Top 6 Best Lessons on "Characteristics of Expressive Text" for 7th Grade

I. UNDERSTANDING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF EXPRESSIVE WRITING
Question 1 - Page 84 of the textbook
Read the following essay and answer the questions:
THE MIRROR
The mirror is a true companion throughout life, never flattering anyone, whether the person is a powerful ruler or someone rich and arrogant. Even if the mirror is shattered into pieces, its honest and pure reflection remains just as it was when it was first made by one's parents.
If someone’s face is not beautiful, the mirror will not lie and say otherwise. If someone’s face is dirty, the mirror will immediately point it out. If someone is sad or upset, the mirror reflects this sadness as if comforting and sharing the sorrow.
As humans, who dares to claim they are pure and flawless, just like the mirror? There are many who are deceitful, flattering, dishonest, and even greedy, who might call wrong right or ugly beautiful.
Everyone looks in a mirror, from the old to the young, from men to women. Perhaps the ones who look the most are the women, as the more beautiful they are, the more they like to check their appearance in the mirror.
Who knows if the famous scholar Mạc Đĩnh Chi ever looked in the mirror and lamented over his unattractive face, only to later create the famous poem "The Lotus in the Jade Pond"? Or Trương Chi, who sat on his boat drifting along the river, looking into the water, saddened by his own face, and pouring his heart into his song that captivated the heart of the forbidden princess and many others... leading to a tragic tale.
A beautiful face reflected in a mirror is certainly a joy, but the joy is even more complete when a beautiful soul is reflected in the mirror of conscience, without shame.
The silver-backed glass mirror remains a faithful, honest, and straightforward companion, never lying or flattering anyone.
(From Băng Sơn, U tôi)
a) What emotions are expressed in the essay "The Mirror"?
b) How does the author convey these emotions?
(Hint: What is the significance of using the mirror as a metaphor for a truthful friend in this essay?)
c) How is the essay structured? How do the introduction and conclusion relate to each other? What ideas are presented in the body of the essay? How do these ideas relate to the main theme of the essay?
d) Are the author's emotions and evaluations clear and genuine? What is the significance of this for the value of the essay?

Answer:
a) The essay "The Mirror" praises the quality of honesty and condemns deceit.
b) To express this emotion, the author uses the image of the mirror and compares it to a truthful friend to highlight the value of honesty.
c) The structure of the essay:
- Introduction: From the beginning to "as pure as when it was first made by one's parents"
- Body: Continuing to "without shame"
- Conclusion: The remaining parts.
The introduction and conclusion correspond in meaning. The body emphasizes the virtues of the mirror, which aligns with the theme of the essay. The body contains the following ideas:
- The mirror is always truthful and does not distort reality like flatterers.
- Everyone looks in a mirror.
- The greatest happiness is having a beautiful soul to reflect in the mirror of conscience without shame.
These ideas are closely tied to the main theme and emphasize it.
d) The author's emotions and evaluation are clear and sincere. This creates a genuine emotional impact on the reader.

