismissed the official, and rewarded the farmer with one thousand rubles.

(Adapted from Leo Tolstoy, translated by Vu Van Ton)

Questions:

a. What is the main message of this story? Which event highlights this message? Underline the sentence that focuses on this event.

b. Identify the three parts of the story: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.

c. How is this story similar to the one about Tue Tinh in terms of structure, and how do they differ in theme?

d. What makes the events in the Body of this story interesting?

Answers:

a. The story highlights the farmer’s intelligence and courage in challenging corrupt officials. It also satirizes the greedy and incompetent officials. The key event that illustrates this is the farmer requesting fifty lashes as his reward, while also insisting the official share in the punishment.
The sentence that highlights this is: “I ask for fifty lashes… and please give each of us twenty-five lashes.”
b. The three parts of the story are:
Introduction: “A farmer found a precious gem and wanted to offer it to the king.”
Body: “He asked… twenty-five lashes.”
Conclusion: “The king laughed, dismissed the official, and rewarded the farmer with one thousand rubles.”
c. Both stories share the same three-part structure. However, the story about Tue Tinh praises his medical ethics and compassion, while “The Reward” criticizes corrupt officials. The conclusion of Tue Tinh’s story is more reflective, while “The Reward” ends on a more dramatic note, with a surprising twist.
d. The most interesting part of “The Reward” is the farmer’s unexpected request for punishment instead of a typical reward. This clever twist surprises the official and the reader, showcasing the farmer’s wit and the theme of justice over greed.

Question 2 (Page 46, Textbook) Re-read the stories “The Mountain God and the Water God” and “The Legend of the Sword Lake.” How does the introduction set up the upcoming events, and how does the conclusion resolve them?

Answer:

The introductions effectively set up the upcoming stories:
In “The Mountain God and the Water God,” the King of the Hung Dynasty is choosing a husband for his daughter.
In “The Legend of the Sword Lake,” the Dragon King decides to lend the magical sword.
The conclusions of both stories present the resolutions:
In “The Mountain God and the Water God,” it explains why floods occur every year, with Water God’s continuous attempts to defeat the Mountain God and win the princess.
In “The Legend of the Sword Lake,” it explains the origin of the Sword Lake: “The king raised the sword, aiming at the Golden Turtle. Swift as lightning, the turtle opened its mouth, grabbed the sword, and sank back into the lake. The sword and the turtle disappeared, and people still claim to see something shiny under the water. Since then, the lake is known as Sword Lake or Hoan Kiem Lake.”

I. General Understanding of the Theme and Structure of a Narrative Essay

1. Read the essay and answer the questions.

2. Answer the following questions:

a) What does Tue Tinh’s decision to treat the farmer’s son with a broken leg first reveal about his qualities as a doctor?

He shows deep compassion for his patients, not allowing any desire for fame or personal gain to overshadow the urgency of life and death.
We can also see his dedication to treating the most critical cases first, prioritizing the more severe injuries over minor ones.

b) The theme is the central idea or main point the narrator intends to convey. In this story, the theme is the praise of Tue Tinh’s dedication, compassion for his patients, and the exemplary ethics of the doctor.

The theme of the essay is expressed directly in the sentences: “We help each other in times of need; why speak of debts?”, “Tell your father that I am ready to come, but I must first treat this boy because his condition is more urgent.”
c) The title of an essay reflects its theme. While all three titles are appropriate, the second and third titles, “The Compassion of Dr. Tue Tinh” and “The Medical Ethics of Tue Tinh,” more clearly summarize the doctor’s love for his patients and his professional integrity.

Additionally, here are some alternative title suggestions for the story:

Tue Tinh: A Doctor Devoted to His Patients
A Doctor’s Heart for His Patients

d) The Introduction, Body, and Conclusion of the essay fulfill the requirements of a narrative essay as follows:

Introduction: Introduces the main character and the event, in this case, Dr. Tue Tinh.
Body: Describes the unfolding of events, specifically the situation where both a noble family and the farmer’s family seek treatment simultaneously.

