Top 6 Best Lessons on 'Scientific Language Style' for 12th Grade

I. Scientific Texts and Scientific Language

1. Scientific Texts

Types of scientific texts:

In-depth scientific texts: Highly specialized in a particular scientific field.
Textbooks: Suitable for the educational level of each class.
Popular science texts: Widely distributed scientific knowledge, regardless of educational level.

2. Scientific Language:

It is the language used for communication within the scientific field.
Scientific language exists in two forms:
Written form: uses scientific terminology and symbols, formulas, diagrams...
Spoken form: requires correct pronunciation and expression based on an outline.

II. Characteristics of the Scientific Language Style

1. Generalization and Abstraction

Scientific language uses many technical terms: Terms specific to each scientific field and used to represent scientific concepts.
Text structure: Generalized (scientific arguments are presented from broad to specific, from general to detailed).

2. Rationality and Logic:

Words: Used with a single meaning, avoiding rhetorical devices.
Sentences: Coherent, clear, functioning as a unit of information with standardized syntax.
Text structure: Sentences are closely linked and logical. The entire text represents a logical argument.

3. Objectivity, Impersonality:

Sentences in scientific texts: Neutral in tone, with minimal emotion.
Science has a high degree of generalization, so there is little personal expression.

Question 1: Summary of Vietnamese literature from the August Revolution of 1945...

The summary of Vietnamese literature from the August Revolution of 1945 to the end of the 20th century is a scientific text. Please answer the following questions:

a. What content does the text present?

b. Which scientific field does this text belong to?

c. What are the noticeable features of the written scientific language in this text?

Answer:

a. Content information:

Historical and cultural context
The development process and major achievements of each stage
The key characteristics of literature from 1945 to 1975 and 1975 to the end of the 20th century.
b. This text belongs to the field of: Social Sciences and Humanities, or specifically the field of Linguistics.

c. The written scientific language is characterized by:

Use of many scientific terms
The text structure is logical and cohesive: It has a clear system of major and minor headings, sections, and paragraphs.

Question 2: Explain and differentiate scientific terms from common words...

Explain and differentiate scientific terms from common words using the following examples: point, line, segment, perpendicular plane, circle, right angle...

Answer:

Line segment:
Common language: A straight piece without bends or breaks.
Scientific language: The shortest distance between two points.
Plane:
Common language: The flat surface of an object without bulges or irregularities.
Scientific language: A basic concept in mathematics, a set of all points in three-dimensional space.
Point:
Common language: Refers to an issue or aspect of something.
Scientific language: A point is a basic element in an abstract space.

Question 3: Find scientific terms and analyze the rationality and logic...

Identify scientific terms and analyze the rationality and logic of the scientific language style in the following passage:

Discoveries by Vietnamese archaeologists show that Vietnam was once inhabited by prehistoric humans. In 1960, many stone tools, chisels, and hand axes were found in the Do mountain (Thiệu Hóa, Thanh Hóa), dated to 400,000 years ago. That same year, a prehistoric human site was found at Voi mountain, 3 km from Do mountain, covering 160,000 m². Stone tools from the same period were also discovered at Xuân Lộc (Đồng Nai).

(Biology 12)

Answer:

Scientific terms in the text: archaeology, prehistoric human, stone tools, chisels, hand axes, site, stone tools...

The rationality and logic of the scientific language style in the text are evident in the structure of the argument: The first sentence introduces a general claim. The subsequent sentences provide specific evidence (archaeological findings), forming a logically structured deductive argument.

Question 4: Write a paragraph in the form of a popular scientific text...

Write a paragraph in the form of a popular scientific text on the importance of protecting the environment (water, air, and soil).

Answer:

Sample 1:

Water plays an essential role in human life: 70% of the human body is made of water. Water makes up a large portion of cells, helps transport blood throughout the body, and filters the kidneys. In daily life, water is irreplaceable: used for household chores, drinking, food preparation, bathing, and cleaning. Furthermore, water is crucial for economic development, such as irrigation for agriculture, hydroelectric power, and water used in industrial processes. Without clean water, human life would be severely impacted. Clean water sources in Vietnam and around the world are increasingly polluted, and many rivers have become "dead rivers". As a result, many countries are currently facing a severe shortage of clean water. Therefore, we must protect our water resources.

Sample 2:

Water is essential for the survival of humans, animals, and plants. But clean water is necessary for the human body, animals, and plants to form nutritional substances. If water is contaminated, it will harm both humans and all living beings, including plants. We must protect our water sources from harmful chemicals, waste from factories, hospitals, etc. For instance, factories and hospitals should have technologies to clean waste before releasing it into the environment. Only then can we preserve life.

