Top 6 Best Lesson Plans: Speech Acts (Continued) for Grade 8

I. HOW TO PERFORM SPEECH ACTS

Question 1. Number the following statements:

(1) Patriotism, like all precious things, is visible at times. (2) But sometimes it’s hidden away in a chest. (3) Our duty is to present it for all to see. (4) It’s a symbol of our contribution to the resistance.

Mark the purpose of each statement by placing a (+) in the appropriate box and a (-) in the inappropriate one:

Sentence 1: (+) to explain, (-) for other purposes

Sentence 2: (+) to explain, (-) for other purposes

Sentence 3: (+) to explain, (-) for other purposes

Sentence 4: (+) to persuade, (-) for other purposes

Sentence 5: (+) to persuade, (-) for other purposes

Question 2. Based on the results of the above exercise, create a table showing the relationship between question, command, exclamation, and declarative sentences with the corresponding speech acts. Provide examples.

Interrogative: Speech act for asking questions

- Have you finished your homework yet?

Imperative: Speech act for making requests

- Please go to the garden and pick some spinach for me.

Exclamatory: Speech act to express emotions

- Hooray! Grandma is visiting, I’m so happy!

Declarative: Speech act to present or make promises

- This story is really interesting.

- I’ll go play soccer with you on Sunday afternoon.

II. EXERCISES

Question 1. Find the interrogative sentences in the text "Hịch tướng sĩ". Explain their function. How does each position relate to its purpose?

Answer:

“In the past, did the noble warriors fight for their country?” This sentence appears near the end of the paragraph, reinforcing the main point discussed earlier.

“When the country is in ruins, how can you still enjoy yourself?” This sentence appears at the end to highlight the sorrow of losing one's homeland.

“Can you not feel the honor of victory?” This appears at the end to emphasize the joy of success.

“Why is this so?” This question appears at the start to draw attention to the explanation that follows.

Question 2. Identify declarative sentences with a persuasive purpose from the excerpts of President Ho Chi Minh’s speeches and explain how they encourage the masses:

a) All four sentences in section a are declarative sentences with a persuasive function. This form makes the words of President Ho Chi Minh resonate with the people, allowing everyone to see his words as their own duty.

b) The sentence “My ultimate desire is for a world revolution” is a declarative sentence with a persuasive purpose. This expression makes everyone feel that President Ho Chi Minh’s desire is the desire of all the people.

Question 3. Find the imperative sentences in the excerpts. How do these sentences reflect the relationship and characteristics of the characters?

Answer: Below are imperative sentences:

Speaker 1: “But only if you allow me, I will speak.”

“Since you are kind to me, please dig a hole so I can pass.”

Speaker 2: “Alright, just speak openly.”

“Stop with that whining!”

Through these sentences, we can see the relationship between the two characters: Speaker 1 is weak and humble, always showing respect and fear, while Speaker 2 is confident and commanding, demonstrating superiority.

The relationship between these two is unequal.

Question 4. Out of the five ways to ask for directions, which are the most polite?

a) “Do you happen to know where the post office is?”

b) “Could you please show me where the post office is?”

c) “Can you tell me where the post office is?”

Among these, options b and c are the most polite. On the other hand, options a and d lack courtesy and should not be used.

Question 5. In a restaurant, when someone asks for the spice jar politely, the response should also be courteous: “Here you go” or “Please, go ahead.”

Exercise 1: Identify the interrogative sentences in the article "Hich Tuong Si" by Tran Quoc Tuan. Explain their purpose and the relationship between their placement in each paragraph and their intended function.