Dr. Tue Tinh firmly decides to treat the farmer’s son first, even though the noble family had already prepared a hammock for him.

The farmer’s family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Tue Tinh.

Conclusion: Summarizes the outcome of the situation.

II. Practice on the Theme and Structure of a Narrative Essay

1. Question 1/46 from Textbook, Vietnamese Literature, Grade 6, Volume 1

a) The story’s theme aims to:

Celebrate: The honesty, straightforwardness, and wisdom of the farmer
Criticize: The greed, selfishness, and exploitation of the officials in the royal court.

b) The event that highlights this theme:

A farmer finds a precious gem and decides to offer it to the king.
The farmer exposes the corruption of the court official.

c) This story and the story of “Tue Tinh” are similar in that both follow the classic three-part structure: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.

The difference between the two stories:

The theme of the “Tue Tinh” story: It highlights the professional ethics and compassion of Dr. Tue Tinh for his patients.
The theme of “The Reward” story: It praises the honesty and integrity of the farmer.

2. Question 2/46 from Textbook, Vietnamese Literature, Grade 6, Volume 1

After reading the stories “Mountain God and Water God” and “The Legend of Sword Lake,” we can observe the following:

The introduction of the story clearly sets the time, context, and situation of the events being told.
The conclusion presents the result and wraps up the story.

I. Understanding the Theme and Structure of a Narrative Essay

1. Read the following essay and answer the questions.

Tuệ Tĩnh's decision to treat the young peasant boy with a broken leg first reflects the admirable qualities of a physician:

+ Wholeheartedly saving patients, prioritizing those in greater danger.

+ Helping people regardless of their wealth or status.

⇒ The quality of a compassionate and impartial doctor.

b. The theme of the Tuệ Tĩnh story praises the moral values of a skilled doctor, who genuinely cares for and helps patients, never forgetting his ethical duties despite wealth.

- The sentences that express the theme directly are:

+ “Tell the elder that I am ready to go, but I must treat this boy first because his condition is more urgent.”

+ “People help one another in times of trouble; why should they thank me?”

c. Appropriate titles:

- The Medical Ethics of Tuệ Tĩnh: This reflects his compassion and moral integrity as a doctor.

- Alternative titles could include:

+ Doctor Tuệ Tĩnh

+ Wholeheartedly for the Patient

+ The Doctor with a Kind Heart

d. The role of the sections in the narrative:

- Introduction: Introduction to Tuệ Tĩnh and the key theme.

- Body: Describes the events that demonstrate Tuệ Tĩnh’s commitment to his patients.

+ The noble family and peasant come seeking treatment.

+ Tuệ Tĩnh decides to treat the peasant’s son first due to the severity of his injury.

+ The peasant couple expresses their gratitude, and Tuệ Tĩnh responds.

- Conclusion: Summarizes Tuệ Tĩnh’s next steps in continuing to treat the noble family.

PRACTICE

Exercise 1 (Page 46, Vietnamese Literature Textbook 6, Volume 1)

a. The theme of the story:

- Praises the honesty and straightforwardness of the laboring class who do not seek wealth.

- Critiques and mocks the greed and selfishness of court officials.

- The key events that highlight the theme:

+ A peasant finds a valuable gem and wishes to present it to the king.

+ The peasant exposes the greed of the official.

- The critique is expressed through: “Fine, I will take you to the king, but only if you share half of the reward with me. Otherwise, no deal!”

b. The three parts of the story:

- Introduction: The first sentence.

- Body: From “He said...” to “twenty-five lashes.”

- Conclusion: The remaining part.

c. The story “The Reward” shares the three-part structure with “Tuệ Tĩnh.”

- Differences in themes:

+ Tuệ Tĩnh’s story: The compassion of the great doctor.

+ “The Reward” story: The value of honesty.

d. What makes the Body section interesting:

- The unexpected request of the peasant for “fifty lashes” as a reward.