A. KEY KNOWLEDGE

Scientific texts can be divided into three main categories:

In-depth texts: These include monographs, theses, dissertations, essays, scientific reports, projects, etc. Such texts require precise information, logical reasoning, and strict clarity in argumentation.

Texts used for teaching scientific subjects, including textbooks, lesson plans, etc., for both natural sciences and social sciences. These texts must not only meet scientific standards but also pedagogical ones, meaning they should present content from easy to difficult, progressing from simple to complex, tailored to the student's level at each grade and class, with a fixed amount of knowledge for each lesson.

Popular scientific texts (popular science), such as books, articles, scientific essays, critiques, and book reviews, aim to disseminate scientific knowledge to a broad audience. These texts are written in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner.

Scientific language is used in various scientific texts to communicate and transmit knowledge in fields such as natural sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and social sciences (Philosophy, Sociology, Education, Psychology, History, Political Science...)

The definition of scientific language style: Scientific language style refers to the style used in scientific texts, characterized by abstractness, rationality, and impersonality, reflected in specific word usage, sentence structures, and text formation.

B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS

Question 1 (Page 76 of the Textbook) The summary of Vietnamese literature from the August Revolution of 1945 to the end of the 20th century is a scientific text. Please answer the following:

a. What content does the text present?

b. Which field of science does the text belong to? c. What are the noticeable features of the scientific language used in the text?

Solution:
a. The content presents scientific knowledge: literary science discusses the history of literature.
Summary of Vietnamese literature from 1945 to 1975:
Historical, social, and cultural context.
Key literary milestones and achievements.
Basic characteristics.
Summary of Vietnamese literature from 1945 to the end of the 20th century:
Historical, social, and cultural context.
Transformations and some achievements.
b. This text belongs to the educational scientific text category, within the social sciences, intended for classroom teaching. It presents literary history knowledge while helping students grasp, memorize, and apply skills to understand a literary period in the development of Vietnamese literature.
c. This text is written using scientific language.

Question 2 (Page 76 of the Textbook) Explain and differentiate scientific terms from everyday words with the following examples: line, straight line, line segment, plane, circle, right angle...

Solution:
Line segment:
Everyday language: A line that is not curved, broken, or slanted.
Scientific language: The shortest distance between two points.
Plane:
Everyday language: The flat surface of any object, smooth without bumps or dips.
Scientific language: A basic concept in mathematics, a set of all points in three-dimensional space.
Point:
Everyday language: An issue, aspect, or perspective.
Scientific language: A point is understood as an element in an abstract space.

Question 3 (Page 76 of the Textbook) Find scientific terms and analyze the rationality and logic of the scientific language style in the following passage: The findings of our archaeologists show that ancient Vietnam was inhabited by early humans. In 1960, many stone flakes, hand axes, and tools, dated to 400,000 years ago, were found at Đọ Mountain (Thiệu Hóa, Thanh Hóa). That same year, at Voi Mountain, 3 km away from Đọ Mountain, remains of early humans, as well as evidence of habitation and tool-making, were discovered, covering an area of 160,000 m². Stone tools of early humans were also found in Xuân Lộc (Đồng Nai).
(Biology 12)
Solution:
Scientific terms: archaeologist, early human, stone flakes, hand axe, tool, settlement site, tool-making, stone tools...
Logical judgment: The findings of archaeologists... early human remains.
Rationality and logic in the passage:
The first sentence presents the general statement, followed by supporting details in the following sentences. Each sentence provides specific, factual information based on scientific evidence.
The sentences are grammatically correct.
These elements make the argument compelling.

Question 4 (Page 76 of the Textbook) Write a passage from a popular science text on the importance of environmental protection (water, air, and land).
Solution:
Sample text:
Water plays an essential role in human life: 70% of the human body is water. Water makes up a significant portion of cells, aids in transporting blood throughout the body, and filters the kidneys... In daily life, water is irreplaceable: used for hygiene, drinking, cooking, cleaning, and more. Water is also critical for economic development: it is used for irrigation in agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, and industrial processing... Without clean water, human life would suffer greatly. Clean water sources in Vietnam and globally are becoming increasingly polluted, with many rivers turning into 'dead rivers.' As a result, many countries are facing severe water shortages. Therefore, we must protect water sources.

Question 1, page 76, 12th-grade textbook, Volume 1

The summary of Vietnamese literature from the August Revolution in 1945 to the end of the 20th century presents the scientific content of Vietnamese literary history, specifically:

The historical, social, and cultural context
The development process and key achievements of each period
Key features...
This is scientific knowledge of literary history
It is classified as a textbook, used for teaching in schools, and it has pedagogical value (accurate and suitable for 12th-grade students).