Answer:

The interrogative sentences in "Hich Tuong Si" are as follows:

From ancient times, the loyal and righteous ministers sacrificed their lives for the country, hasn’t that always been the case? - Purpose: Statement (Affirming the heroism of the loyal ministers and national heroes across all times)
At that time, even if you did not wish to rejoice, could you? - Purpose: Directive (Once the enemy is defeated, you must rejoice regardless of your desires)
Why is that? - Purpose: Inquiry
If the enemy is defeated, and you are left with eternal shame, what face would you have to stand in this world? - Purpose: Directive (You will have no face left if you fail; take action now!)
The position of these sentences: They appear at the end of each paragraph after presenting examples, analyses, and pros and cons. These interrogative sentences prompt the soldiers to question their own hearts, to answer themselves and take proper action. This also reflects the strategic use of people by Tran Quoc Tuan.

Exercise 2: It is often observed that in his speeches and writings, President Ho Chi Minh would use declarative sentences to call upon the soldiers and people. Identify the declarative sentences with an imperative purpose in the excerpts below and explain how this form of expression helps in motivating the masses.

Answer:

Declarative sentences with imperative intent in the excerpts:

Excerpt a: Sentences 1, 2, 4
Excerpt b: Sentence 2
Effect: Uncle Ho often used declarative sentences to call upon the soldiers and people. This form of expression creates a sense of ease and familiarity, like a conversation, which deeply touches the hearts of the Vietnamese people and encourages their patriotic spirit.

Exercise 3: Identify the imperative sentences in the following excerpt. What do these sentences reveal about the relationship and character traits of the characters?

Answer:

Imperative sentences in the excerpt:

...Please help me dig a hole to your house, in case the fire goes out and someone comes to bully me, I can run over there... (Dế Choắt)
Stop singing that miserable rain song. (Dế Mèn)
Each of these sentences reveals the personalities and relationships between the characters:

Character traits:

Dế Mèn is proud, arrogant, and dismissive of others, showing no compassion for the weaker Dế Choắt.
Dế Choắt, on the other hand, is weak, humble, and submissive.

The relationship between Dế Mèn and Dế Choắt:

Dế Choắt, being the weaker character, seeks help and tries to make a request politely, while Dế Mèn sees himself as superior, bullying and belittling Dế Choắt.

Exercise 4: Among the ways to ask for directions below, which ones would be appropriate when addressing an elder?

Answer:

The appropriate ways to ask would be (a), (b), and (e).

Exercise 5: In a restaurant, a person says to the person next to them: "Could you pass me the seasoning jar?". What response should the listener choose?

Answer:

The listener should choose option (c).

Question 1. Exercise 1, page 71, Textbook.

Answer:

To identify an interrogative sentence, one must consider the structure of the sentence. However, it is important to note that not all interrogative sentences are used to ask questions.

In the text "Hich Tuong Si", there are four interrogative sentences. Three of them appear at the end of the paragraphs, and one is at the beginning. The position of each interrogative sentence in the paragraph reflects its relationship with the preceding or following sentences. Based on these relationships, we can understand that the speech act in each question could be asking, directing, presenting, or expressing emotions.

Question 2. Exercise 2, pages 71-72, Textbook.

Answer:

This exercise has two tasks: find the declarative sentences with an imperative function in the provided excerpts and analyze the effect of this form of expression in motivating the masses. To complete the second task, you can refer to the following verse by the poet Tố Hữu:

Uncle Ho, that’s our peaceful heart

Oh, the father’s eyes, the mother’s tenderness!

His voice, not a thunder from above

Pierces through each word, warming the hearts of the people.

(Sáng tháng Năm)

Question 3. Exercise 3, page 72, Textbook.

Answer:

Note the relationship between Dế Choắt and Dế Mèn: it is an unequal relationship. Additionally, Dế Mèn's character is arrogant, often looking down on Dế Choắt.

Question 4. Read the two verses below and answer the following questions:

The past is examined

And the evidence remains.

(Nguyễn Trãi, Nước Đại Việt ta)

a) What speech act is expressed in these two lines?

- Presentation

- Questioning

- Directing

- Promising

- Expressing emotions

b) Does the speech act selected align with the structure of the sentence above?

c) Based on your answer to question (b), is the speech act direct or indirect?

Answer:

Refer to exercises 4 and 5 in Lesson 23 - Speech Acts.