Question 2 - Page 86 of the textbook
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions:
Mother, I am in so much pain, why have you been gone so long? You are not coming back! They beat me for trying to take my toy back, and they scolded me, even scolding you! Do you know, mother, that I suffer from this?
(Nguyên Hồng, My Childhood Days)
What emotions does this passage express? Are these emotions conveyed directly or indirectly? What signs led you to your conclusion?
Answer:
- The passage expresses the pain and longing of a child when their mother is away, having to live with others who mistreat them. The child wishes for their mother’s return to escape the hardships. This emotion is conveyed directly.
- The emotional tone is evident in the child’s cries and complaints: "Mother, I am in so much pain, why have you been gone so long? Do you know how I suffer?"
II. PRACTICE EXERCISE
Exercise on Page 87 of the Textbook
Read the following essay and answer the questions:
THE PHOENIX FLOWER
The phoenix flower blooms and falls, it is always either blooming or falling. The summer vacation has arrived, and the students are preparing to go home. They haven’t yet arrived home, but the joy of family is nowhere to be found. Instead, they feel sadness as they leave school and their friends. The bond of friendship among students, though unspoken, is symbolized by the red petals of the phoenix flower.
The phoenix flower reminds us of something, the memory of those soon to depart, still standing before us... Reminding us of a summer afternoon with the sound of cocks crowing, reminding us of old, tired times in the past...
Then, as the students leave, the phoenix flowers remain behind, standing as sentinels of the school, the playground. Summer is in full swing, and everywhere seems quiet, as if the school, trees, and plants are all asleep. Only the phoenix flower stays awake, brightening the campus. But occasionally, it too grows weary and longs to sleep. The wind blows, and a petal falls.
And so, the flowers – the students – drop their red petals onto the grass, counting down each moment as they leave their classmates behind. The phoenix flowers fall, fall… They cry. The school grows silent, without the sound of the bell or the students. The phoenix flowers dream and remember, as they wait through the long summer. The flowers of the phoenix, who do they bloom for, when the students are gone?
(From Xuân Diệu)
a) What emotions does this essay express? What role does the description of the phoenix flowers play in this expressive essay? Why does the author call the phoenix flowers the "flowers of students"?
b) What is the flow of ideas in this essay?
c) Does this essay express emotions directly or indirectly?
Answer:
a. The essay expresses feelings of sadness and longing for the school during the summer vacation when the students are away.
- The phoenix flower is called the "flower of students" because:
Every student loves the phoenix flower, picking its petals and pressing them into their books as a memento.
The blooming of the phoenix flower signals the arrival of summer, marking the end of the school year and the beginning of the separation.
The tree is closely tied to the school and its students, standing as a symbol of the bond between them.
Thus, the phoenix flower is the "flower of students", a beloved and nostalgic symbol of school life.
b. The essay follows three main sections.
Section 1: The phoenix flower evokes feelings of separation in the hearts of the reader.
Section 2: The phoenix flower stays awake while the students are away.
Section 3: The phoenix flower mourns the long wait during the summer.
Throughout the essay, the central emotion is the feeling of separation symbolized by the phoenix flower.
c. The essay uses both direct and indirect emotional expression.
The indirect method is through the metaphor of the phoenix flower expressing the emotions of the people.
The direct expression is evident in lines such as: "Reminds us of the one soon to leave, still standing before us… Reminds us of a summer afternoon with the sound of cocks crowing…" "How lonely it is to leave the school and friends..."
The skillful combination of both direct and indirect expression creates a deep, nuanced emotional impact in the essay.

Summary:
Each expressive essay focuses on conveying a dominant emotion.
To express this emotion, the writer may choose a symbolic object, plant, or phenomenon to embody these feelings, or express them directly through words.
Expressive essays typically have a three-part structure.
For the essay to have value, its emotions must be clear, sincere, and genuine, so that it creates an emotional connection with the reader.

I. Understanding the Characteristics of Expressive Texts

Example 1: The Mirror (Băng Sơn) – pages 84, 85.

The essay "The Mirror" expresses admiration for honesty and a dislike for sycophantic, deceitful behavior.
To convey this sentiment, the author uses the metaphor of a mirror to reveal emotions and feelings.
The structure of the essay consists of three parts:
Introduction: introduces the noble qualities of the mirror
Main Body: details the mirror's virtuous qualities
Conclusion: reaffirms these qualities.
Example 2: Childhood Days (Nguyên Hồng) – Page 86

The excerpt from Childhood Days expresses feelings of loneliness and a longing for understanding and help.
The expression of these emotions is direct, conveyed through lamentations, cries, and rhetorical questions…
Conclusion: Sgk – page 86.

Practice

Question 1: Read the essay "The Student's Flower" (textbook, page 87) and answer the following questions:

a. What emotions does the essay convey? What role does the description of the flame tree play in this expressive essay? Why does the author refer to the flame tree as the "student's flower"?

b. Identify the main points of the essay.

c. Is the essay a direct or indirect expression of emotion?

Answer:

a. The essay expresses sadness and nostalgia for being apart from school and friends. The description of the flame tree plays a key role in conveying the author's emotions.

