Top 6 Best Lessons on "Practicing the Use of Descriptive Elements in Expository Writing" for Grade 9

I - BASIC KNOWLEDGE YOU NEED TO MASTER
For the following prompt: The buffalo in the rural villages of Vietnam.
1. Understand the prompt
- Identify the subject of the exposition;
- Determine the type of exposition: introduction, presentation, explanation, or a combination of these techniques?
2. Study the subject of the exposition: the buffalo (features, benefits,...), the rural village of Vietnam (customs, culture, agricultural practices,...).
3. Develop ideas and outline
- What ideas will you present?
- Arrange the ideas in a logical order.
4. Refer to scientific expository texts about buffalo and extract necessary knowledge for your own exposition.
Tip: Pay attention to details about the breed, behavior, and benefits of the buffalo, and record statistics to include in your exposition.

II - PRACTICE GUIDELINES
1. Use descriptive elements in the introduction
- The buffalo in the rural villages of Vietnam (the image of the buffalo in the farming landscape, villages in rural Vietnam);
- The buffalo in farming tasks, transportation (plowing fields, pulling carts,...);
- The buffalo in certain festivals (buffalo fighting, buffalo racing,...);
- The buffalo and childhood in rural areas.
Note:
- For students from rural areas: pay attention to observation and notes for accurate and detailed descriptions.
- For students not from rural areas: research through books, ask elders, etc., to gather necessary knowledge about the subject.
2. Write a descriptive paragraph using descriptive elements (incorporate artistic techniques as appropriate)
Note:
- Combine various exposition methods: definition, listing, presenting statistics,...
- Integrate descriptive elements;
- Use artistic techniques: metaphors, similes, personification,...; include folk sayings, proverbs about buffalo to make the paragraph more lively and engaging.
3. Read the text "The Sáp Coconut" (9th grade Literature textbook, volume 1, pages 30-31) and pay attention to:
- Identify the subject of the exposition in the text.
- How did the writer use descriptive elements to introduce the Sáp coconut? (what was described? What effect did the descriptive elements have?)
- Draw conclusions about the use of descriptive elements in expository texts, the method, and the impact of this technique.

Question 1: Use descriptive elements to introduce...

Answer:

The image of the buffalo in the fields:
The buffalo has been deeply connected to Vietnamese farmers for centuries, helping in agricultural tasks.
The buffalo walks ahead, the plow follows, trudging through the mud, splashing in the water,...
Farmers have long considered "The buffalo is the foundation of the farm," and it is seen as a true companion.
The image of the buffalo in the village is familiar:
The buffalo walks leisurely back to the village, with slow and steady steps;
In harvest season, the buffalo rests next to the haystack, chewing slowly,...
These images evoke the peacefulness of rural Vietnam.
The buffalo in certain festivals:
With shiny fur, a curved tail, a powerful body, and usually a short tail indicating strength.
During the festival, two buffaloes fiercely battle each other, while people cheer and drum in support...
The buffalo and childhood memories in rural areas:
Buffaloes grazing lazily in fields, by dikes, along village paths.
Scenes of a young shepherd sitting on the buffalo’s back, playing the flute in the open field, symbolize the tranquil life of rural Vietnam.
Many childhood memories are tied to games played while herding buffalo, like catching crickets, playing make-believe, or mock cockfights...

Question 2: Write a descriptive paragraph using descriptive elements based on one of the ideas mentioned above. (Include appropriate and lively proverbs or folk sayings about the buffalo.)

Answer:

The buffalo in certain festivals:

One of the most distinctive traditional festivals is buffalo fighting, often held in early April each year.

"No matter what you trade, on the third day of April, come back for the buffalo fight."

The buffalo chosen for the fight is usually strong, 4-5 years old, with shiny fur, a curved tail, a strong body, and often a short tail indicating power. In every village, people select the healthiest, most impressive buffalo to participate in the contest. When the match begins, the buffaloes charge at each other like boxers. Spectators cheer excitedly, creating a lively atmosphere. The victorious buffalo is the one that knocks down its opponent or forces it to flee. The supporters of the winning buffalo shout with joy, and the whole atmosphere is filled with excitement.