Question 5. In the text "Hich Tuong Si" by Tran Quoc Tuan, there is the sentence: At that time, even if you wish to rejoice, could you?

a) Is this sentence used to ask a question or make a statement?

b) Based on your answer to question (a), is the speech act direct or indirect?

Answer:

Refer to exercises 4 and 5 in Lesson 23 - Speech Acts.

I. How to Perform Speech Acts

Question 1: Question 1: The plus sign indicates the purpose of presentation (the rest are marked with a minus sign).
Question 2: The plus sign indicates the purpose of presentation (the rest are marked with a minus sign).
Question 3: The plus sign indicates the purpose of presentation (the rest are marked with a minus sign).
Question 4: The plus sign indicates the purpose of control (the rest are marked with a minus sign).
Question 5: The plus sign indicates the purpose of control (the rest are marked with a minus sign).

Question 2: Types of Sentences for Performing Speech Acts

- Interrogative sentences perform the speech acts of questioning, directing, and expressing emotions.

- Declarative sentences perform the speech acts of presenting, expressing emotions, directing, and making promises.

- Exclamatory sentences perform the speech act of expressing emotions.

- Imperative sentences perform the speech act of directing.

II. Practice Exercises

Exercise 1 (page 71, Grade 8 Textbook, Volume 2):

- Since ancient times, have there not always been loyal officials and patriots who sacrificed their lives for the country?

Purpose: To affirm the spirit of patriotism and the enduring example of loyal officials and patriots.

- At that time, even if you desired to be joyful, could you?

Purpose: To stir up the military’s spirit against foreign invaders. It highlights the futility of the generals' pursuit of pleasure, showing that it does not help the country.

- At that time, even if you did not want to be joyful, could you?

Purpose: To strongly assert that no one could remain happy in such circumstances.

- If so, after we have defeated the enemy and brought peace, what face would you have to stand before the heavens and earth?

Purpose: To confirm the shame and disgrace of those who are complicit in failing to protect the nation.

Exercise 2 (page 71, Grade 8 Textbook, Volume 2):

a) First Excerpt

- As long as one invader remains on our land, we must continue fighting until it is eradicated.

- The people and the military of the North are determined to strive for national pride, build socialism, and fulfill their duty to the people of the South.

Purpose: To encourage and rally the entire nation to unite and fight against foreign invaders.

b) Second Excerpt

- My final wish… is for a global revolution.

This expresses President Hồ Chí Minh’s deep concern for the Party and the people before his passing, and his hope for the future of the revolution and the country.

Exercise 3 (page 72, Grade 8 Textbook, Volume 2):

The imperative sentences illustrate the relationship between Dế Mèn and Dế Choắt:

- Only if you allow me will I dare to speak.

(A humble, polite way of speaking)

- Fine, go ahead and speak plainly.

(A condescending, arrogant tone)

- If you think of me kindly, could you dig a hole leading to your house for me?

(A polite, humble request for assistance)

- Stop singing that annoying, drizzly tune.

(An unwarranted, bossy reprimand)

Exercise 4 (page 72, Grade 8 Textbook, Volume 2):

When asking the elderly, students should be mindful of the following points:

+ Use appropriate and respectful forms of address.

+ Display politeness and civility.

+ Clearly express the purpose of your question.

You should ask: "Could you kindly tell me where the post office is?"

Exercise 5 (page 72, Grade 8 Textbook, Volume 2):

a) In a restaurant, when someone requests, "Could you pass me the spice jar, please?"

b) You may choose to respond in the following ways:

c) Hand the spice jar to the other person and say: "Here you go!" (or "Here you are, sir," "Here you go, madam," etc.)

Part I: HOW TO PERFORM SPEECH ACTS

Question 1. Number the sentences in the excerpt below. Identify the communicative purpose of each sentence by marking (+) in the appropriate box and (-) in the inappropriate box according to the table below.