The author calls the flame tree the student's flower because the poet Xuân Diệu has turned the flame tree, which blooms at the end of the school year, into a symbol of the separation that comes with the summer holidays for students – the flame tree is intimately tied to school life and always stands beside the students.

b. The main points of the essay are:

Part 1: The sadness of impending separation
Part 2: The emptiness when summer arrives
Part 3: The sense of loneliness
=> Following the emotional progression.

c. This essay conveys emotions both directly and indirectly. It directly expresses the sorrow of leaving school and friends. It indirectly uses the flame tree to symbolize the emotions of the people (the tree is sad, the tree cries…).

I. BASIC KNOWLEDGE

1. Example: Read the essay The Mirror (textbook, p.85) and answer the following questions:

a) What emotions does The Mirror essay convey?

b) How does the author express these emotions?

c) How many parts does the essay have? How do the Introduction and Conclusion relate to each other? What points are raised in the Main Body, and how do they relate to the theme?

d) Are the author's emotions and evaluations in the essay clear and genuine? What does this mean for the essay's value?

Suggestions:

a) What virtues does the essay praise? What faults does it criticize? (honesty, sycophancy, deceit).

b) To express these emotions, the author uses the image of a mirror, which always reflects everything truthfully, as a metaphor.

c) The structure of the essay:

Introduction: the opening section.
Main Body: continues until... without shame.
Conclusion: the remainder.
The Introduction and Conclusion are linked thematically. The Main Body discusses the mirror's virtues, reinforcing the essay's central theme.

d) The author's emotions and evaluations are clear and sincere. This makes the essay emotionally compelling and persuasive. In other words, these feelings contribute to the essay's value.

2. Direct Expression of Emotion

In a text, when the writer openly expresses their emotions or thoughts (love, hate, joy, sorrow, protest, praise, etc.) towards an object, event, or person, they are expressing themselves directly. This type of expression is frequently used in lyric works, especially poetry.

For example:

The soldier dreams

As if lying in a dream

Uncle Ho's image soars high

Warmer than the red flame

My heart is overflowing with joy

I am awake, always with Uncle.

(Minh Huệ, Tonight Uncle Doesn't Sleep)

Or:

Mother! I'm suffering so much, mother! Why have you been gone so long? Why aren't you back yet? They hit me because I dared to take back the toy, and they took it from me. They even scolded me, and scolded you too! Mother, do you know how much I miss you?

(Nguyên Hồng, Childhood Days)

3. Indirect Expression of Emotion

To write a good narrative or descriptive text, the writer must not only have observational skills and the ability to express things with words, imagery, and unique similes, but also must possess emotions. These emotions can range from a deep appreciation for beauty, goodness, purity, and nobility, to hatred and disdain for evil, ugliness, and vulgarity. Without emotions, no matter how sharp, rich, and fresh the language is, the writing will lack soul and fail to evoke any feelings in the reader. In prose, the author's emotions are usually expressed indirectly through their perspective, word choices, metaphors, and comparisons. For example, writer Vũ Tú Nam, who clearly loves his homeland and the rural landscape, describes it this way:

In spring, the kapok tree calls out to many birds chirping. From afar, the tree stands tall like a giant lamp tower: thousands of flowers are like thousands of bright red flames, thousands of buds are like thousands of green candles, all sparkling and shimmering in the sunlight. Shrikes, starlings, and crows... flocks of them fly back and forth, circling up and down. They call to each other, chat, tease, and argue in a joyful and loud celebration. It's the spring festival!

(The Kapok Tree)

Or, although not directly stated, the following passage clearly shows Ngô Tất Tố's ironic and mocking attitude, as well as his hatred for the nouveau riche Nghị Quế and his pretentious behavior:

Mr. Nghị slashed his chopsticks across the table, picked up his bowl of soup, and slurped loudly. Then he chewed and swallowed while ordering the servant to bring a toothpick. Mr. and Mrs. Nghị both dipped three fingers into the bowl, wiped their hands, and then drank water while picking their teeth... After finishing his speech, Mr. Nghị took a big gulp of water, rinsed his mouth with several loud gurgles, and spat it out on the floor.

(Turn Off the Lights)

II. PRACTICE SKILLS

Question 1. What emotion is expressed in the excerpt from Nguyên Hồng's Childhood Days? How can we say that it directly expresses emotion?