- The surprising turn of events when the official's expectation is subverted.

Exercise 2 (Page 43, Vietnamese Literature Textbook 6, Volume 1)

a. The Legend of Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh:

+ Introduction: Establishes the time and context for the events in the body of the story.

+ Conclusion: Summarizes the results of the events described in the body.

b. The opening of the story:

+ Sets the stage for the Ming invasion, highlighting their atrocities in Vietnam. From this, Long Quân decides to lend the magical sword to fight the invaders.

- Conclusion: Ends the story by explaining the name of Sword Lake (Hoàn Kiếm).

I. UNDERSTANDING THE THEME AND STRUCTURE OF A NARRATIVE ESSAY

Read the story about Tuệ Tĩnh from the Vietnamese Literature textbook (Page 44) and answer the questions:

a) What does Tuệ Tĩnh’s decision to treat the peasant boy with a broken leg first reveal about his qualities as a doctor?

b) Is the theme of this story to praise Tuệ Tĩnh's compassion?

Identify the sentences in the essay that directly express the theme. Underline those sentences.

c) The title of the essay reflects its theme. Out of the following titles, choose the most appropriate and explain why:

- Tuệ Tĩnh and Two Patients

- Tuệ Tĩnh’s Compassion for Others

- The Medical Ethics of Tuệ Tĩnh

d) What role do the introduction, body, and conclusion sections play in the narrative structure?

Answer:

a) Tuệ Tĩnh’s decision to prioritize treating the peasant boy highlights his compassionate nature as a doctor: treating the most urgent cases first, regardless of fame or wealth.

b) The theme of the story is to praise Tuệ Tĩnh's compassion. This theme is clearly expressed in the sentences: 'wholeheartedly caring for and helping patients' and 'people help each other in times of trouble, so why talk about gratitude?'.

c) All three titles are suitable, but each emphasizes a different aspect. The two latter titles focus on Tuệ Tĩnh’s compassion and his ethical conduct as a doctor, while the first title highlights a moment of choice, demonstrating his admirable character.

d) The sections:

- Introduction: Introduces the character and the key event.

- Body: Describes the sequence of events that took place.

- Conclusion: Summarizes the outcome of the events.

II. PRACTICE

Answer Question 1 (Page 45, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 1):

Read the story 'The Reward' from the textbook and answer the following questions:

a) What does the theme of this story highlight and mock? Which event most clearly demonstrates the theme? Underline the sentences that reflect this event.

b) Identify the three parts: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.

c) How does this story compare with the Tuệ Tĩnh story in terms of structure and theme?

d) What makes the events in the body section of the story interesting?

Detailed answer:

a) The theme: The story celebrates the intelligence and loyalty of the peasant to the king while mocking the greed and arrogance of the official. The theme is demonstrated in the peasant’s request for a reward of 50 lashes and the suggestion to divide the reward. The sentence that highlights the event: 'Then, Your Majesty, please award each person twenty-five lashes.'

b) The three parts of the story:

- Introduction: The first sentence.

- Body: The following sentences.

- Conclusion: The final sentence.

c) Comparison with the Tuệ Tĩnh story:

* Similarities:

- Both follow a chronological structure.

- Both have three distinct parts.

- Both stories feature minimal action and focus on dialogue.

- Both have surprising and dramatic events.

- The conclusions of both stories are effective and memorable.

* Differences:

- The introduction of Tuệ Tĩnh directly presents the theme, while the introduction of 'The Reward' only sets the scene.

- 'Tuệ Tĩnh' is surprising at the beginning, whereas 'The Reward' has its surprise at the end.

d) The body section is interesting because of the unusual request for the reward and the unexpected outcome, which demonstrates the cleverness and confidence of the peasant.

Answer Question 2 (Page 45, Vietnamese Literature 6, Volume 1):

Read the stories 'Sơn Tinh, Thủy Tinh' and 'The Legend of Sword Lake'. How do the introductions set up the story, and how do the conclusions end the narrative?