The spirit of patriotism is like precious items. (2) Sometimes it is displayed in glass cabinets or crystal vases, clearly visible. (3) But sometimes it is hidden away in chests or boxes. (4) Our duty is to ensure that these hidden treasures are brought out into the open. (5) This means we must strive to explain, propagate, organize, lead, and make sure the spirit of patriotism is practiced by everyone in their work for the nation and in the resistance movement.

(Ho Chi Minh, The Spirit of Patriotism of Our People)

Answer:

Sentence 1: Marked + for presentation (others marked -)

Sentence 2: Marked + for presentation (others marked -)

Sentence 3: Marked + for presentation (others marked -)

Sentence 4: Marked + for directive (others marked -)

Sentence 5: Marked + for directive (others marked -)

Question 2. Create a table displaying the relationship between sentence types and speech act types.

Answer:

Reference the following table.

Interrogative: Marked + for questioning purpose

Imperative: Marked + for directing, promising purpose

Exclamatory: Marked + for expressing emotions

Declarative: Marked + for presenting purpose

Note: The (+) sign indicates the primary communicative purpose or function of the sentence type. The (-) sign indicates secondary purposes that the sentence type may serve.

Part II: EXERCISES

Question 1 (page 71, 8th-grade Literature, Volume 2)

Identify the interrogative sentences in the excerpt from the article “Appeal to the Military Commanders” by Tran Quoc Tuan. What is the purpose of these sentences? How does the position of each sentence within the paragraph relate to its communicative purpose?

Answer:

- Self-identify the interrogative sentences in the excerpt (pay attention to question marks and interrogative words).

- Interrogative sentences that appear at the end of paragraphs are often used to affirm or negate a point made in that sentence or paragraph.

- Interrogative sentences that appear at the beginning of paragraphs are usually used to introduce an issue.

Question 2. Many people have observed that in his speeches and writings, President Ho Chi Minh often uses declarative sentences to call on soldiers and the people. Find declarative sentences with a directive purpose in the excerpts below and explain how this form of expression contributes to motivating the public.

a)

- Therefore, the sacred duty of all our people now is to elevate our spirit of determination, fight for the liberation of the South, protect the North, and move toward peace and reunification of the country.

- As long as there is an enemy on our soil, we must continue to fight, wiping them out.

- The people and soldiers of the heroic South, under the glorious flag of the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam, will continue to attack, continue to rise up, and resolutely march forward to complete our victory.

- The people and soldiers of the North must strive to build socialism and fulfill their duties toward their brothers and sisters in the South.

(Call to the Nation to Fight Against American Invaders)

b) Finally, I leave my heartfelt affection for all the people, the Party, the army, the youth, and children.

[…] My final wish is: May the entire Party, the entire people unite and work together to build a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous Vietnam, contributing to the world revolutionary cause.

(The Will)

Answer:

- The declarative sentences with a directive purpose in these examples are the bolded sentences.

- Using declarative sentences for directives, as President Ho Chi Minh did, makes the listener (the public) feel personally connected to the call, realizing that the duty he assigns is also their own aspiration.

Question 3 (page 71, 8th-grade Literature, Volume 2)

Find the sentences with a directive purpose in the excerpt below. How do these sentences reflect the relationship between the characters and their personalities?

The Cricket replied to me in a very sorrowful tone:

- Sir, I would like to be wise, but I cannot. Every time I try, I run out of breath and can’t dig any more […]. I thought maybe if I spoke frankly now… But please, give me permission first.

Then the Cricket hesitated, uncertain. I replied:

- Fine, just say it straight.

The Cricket looked at me and said:

- If you’ve been kind to me like this, would you help me by digging a hole to the house, in case I need to escape from danger later…

I didn’t listen to the full sentence, just smirked and let out a long breath. Then, with an arrogant tone, I scolded:

- Ha! Digging a hole to my house? Is that even possible? You smell like a wet owl! I can’t tolerate it. Stop talking in that pitiful tone. If you dig a shallow hole, you’re asking for trouble!