Hint: The character directly expresses feelings of loneliness, sadness, and a desire for comfort and empathy. Signs of direct emotional expression include exclamatory words, questions, and lamentations.

Question 2. Is the essay "The Student's Flower" (textbook, p.87) a direct or indirect expression of emotion? What evidence supports your conclusion?

Hint: Through the symbolic image of the flame tree, Xuân Diệu profoundly and subtly expresses the emotions of students during the farewell moments of summer. The emotions are conveyed in three distinct sections, ranging from confusion and sadness to moments of emptiness, loneliness, nostalgia, and pouting.

All of this is conveyed through the image of the flame tree, which becomes a medium for the author to express their feelings.

I. Understanding the Characteristics of Expressive Texts

a. The essay The Mirror praises the honesty of people, condemns sycophantic and deceitful behavior.

b. To express these emotions, the author uses the image of a mirror as a symbol, since the mirror always reflects everything around it faithfully.

By speaking to the mirror and praising it, the author indirectly praises honesty.

c. The structure of the essay includes three parts: the introduction at the beginning, the conclusion at the end.

In the main body, the author discusses the virtues of the mirror, emphasizing the importance of honesty. Examples: two symbolic mirrors, Mạc Đĩnh Chi and Trương Chi, represent admirable and pitiable people, but even a mirror wouldn't distort the truth for the sake of emotions.

d. The author's emotions and evaluations are clear and sincere, making them undeniable.

The image of the mirror resonates strongly, adding depth to the essay's value.

2. The passage from Nguyên Hồng expresses feelings of loneliness, seeking help, and empathy.

The character's emotions are expressed directly.

The signs include exclamatory cries, lamentations, and emotional questions.

II. Practice

The essay expresses the sadness and longing of students who miss school and their friends during the summer break.

These emotions are conveyed in various forms, ranging from confusion, restlessness, and sadness to emptiness, distance, loneliness, nostalgia, and playful teasing.

The author uses the image of the flame tree to express the feelings of the characters, becoming one with the tree to reveal their inner emotions.

b. The structure of the essay includes three parts:

- Part 1: The flame tree evokes memories of a farewell summer.

- Part 2: The flame tree witnesses the activities of the students.

- Part 3: The flame tree recalls friends, shedding tears represented by its fallen petals.

c. The essay uses both direct and indirect expression of emotion:

- Indirectly: The use of the flame tree symbolizes the feelings of longing for school and classmates, evoking sadness about being far from school.

Part I: UNDERSTANDING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF EXPRESSIVE TEXTS

1. Read the essay The Mirror (page 84, 7th-grade Literature Textbook, Vol. 1) and answer the following questions:

a. What emotions does the essay The Mirror express?

b. How does the author express these emotions in the essay?

c. What is the structure of the essay? How are the introduction and conclusion related? What ideas are presented in the body of the essay, and how do they connect to the main theme?

d. Are the author’s emotions and evaluation in the essay clear and sincere? What is the significance of this in the value of the essay?

Answers:

a) The essay The Mirror celebrates honesty and condemns deceit.

b) To express this emotion, the author uses the image of a mirror, comparing it to a truthful friend to praise the virtue of honesty.

c) The structure of the essay:

- Introduction: From the beginning ⟶ as pure as when it was born to the world.

- Body: Continuing until … without shame in the heart.

- Conclusion: The rest.

The introduction and conclusion correspond to each other in meaning. The body of the essay emphasizes the mirror's virtues, highlighting the essay’s theme. The body presents the following ideas:

- The mirror is always truthful, unlike sycophants who distort the truth.

- No one is without a mirror to look into.

- The happiest is to have a beautiful soul, to reflect in the mirror of conscience without shame.

These ideas are closely tied to the theme and highlight the essay’s core message.

d) The author’s emotions and evaluation in the essay are very clear and sincere, which moves the reader emotionally.

2. Read the following excerpt and answer the questions:

Mother, I’m so sad, mother! Why are you gone for so long? You haven’t come back! They hit me because I dared to take back my toy, but they snatched it away. They cursed me, and cursed you too! Do you know, mother, how I suffer?