The buffalo in the fields:

The image of the buffalo is deeply embedded in the memories of rural children. Surely no one can forget Đinh Bộ Lĩnh, who, while leading twelve warlords, had a childhood spent with his buffalo, playing mock battles or participating in thrilling buffalo races. Each of us has likely encountered the charming, picturesque image of a shepherd boy sitting on the buffalo’s back reading a book or resting with a bamboo flute on the buffalo’s back, which has become an inspiration for the artists of Đông Hồ village and for many folk poets:

"Buffalo, I tell you, dear buffalo,
After eating the grass, you plow the field with me."

Farming and plowing is the farmer's work,
We work together, no one is left behind.

As long as the rice has flowers,
The buffalo will continue to eat grass in the fields.

Today, modern machinery is present in the fields of Vietnam, but the buffalo remains an essential part of farming life. The image of the hardworking, loyal buffalo is forever engraved in the hearts of Vietnamese people.

Part 1: PREPARATION AT HOME

Study the prompt

Answer the questions (page 28, 9th Grade Literature textbook, volume 1):

– The prompt asks you to introduce (explain) the buffalo in rural Vietnam.

– The prompt asks you to present: the role and significance of the buffalo in the lives of Vietnamese farmers.

– For this topic, you need to present the following points:

+ The buffalo is the primary source of labor

+ The buffalo is the farmer's most valuable asset

+ The buffalo in traditional festivals

+ The buffalo in childhood memories

+ The buffalo in food production and handicrafts

– In a scientific exposition, you may use knowledge about the buffalo’s pulling strength.

Part II: CLASS EXERCISES

Questions 1+2:

Answer the questions (page 29, 9th Grade Literature textbook, volume 1):

a. The buffalo in the rural villages of Vietnam

For generations, the image of the buffalo slowly pulling the plow in the fields has been a familiar and comforting sight for Vietnamese farmers. The buffalo is so intertwined with the daily life of farmers that it has become their close companion:

“Buffalo, I call to you,
Buffalo, come out to the fields, plow with me,
Plowing and sowing is the farmer’s task,
We, together, work, none should complain.
As long as the rice grows in the fields,
The buffalo will graze on the grass outside.”

b. The buffalo in farming tasks

In the evening, when a day’s work is done, the buffalo is unhitched from the plow and strolls down the village path, chewing cud lazily. The slow and steady gait of the buffalo gives the impression of the peaceful and familiar atmosphere of rural Vietnam.

c. The buffalo in certain festivals

The buffalo not only pulls plows and carts but also plays an important role in religious ceremonies, such as the buffalo sacrifice during the Buffalo Festival in the Central Highlands and as a key participant in the buffalo fighting festival in Đồ Sơn.

d. The buffalo and childhood in rural Vietnam

No one who grows up in rural Vietnam has childhood memories that aren’t tied to the buffalo. As a child, bringing food to the father working in the fields, watching the buffalo leisurely graze in the meadows. As they grow older, riding the buffalo on afternoon herding trips, galloping across the fields, crossing rivers... What joy! The gentle, obedient buffalo has left sweet memories in the hearts of many.

I. Preparation at Home

Read the prompt: The buffalo in rural Vietnam

1. Understand the prompt

Explanation of the prompt: The prompt requires the writer to describe the position and role of the buffalo in rural Vietnam in an expository text.
The content should include the buffalo’s role in the agricultural life of the Vietnamese people and its significance in cultural and spiritual life, reflected in festivals such as buffalo fighting, buffalo racing, buffalo sacrificial rites, etc.
2. Review expository texts and use the following ideas for your own composition:

The origin of the buffalo in Vietnam
Characteristics of the buffalo (appearance, breed, behavior, etc.)
Reproductive capabilities
The role of the buffalo in human life
Meat production from the buffalo

II. Classroom Practice

1. Question 1, page 29, 9th Grade Literature, Volume 1

The buffalo in rural Vietnam: In every Vietnamese village, the buffalo is not just a mere animal tied to farming work; it is also a trusted and intimate companion of farmers. We often encounter its hardworking and tireless figure alongside farmers in the fields. The buffalo’s slow pace at dusk after a long day of labor and during the harvest season when the work is done, chewing on golden stalks of hay as if rewarding itself, is a familiar sight. The buffalo’s image is an essential part of the rural Vietnamese landscape.