I left without a care in the world.

(To Hoai, Adventures of the Cricket)

Answer:

- The sentences with a directive purpose in this excerpt are:

+ Fine, just say it straight.

+ If you’ve been kind to me like this, would you help me by digging a hole to the house in case I need to escape from danger…

+ Stop talking in that pitiful tone. If you dig a shallow hole, you’re asking for trouble!

- These sentences clearly reflect the personalities of the characters: the Cricket is humble and reserved, while the Cricket’s friend is boastful and condescending.

Question 4 (page 71, 8th-grade Literature, Volume 2)

Which sentence should be used to ask an elder among the following options?

a) Do you know where the post office is, please?

b) Could you please show me where the post office is?

c) Where’s the post office, huh?

d) Could you please show me the way to the post office?

e) Could you tell me where the post office is, please?

Answer:

The correct choices are (b) and (e).

Question 5 (page 71, 8th-grade Literature, Volume 2)

In a restaurant, one person says to another: “Could you please pass me the spice jar?” Which action should the listener take?

a) Quietly hand over the spice jar.

b) Respond, “Sure, it’s not heavy at all!”

c) Pass the spice jar and say, “Here you go!” (or “Here it is,” “Please”)

Answer:

The best response is (c).

A. Key Concepts

I. How to Perform Speech Acts

Question 1. Assign a sequence number to each declarative sentence in the passage below. Identify the purpose of each sentence by marking a (+) in the appropriate box and a (-) in the inappropriate box according to the summary table provided below.

Patriotism is like valuable possessions. Sometimes it is displayed in a showcase or glass jar, clearly visible. But sometimes, it is hidden carefully in a chest or box. Our duty is to bring those hidden treasures out for display. This means we must strive to explain, propagate, organize, lead, and ensure that the spirit of patriotism is practiced by everyone in their work for the nation and the resistance against foreign invaders.

(Ho Chi Minh, The Spirit of Patriotism in Our People)

Answer:

Sentence 1: (+) Presentation (the rest are marked with -)
Sentence 2: (+) Presentation (the rest are marked with -)
Sentence 3: (+) Presentation (the rest are marked with -)
Sentence 4: (+) Directive (the rest are marked with -)
Sentence 5: (+) Directive (the rest are marked with -)

Question 2. Based on the summary table from the previous exercise, create a chart showing the relationship between types of sentences (interrogative, imperative, exclamatory, declarative) and the speech acts you are familiar with. Provide examples to illustrate.

Interrogative: (+) for asking
Example: What day is it today? Haven't you gone to school yet? Will you go to school now? Isn't the weather nice?
Imperative: (+) for directing, promising
Example: Go to school.
Exclamatory: (+) for expressing emotions
Example: The weather is so beautiful!
Declarative: (+) for presenting
Example: Today is Monday. He has gone to school. She will go to school. The weather is beautiful.

Remember

Each speech act can be performed using a sentence type that directly matches its primary function (direct use) or by using another sentence type (indirect use).

B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS

Exercise 1: Page 71, Literature Textbook 8, Part 2

Find the interrogative sentences in the passage "Hich Tuong Si" by Tran Quoc Tuan. Explain the purpose of each of these sentences. How does the placement of each interrogative sentence in the paragraph relate to its speech act purpose?

Interrogative sentences in the passage "Hich Tuong Si" by Tran Quoc Tuan:
"From ancient times, has any loyal minister or hero sacrificed their life for the country?" - Purpose: Presentation (affirming that heroes and patriots have existed in all times)
"At that time, even if you don't want to be happy, can you avoid it?" - Purpose: Directive (once the enemy is defeated, you will have no choice but to be happy)
"Why is that?" - Purpose: Asking
"After the war is over, if we are left with shame, how can we stand in this world?" - Purpose: Directive (If you act cowardly, you will have no place in the world. Act now!)
Position of the sentences: At the end of a paragraph, after providing evidence and analysis of the actions and pros/cons. These interrogative sentences serve to prompt the soldiers to reflect and answer themselves, leading to proper actions and thoughts. This is also an example of Tran Quoc Tuan's leadership in motivating his troops.