Language system:

A logical and easy-to-understand structure
Use of literary scientific terms appropriately (themes, images, works, reflection of reality, popularization, speculative quality, sources of inspiration...)

Question 2, page 76, 12th-grade textbook, Volume 1

Examples:

Line segment:

Everyday language: A straight section that is neither bent nor broken and does not lean to any side.
Scientific language: The shortest path connecting two points.
Plane:

Everyday language: The surface of an object that is flat, without bulges, dents, or roughness.
Scientific language: A fundamental concept in mathematics, referring to a set of all points in three-dimensional space.
Angle:

Everyday language: It could refer to a corner or side (as in 'a corner of the sky' or 'the imperial court at a corner of the world').
Scientific language: The part of a plane bounded by two rays starting from the same point.
Differences between everyday language and scientific terms:

Scientific terms: precise, intellectual, reflecting a field of science, abstract, generalized, and systematic.
Everyday language: specific, vivid, spontaneous, and rich in emotional nuances.

Question 3, page 76, 12th-grade textbook, Volume 1

Identify scientific terms and analyze the rationality and logic of the scientific language style in the following passage:

Scientific terms: archaeology, prehistoric human, stone tools, scrapers, hand axes, archaeological site, stone implements...
The rationality and logic are reflected in the argumentation:
The first sentence presents the thesis
The subsequent sentences provide evidence, factual data, and follow a deductive structure.

Question 4 (page 76, 12th-grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1)
Human life and life on Earth in general are sustained largely by water. Covering 3/4 of the Earth's surface, water exists in oceans, rivers, and numerous seas, lakes, and streams. In biological cells, water plays a crucial role and directly affects the weather and climate of a region. In recent years, water pollution has become a significant issue, and many parts of the world are facing water shortages, raising concerns. Therefore, we must join efforts to protect water sources.

I. Scientific Texts and Scientific Language

1. Scientific Texts

- In-depth scientific texts include: monographs, dissertations, theses, and research reports.

- Educational scientific texts: textbooks, teaching guides, lesson plans.

- Popular scientific texts: articles, books on popular science and technology.

2. Scientific Language

Characteristics:

- Abstractness, generalization, rationality, logic, objectivity, non-personal tone.

II. Features of the Scientific Language Style

1. Abstractness and Generalization

2. Rationality and Logic

3. Objectivity and Non-personality

III. PRACTICE EXERCISES

Exercise 1 (page 76, 12th-grade textbook, Volume 1) The text summarizing Vietnamese literature from the August Revolution in 1945 to the end of the 20th century is a scientific text.

a. Content:

- Overview of Vietnamese literature from 1945 – 1975:

+ Historical, social, and cultural context.

+ Major literary milestones and key achievements.

+ Key characteristics.

- Changes and some major achievements.

b. The text belongs to the social sciences.

c. The text is written in scientific language.

- The structure is organized from general to specific, with logical headings.

- It uses numerous literary terms, especially literary-specific terminology.

- The text is clear, cohesive, and well-structured, with logical connections between each section.

Exercise 2 (page 76, 12th-grade textbook, Volume 1)

Words - Everyday language - Scientific terms
Point - Location, place - Fundamental object in geometry
Line - An infinite path without limits on both ends - There is exactly one line passing through any two distinct points
Line segment - A straight section without bends or deviations - The shortest segment connecting two points
Plane - A flat surface without irregularities - A concept that encompasses all points in three-dimensional space
Angle - Can refer to a corner or direction - The portion of a plane bounded by two rays originating from the same point
Circle - A shape with a rounded outline - The set of all points on a plane equidistant from a given point.

Exercise 3 (page 76, 12th-grade textbook, Volume 1) Scientific terms: archaeology, stone cores, flake tools, workshop site.

- The sentence makes logical judgments: the first sentence in the paragraph.

- The sentences are connected logically and coherently.

+ Argument 1 (hypothesis)

+ Evidence, supported by data (sentences 2, 3, 4)

→ The argument is highly convincing.

Exercise 4 (page 65, 12th-grade textbook, Volume 1)

Life on Earth originates from water. All life on Earth depends on the water cycle. Water determines the climate and is also the main factor influencing weather patterns. Water plays a critical role in biological cells and the basic processes like photosynthesis. Over 75% of the Earth's surface is covered by water, which amounts to about 1.38 trillion cubic kilometers. Providing clean water will be one of humanity's greatest challenges in the coming decades, especially if the issues of war and environmental pollution continue to worsen. Therefore, we must collectively protect Earth's clean water sources and reduce waste.