The buffalo in farming: For generations, the buffalo has been intertwined with the farming work of Vietnamese farmers. The average pulling force on the field is 70-75 kg, equivalent to 0.36-0.4 horsepower. A class A buffalo plows 3-4 sao (a local unit of land measurement), class B buffalo plows 2-3 sao, and class C buffalo plows 1.5-2 sao in the North. This is why the buffalo is considered the “head of the farm” in plowing and cultivating rice fields. The buffalo assists farmers in creating straight furrows like the threads of a loom, and during the harvest, it helps farmers transport rice and grain back to the village. The buffalo is truly a trusted friend of farmers.

The buffalo in festivals: The buffalo is not only tied to the livelihood of farmers but also to the cultural and spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. One such remarkable festival is the buffalo fighting festival, typically held in early April every year. The buffaloes selected for these festivals are the strongest, healthiest, and most robust, with glossy fur and muscular bodies. The most famous buffalo fighting festivals in Vietnam include the Đồ Sơn buffalo fighting festival, the buffalo sacrificial festival in the Central Highlands, and others across various provinces.

The buffalo and childhood in rural areas: The childhood of children growing up in poor rural areas is inseparable from the buffalo. These children have fond memories of herding buffalo, cutting grass, and leisurely riding on their backs while the sound of the flute plays in the breeze. The buffalo is like a gentle and kind companion for children. It is a part of their childhood, whether in games like mock battles or buffalo racing. Who can forget the sight of children sitting on the buffalo’s back, reading books? These images have become an unforgettable part of childhood, etched in every heart.

2. Question 2, page 29, 9th Grade Literature, Volume 1

For generations, the buffalo has been tied to the farming work of Vietnamese peasants. Its pulling force averages 70-75 kg, equal to 0.36-0.4 horsepower. A class A buffalo can plow 3-4 sao a day, class B plows 2-3 sao, and class C plows 1.5-2 sao in the North. This is why the buffalo is regarded as the “foundation of the farmer’s livelihood.” The buffalo helps create straight furrows on the fields, and during harvest, it helps transport rice and grain back to the village. Once the day’s work is over, we often see the buffalo lazily chewing on golden stalks of hay as a reward for its hard work. Truly, the buffalo is a beloved companion of the farmer. That’s why our ancestors have this saying:

“Buffalo, I call to you,
Buffalo, you eat your fill, then plow with me.
Plowing and sowing are the farmer’s task,
We, together, work, none should complain.
As long as the rice still grows in the fields,
The buffalo will graze on the grass outside.”

I. Preparation Guidelines

Given the topic: The buffalo in rural Vietnam

Text type/genre: Expository

- Subject of the exposition: The buffalo

- Scope of knowledge: The buffalo in rural Vietnam

- General requirements: Apply the expository method flexibly, using artistic techniques and descriptive elements

Outline:

Introduction: Introduce the image of the buffalo in the fields, in the rural Vietnamese landscape

Main Body:

* Origin and characteristics of the buffalo

+ Vietnamese buffaloes are descendants of domesticated wild buffaloes and belong to the swamp buffalo breed

- The buffalo is a mammal with gray or dark gray fur, a sturdy, low-built body, a large belly, sloping hips, a long tail that sways frequently, and strong curved horns

- A buffalo typically gives birth to one or two calves per year

* The benefits of the buffalo

- It is closely tied to the work of farmers:

+ Buffaloes are used to plow and harrow fields, helping farmers produce rice

+ Buffaloes are valuable assets for farmers

+ Additionally, buffaloes provide meat, skin, and horns for crafts

- Spiritual life:

+ The buffalo is a companion to the childhood of rural children

+ The image of the gentle, hardworking buffalo is often depicted in folk songs, myths, and poems

+ The buffalo appears in Vietnamese festivals:

+ The Đồ Sơn buffalo fighting festival (Hải Phòng)

+ It is a symbol of the Southeast Asian Games 22 held in Vietnam

Conclusion:

- Reinforce the role of the buffalo in the lives of Vietnamese farmers

- Share personal thoughts and feelings

II. In-Class Practice

Exercise 1 (Page 29, 9th Grade Literature, Volume 1)

For generations, the buffalo, known for its gentle and hardworking nature, has been a close companion to Vietnamese farmers. With its immense strength, the buffalo helps farmers plow fields in preparation for the new crop seasons. On the fields, the sight of these strong buffaloes pulling straight furrows under difficult conditions is common. The pulling force of an A-class buffalo can reach up to 3-4 sao per day. When harvest time comes, these buffaloes diligently help carry full carts of rice. This is why Vietnamese farmers say, 'The buffalo is the foundation of the farm.' This phrase shows just how important the buffalo is in the lives of farmers.

Exercise 2 (Page 29, 9th Grade Literature, Volume 1)

One of the most unique festivals of the Vietnamese people is the buffalo fighting festival, typically held in early April each year. The buffaloes selected for the fights are usually 4-5 years old, in peak health, with shiny fur, curved tails, muscular bodies, and strong, short tails. Each village selects the largest, strongest, and most beautiful buffalo to compete in the contest. The fight begins with the buffaloes charging at each other upon hearing the signal, while the crowd cheers them on. The buffalo that proves to be stronger emerges victorious.

I. Preparation at Home:

1. Understand the Topic:

- Explanation of the topic: The buffalo in rural Vietnamese life.

- Requirements: Describe the role and significance of the buffalo in the daily life of farmers and in Vietnamese agriculture.

2. Gather Ideas and Create an Outline:

a. Introduction: General introduction to the buffalo in rural Vietnam.

b. Body:

- The buffalo in farming: Used as draft power for plowing, harrowing, and pulling carts, etc.

- The buffalo in festivals and ceremonies.

- The buffalo: A source of meat, skin for tanning, and horns used for crafts.

- The buffalo as an important asset for Vietnamese farmers.

- The buffalo and the children who tend them, and the process of raising buffaloes.

c. Conclusion: The buffalo in the hearts of Vietnamese farmers.

II. Practice

Answer Question 1 (Page 28, 9th Grade Literature, Volume 1):

- The image of the buffalo in the fields: The buffalo has been an integral part of Vietnamese farmers' lives for centuries. It helps in agricultural tasks. The familiar saying "The buffalo leads, the plow follows" symbolizes the buffalo's role in farming. The buffalo plods along, pulling the plow, with its feet submerged in the mud and water. Farmers view the buffalo as "the foundation of the farm," a loyal companion.

- The buffalo's presence in rural life: After a day's labor, in the late afternoon, the buffalo saunters back to the village with a slow and steady gait. During harvest season, the buffalo rests beside the haystacks, chewing its cud slowly. These images evoke a sense of peace in rural Vietnam.

- The buffalo in various festivals (buffalo stabbing festival in the Central Highlands, buffalo fighting festival in Đồ Sơn - Hải Phòng, and other regions).

- The buffalo and rural childhood:

+ The image of the buffalo leisurely grazing in the fields, meadows, by the dikes, and along village roads.

+ The sight of a young boy riding a buffalo and playing the flute in the countryside is often seen as a symbol of the peaceful life in Vietnam.

+ Childhood memories often involve games played by children while tending buffaloes, such as catching crickets, playing mock battles, and fighting with (grass) chickens.

Answer Question 2 (Page 28, 9th Grade Literature, Volume 1):

Sample Paragraph - The buffalo in certain festivals.