Detailed answer:

- Introduction:

+ In 'Sơn Tinh, Thủy Tinh': The situation is introduced without fully explaining the events, only mentioning that King Hùng was choosing a son-in-law.

+ In 'The Legend of Sword Lake': The situation is introduced more thoroughly, explaining the reason for the magical sword.

- Conclusion:

+ 'Sơn Tinh, Thủy Tinh': The events continue without a clear conclusion.

+ 'The Legend of Sword Lake': The story ends with the conclusion of the events, explaining the origin of Sword Lake.

I. Understanding the theme and structure of a narrative essay

Read the following essay and answer the questions:

a) Introduction

Tuệ Tĩnh was a renowned physician during the Tran Dynasty. Not only was he a pioneer in the development of Vietnamese medicine, but he was also known for his deep compassion and dedication to healing the sick.

b) Body

One day, a nobleman from the area invited Tuệ Tĩnh to his residence to treat his back pain. As Tuệ Tĩnh was about to leave, a rural couple arrived, carrying their son who had suffered a broken leg. They urgently asked him to help. Tuệ Tĩnh examined the child and then spoke to the nobleman:

– Please inform the master that I am ready to go, but this child’s condition is more critical, and I must treat him first.

The nobleman was surprised:

– I ask that you come to my residence first. My servants have already set up a hammock for you.

– No! – Tuệ Tĩnh firmly replied. – I must treat this child first; delay could harm him.

Without paying attention to the nobleman’s displeasure, Tuệ Tĩnh immediately began treating the child. By the end of the afternoon, the child’s leg was properly bandaged and resting comfortably. Tuệ Tĩnh sighed in relief. The parents of the child bowed to him in gratitude:

– A Di Đà Phật! If not for you, my son’s life would have been at risk. We don’t know how to repay you!

Tuệ Tĩnh responded:

– People help each other in times of hardship. Why speak of gratitude? Please rest assured, after a week, the child will be able to walk again.

c) Conclusion

As night fell, Tuệ Tĩnh suddenly remembered the nobleman and rushed off without taking a moment to rest.

(Adapted from Quỳnh Cư, Những vì sao đất nước, Volume 2, Thanh Niên Publishing House)

Question 2 - Page 45, Textbook

Read carefully the story of the famous physician Tuệ Tĩnh and identify the main theme of the narrative.

a) What quality of the doctor does Tuệ Tĩnh demonstrate by prioritizing the treatment of the rural child with a broken leg?

b) The theme refers to the central idea the storyteller wants to express in the text. Does the theme of this story praise Tuệ Tĩnh’s compassion for others? Identify specific sentences that directly express the theme.

c) The title of a text reflects its theme. Among the following titles, which one is most appropriate and why?

– Tuệ Tĩnh and the Two Patients

– The Compassion of Tuệ Tĩnh

– The Medical Ethics of Tuệ Tĩnh

Can you suggest an alternative title for the story?

d) How do the introduction, body, and conclusion of this narrative fulfill the requirements of a narrative essay?

Answers:

a) The doctor’s ethics are demonstrated in his selflessness, showing no bias between the rich and the poor, always prioritizing the needs of the patient.

b) The theme of the story is to praise the medical ethics of Tuệ Tĩnh.

The sentence directly expressing the theme is: He was someone who deeply cared for and helped those in need.

c) The most suitable title among the three is the first one: ‘Tuệ Tĩnh and the Two Patients’.

This title best encapsulates the main theme: Tuệ Tĩnh’s decision to treat the child of a farmer first, because his condition was more severe, despite the nobleman’s request for him to treat his lighter ailment first.

d) The structure of a narrative essay typically includes three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. These sections are closely interconnected in expressing the theme. The introduction provides background on the character and situation. The body narrates the events. The conclusion wraps up the story and reinforces the theme. In Tuệ Tĩnh’s story, the theme is gradually revealed throughout the introduction, body, and conclusion. The final line, ‘As night fell, Tuệ Tĩnh suddenly remembered the nobleman and rushed off without taking a moment to rest,’ emphasizes the doctor’s dedication to his patients.