Exercise 2: Page 71, Literature Textbook 8, Part 2
Many people observe that in his speeches and writings, President Ho Chi Minh often calls on soldiers and the people with declarative sentences. Find the declarative sentences with an imperative purpose in the following excerpts from his works and explain how this form of expression motivates the masses.
a) Therefore, the sacred duty of all of us now is to raise the spirit of determination to win, to free the South, to protect the North, and to move towards peace and national reunification.
And as long as there is an invader on our land, we must continue to fight and drive them out.
The people and soldiers of the South, under the glorious banner of the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam, continue to attack and rise up, resolutely advancing for a complete victory.
The people and soldiers of the North are determined to strive to build socialism and fulfill their duties to our brothers in the South.
(Call to the people to defeat the American invaders)
b) Finally, I leave countless affection for the people, the Party, the army, and the youth and children.
[...] My final wish is: The Party and the people unite to strive for a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous Vietnam, contributing to the global revolutionary cause.
(Will of Ho Chi Minh)
Answers:
The declarative sentences with an imperative purpose in the excerpts:
Excerpt a: Sentences 1, 2, 4
Excerpt b: Sentence 2
Effect: Ho Chi Minh uses declarative sentences to call on the people and soldiers, creating a sense of sincerity and familiarity. The use of declaratives avoids the feeling of oppression or forcefulness and makes the appeal feel more like a conversation, appealing to the patriotic hearts of the Vietnamese people.

Exercise 3: Page 72, Literature Textbook 8, Part 2
Find the imperative sentences in the following passage. How do these sentences reveal the relationships between the characters and their personalities?

De Choat responded to me with a very sorrowful tone:
- Sir, I want to be clever, but I just can't. When I get to work, I start to breathe heavily and can't keep going [...]. Well, here's what I'm thinking... But I would only say it if you allow me...
Then, De Choat hesitated, unsure. I had to tell him:
- Fine, you can just speak plainly.
De Choat looked at me and said:
- Since you have compassion for me, could you please help me dig a tunnel to my house? So, if anyone comes to bully me, I can run over to your house...
Before he finished, I snorted, rolling my eyes, and with a sneer, I scolded him:
- What? Dig a tunnel to my house? How ridiculous! You smell like a dead bird, I can't stand it. Stop whining like that. Dig a shallow hole and die!
I left without any concerns.

Analysis:
Imperative sentences in the excerpt:
"Please dig a tunnel to my house" (De Choat)
"Stop whining like that" (De Men)
Each sentence reveals the characters' personalities and relationships:
Personality:
De Men is arrogant, disdainful, and inconsiderate, treating others with contempt and lacking empathy for the weak. In contrast, De Choat is weak, gentle, and submissive.
Relationship between De Men and De Choat:
De Choat, being weaker, asks De Men for help by suggesting a way to ensure safety. De Men, considering himself superior, mocks and belittles De Choat without care.

Exercise 4: Page 72, Literature Textbook 8, Part 2
In these examples, which would be appropriate for asking an adult for directions?

a) Sir, do you know where the post office is?
b) Could you please help me find the post office?
c) Where is the post office, sir?
d) Please show me where the post office is!

Answer: You can use options (a), (b), and (e) to ask an adult for directions.

Exercise 5: Page 73, Literature Textbook 8, Part 2
In a restaurant, a person says to another: "Could you please pass me the spice jar?" What should the listener do?

a) Quietly hand the spice jar over
b) Respond: "Sure, it's not heavy at all!"
c) Hand over the spice jar and say: "Here you go, sir" (or "ma'am", "sir", etc.)

Answer: The listener should choose action (c): Hand over the spice jar and say: "Here you go, sir" (or "ma'am", "sir", etc.)