(Nguyên Hồng, Childhood Days)

What emotions are expressed in this excerpt? Are these emotions expressed directly or indirectly? What signs led you to your conclusion?

Answer:

- The excerpt expresses the child’s suffering and longing for the mother, as they are living with others and being mistreated. This emotion is expressed directly.

- The signs supporting this conclusion are the cries, calls, and laments of the child: "Mother, I’m so sad, mother! Do you know? ...

Part II: WRITING PRACTICE

Read the essay The Schoolyard Flowers (page 87, 7th-grade Literature Textbook, Vol. 1) and answer the questions:

a. What emotions does the essay express? What role does the description of the flame tree play in this expressive essay? Why does the author call it the schoolyard flower?

b. Find the main ideas of the essay.

c. Does the essay express emotions directly or indirectly?

Answer:

a) The essay expresses sadness and nostalgia about leaving the teacher and friends during the summer break. The author uses the image of the flame tree, its blooming and falling petals, to evoke these feelings. The author calls it the schoolyard flower because the flame tree is closely tied to the joyful and sorrowful memories of school days.

b) The main ideas of the essay:

- Part 1: The flame tree stirs up feelings of separation in people’s hearts.

- Part 2: The flame tree waits alone when the students have gone far away.

- Part 3: The flame tree cries because of the long wait.

Throughout the essay, the flame tree’s emotions are expressed.

c) This essay uses both direct and indirect expression of emotions:

- Indirectly: The flame tree represents the feelings of the people.

- Directly: Some sentences directly express the author’s emotions: "Remembering those about to leave while standing face to face… Remembering a summer noon, the rooster crowing faintly…" "Feeling the sadness of leaving school and friends…"

I. Understanding the Characteristics of Expressive Texts

1. Read the following essay and answer the questions

a. The essay The Mirror expresses: Praises honesty and straightforwardness, while criticizing deceit and sycophancy.

b. To convey this emotion, the author uses a metaphorical image of a mirror to represent the qualities and character of a person.

c.

- The structure of the essay consists of three parts:

Introduction: From the beginning to "born from the parents." Introducing the qualities of the mirror.
Body: From "until without shame." Discussing the mirror's positive traits.
Conclusion: The remainder. Reaffirming the mirror’s virtues.
- The introduction gives a general overview of the issue, and the conclusion reaffirms it.

- The body consists of the following ideas:

The mirror never tells lies.
No one can live without looking into a mirror.
The happiest person is one who looks into the mirror with a pure heart, without feeling ashamed.
=> These points aim to support the essay’s main theme.

d. The author’s emotions and evaluations in the essay are clear and sincere, which contributes to the essay's value and significance.

2. Read the excerpt in the textbook and answer the questions

- The excerpt expresses the child’s pain and sorrow when being separated from their mother.

- The emotion is expressed directly.

- Evidence: The direct expressions of emotion, such as "I am suffering, mother..."

=> Summary:

- Each expressive essay focuses on conveying a primary emotion.

- To express this emotion, the writer may choose a meaningful metaphorical or symbolic image (an object, plant, or event) to convey feelings and thoughts, or express them directly through heartfelt words.

- Expressive essays usually follow the three-part structure: introduction, body, and conclusion.

- The emotion in the essay must be clear, pure, and genuine for the essay to have value.

II. Practice

Read the essay in the textbook and answer the questions:

a. The essay expresses the sadness of parting with the school, teachers, and friends as summer arrives.

- The image of the flame tree symbolizes summer, and the transition of school life during the farewell season.

- The author calls the flame tree the "school flower" because it is typically planted in schools, representing the memories of students.

b. The flow of ideas in the essay:

- The flame tree evokes memories of the joys and sorrows of school life.

- The flame tree stands alone, sad, when the students leave for the summer break.

- The passing summer makes the flame tree cry.

c. This essay uses both forms of expression:

- Direct: The emotion is directly expressed through words like "immensely sad", "missing...", "everything is lonely", "the flame tree cries".

- Indirect: The image of the flame tree is used to symbolize human emotions.