The buffalo is also deeply connected with grand festivals such as the buffalo fighting festival in Đồ Sơn – Hải Phòng. The buffaloes are carefully groomed and trained. Each one is strong, with horns curved like a crescent moon, sharp and glossy skin, and white eyes with red pupils, all ready for the battle arena. At the sound of drums and the cheers of the crowd, the buffaloes charge at each other in combat. Additionally, there is the buffalo stabbing festival, a tradition among certain ethnic groups in the Central Highlands. The buffalo that is slaughtered is then shared among families in the village to celebrate a bountiful harvest.

A. REQUIREMENTS

Review and reinforce skills related to expository texts that incorporate descriptive elements.

B. GUIDELINES FOR ANSWERING QUESTIONS AND EXERCISES

PREPARATION AT HOME

For the topic: The buffalo in rural Vietnam

1. Understand the topic: Explain the topic and identify what it requires. In your opinion, what key points should be included in the presentation?

Suggestion:

Study the topic:

The topic asks for an expository text discussing the position and role of the buffalo in rural Vietnamese life, focusing on its importance in agriculture and its role in festivals (buffalo fighting, buffalo stabbing, etc.).

2. Review the scientific expository text (Pages 28-29 in the textbook) and identify key points you can use in your own expository text.

Suggestion:

Possible points to include in your text:

Characteristics of the buffalo (physical traits, behavior, benefits – including specific data).

The buffalo provides draft power: plowing, pulling carts, transporting logs, etc.

Its potential for meat and milk production.

Its ability to provide manure for farming.

CLASS EXERCISES

Exercise 1. Apply descriptive elements in an introduction.

The buffalo in rural Vietnam (images of buffalo in the fields and villages).

The buffalo in farming (its close connection with farmers from morning till evening).

The buffalo in certain festivals.

The buffalo and childhood memories in the countryside.

Suggestion:

The buffalo in the fields: The buffalo has been an inseparable companion of Vietnamese farmers for generations. It plays a crucial role in agriculture. The familiar saying "The buffalo leads, the plow follows" symbolizes the buffalo's presence in farming. The buffalo trudges along, bending under the weight of the plow, its feet sinking into the mud and water. Farmers consider the buffalo as "the foundation of their livelihood", their trusted companion.

The buffalo in the village: After a day's work, in the late afternoon, the buffalo strolls back to the village, moving at a slow and steady pace. During the harvest, the buffalo rests beside the haystacks, calmly chewing. This scene evokes the peaceful atmosphere of rural Vietnam.

The buffalo in festivals (buffalo stabbing in the Central Highlands, buffalo fighting in Đồ Sơn - Hải Phòng, and other provinces).

The buffalo and childhood memories in the countryside: The image of the buffalo leisurely grazing in the fields, meadows, by dikes, and along village roads.

The sight of a young boy riding a buffalo and playing the flute in the countryside is often seen as a symbol of the peaceful life in Vietnam.

Childhood memories are often tied to games played by children tending buffaloes, such as catching crickets, playing mock battles, and fighting with (grass) chickens.

Exercise 2.

Write a descriptive paragraph about one of the above topics (Use suitable folk sayings or proverbs about the buffalo to make the paragraph more vivid and engaging).

Suggestion:

In your paragraph, use expository methods like definitions, lists, and presenting data, combined with descriptive elements. Employ artistic techniques like metaphors, similes, and personification. You may include folk sayings and proverbs to make the paragraph more lively and engaging. Some examples:

The buffalo is the foundation of the farm.

"Buffalo, I tell you,

Buffalo, go to the fields and plow with me."

Plowing and planting are the tasks of farmers,

We here, the buffalo there, no one can stop us.

Let’s go together to plant and plow,

Now it's hard work, but we will prosper one day.

In the dry fields, in the wet fields,

The husband plows, the wife plants, and the buffalo drags the plow.

Whether you’re selling or buying,

On the ninth day of the eighth month, come back for the buffalo fight.

Whether you’re selling or buying,

Remember to come for the buffalo fight on the ninth day of the eighth month.