II. Practice

Question 1 - Page 45, Textbook

Read the following story and answer the questions:

THE REWARD

A farmer found a precious gem and wanted to present it to the king.

He went to the palace and asked the officials how to meet the king. One of the officials asked him what he wanted to see the king for. The farmer explained that he had found a valuable gem and wished to present it to the king.

The official said:

– Alright, I will take you to the king, but under one condition: you must share half of the reward the king gives you with me. Otherwise, we can forget it!

The farmer agreed, and the official led him to the king. Upon receiving the gem, the king asked:

– What reward do you wish for?

The farmer replied:

– Your Majesty, I ask for fifty lashes, nothing more. However, I agree to split the reward with the official who brought me here. Therefore, I request that each of us receive twenty-five lashes.

The king burst out laughing, dismissed the official, and awarded the farmer one thousand rubles.

(Adapted from Leo Tolstoy, translated by Vũ Văn Tôn)

Answers:

a) The theme of the story is to praise and mock what? Which event is central to the theme? Identify the sentence that expresses the key event.

b) Identify the three parts of the story: Introduction, Body, Conclusion.

c) How is this story similar to the story of Tuệ Tĩnh in terms of structure and different in terms of theme?

d) What makes the event in the body of the story interesting?

Answer:

a) The theme of the story is:

To praise the farmer’s cleverness and bravery in standing up against the corrupt officials and seeking justice from the king.

To mock the corrupt officials for their greed and ignorance.

The central event that expresses this theme is the farmer’s request for the lashes as a reward.

The sentence that reflects this event is: ‘Your Majesty, I ask for fifty lashes…’

b) The structure of the story is:

– Introduction: ‘A farmer found a precious gem and wanted to present it to the king.’

– Conclusion: ‘The king burst out laughing, dismissed the official, and awarded the farmer one thousand rubles.’

– The rest is the body of the story.

c) Compared to the story of Tuệ Tĩnh: Both stories share the same three-part structure.

The difference lies in the theme: in the story of Tuệ Tĩnh, the theme is introduced right away in the introduction, while in the story ‘The Reward,’ the introduction only sets up the situation. The conclusion in Tuệ Tĩnh’s story is more reflective, while the conclusion in ‘The Reward’ is more dramatic, concluding at the peak of the narrative. The surprise in Tuệ Tĩnh’s story comes at the beginning, while in ‘The Reward,’ it occurs at the end.

d) The story is interesting because of the unexpected nature of the farmer’s request. This unexpected event adds drama to the story, showcasing the farmer’s cleverness and wit, which directly conveys the theme of the story.

Question 2 - Page 46, Textbook

Read the stories ‘Sơn Tinh, Thủy Tinh’ and ‘The Legend of the Sword Lake’ and compare how the introductions and conclusions were used to frame the narratives.

Answer:

– Comparison of introductions:

+ In ‘Sơn Tinh, Thủy Tinh,’ the introduction mentions that King Hùng is selecting a suitor for his daughter.

+ In ‘The Legend of the Sword Lake,’ the introduction explains that the Dragon King decided to lend the magical sword.

Both introductions set up the conflict, which is then explored in the body of the stories.

– Comparison of conclusions:

+ In ‘Sơn Tinh, Thủy Tinh,’ the conclusion narrates how the storm god continually battles the mountain god but ultimately fails to win.

+ In ‘The Legend of the Sword Lake,’ the conclusion describes how the sword and the turtle are submerged in the lake, with the legend of the lake being born.

Both conclusions provide closure, but the story of ‘Sơn Tinh, Thủy Tinh’ also explains the natural phenomenon of floods, while ‘The Legend of the Sword Lake’ explains the origin of the lake’s name. The conclusion of ‘Sơn Tinh, Thủy Tinh’ is more explanatory, while in ‘The Legend of the Sword Lake,’ the closure feels more mythical and continuous with the origin of the place.