Question 1 (page 76, Literature Textbook 12, Volume 1)

The text summarizing Vietnamese literature from the August 1945 Revolution to the end of the 20th century is a scientific document:

a. This document presents the scientific content of the history of Vietnamese literature from 1945 to the end of the 20th century, specifically:

- Overview of Vietnamese literature from 1945 to 1975:

+ Historical, social, and cultural context.

+ Literary milestones and major achievements.

+ Basic characteristics.

- Overview of Vietnamese literature from 1945 to the end of the 20th century:

+ Historical, social, and cultural context.

- The transformations and some achievements.

b. This literature belongs to the field of social sciences.

c. The text is written using scientific language.

- The structure is organized from broad to narrow, general to specific.

- It uses many social science terms, especially literary terms (for example: literary direction, short story, memoir, poetry, themes, trends, romantic inspiration, humanistic, and human-centered ideals, etc.).

Lesson 1, Page 76, Vietnamese Literature Textbook, Grade 12, Volume 1

The lesson "Overview of Vietnamese Literature from the August 1945 Revolution to the End of the 20th Century" (Vietnamese Literature 12, Volume 1) is a scientific text. Please answer the following questions:

a. What scientific content is presented in this text?

b. To which field of science does this text belong?

c. What are the noticeable characteristics of the scientific language in its written form?

Answer:

a. The scientific content presented in this text includes:

- An overview of Vietnamese literature from 1945 to 1975:

+ The historical, social, and cultural context.

+ The major literary periods and their key achievements.

+ The essential characteristics of literature during this period.

- An overview of Vietnamese literature from 1945 to the end of the 20th century:

+ The historical, social, and cultural context.

+ The transformations and some of the achievements.

b. The text belongs to the field of literary studies, which is part of the social sciences.

c. The noticeable features of the scientific written language in this text include:

- The system of headings is organized from general to specific, moving from broad to detailed topics.

- The use of many social science terms, especially literary terminology (e.g., literary policy, short stories, essays, poetry, themes, trends in literature, romanticism, humanism, etc.).

- The text structure is clear and concise, with sentences and paragraphs arranged in a logical order that highlights the arguments within each section and the entire piece.

Lesson 2, Page 76, Vietnamese Literature Textbook, Grade 12, Volume 1

Explain and distinguish between scientific terms and everyday words with examples from Geometry: point, line, segment, plane, angle, circle, right angle, etc.

Answer:

- Line segment:

+ Everyday language: A straight segment that is neither bent nor broken, and does not lean to one side.

+ Scientific language: The shortest path connecting two points.

- Plane:

+ Everyday language: The surface of an object that is flat, without bumps or hollows.

+ Scientific language: A fundamental concept in mathematics, defined as a set of all points in a three-dimensional space.

- Angle:

+ Everyday language: A part of something, or a direction (e.g., "A corner of the room" or "The court has a specific angle in the match").

+ Scientific language: The area bounded by two straight lines originating from a common point.

=> The difference between everyday words and scientific terms:

- Scientific terms: precise, intellectual, representing concepts from specialized scientific fields, abstract, systematic.

- Everyday language: specific, lively, emotional, and expressive.

(Based on the above suggestions, one can explain words like point, line, segment, plane, angle, circle, right angle... from both a scientific term perspective and an everyday language perspective.)

Lesson 3, Page 76, Vietnamese Literature Textbook, Grade 12, Volume 1

Identify scientific terms and analyze the rational, logical aspects of the scientific language style in the given passage (Textbook).

Answer:

- Scientific term in the passage (archaeology): bone site.

- Logical judgment in the sentence: "The discoveries of archaeologists... of prehistoric humans."

- Rationality is shown through the correct general statement (the first sentence) and accurate supporting examples (the subsequent sentences).

- Logic is demonstrated by the coherent argument, with a clear thesis, supporting points, and evidence:

+ Sentence 1: States the thesis (a judgment).

+ Sentences 2, 3, 4: Provide 3 supporting points, each representing an archaeological discovery.

=> Effect: It enhances the persuasiveness of the thesis.

Lesson 4, Page 76, Vietnamese Literature Textbook, Grade 12, Volume 1

Write a scientific essay on the necessity of protecting our environment (water, air, and land).

Suggestion:

Students may refer to scientific articles, sample writings, and then write their own based on a subject of their choice.

Some sample paragraphs to refer to:

Paragraph 1. Water plays a crucial role in human life: 70% of the human body is water. It constitutes a large portion of cells, aiding in blood circulation and kidney filtration. In daily life, water is indispensable: for consumption, food preparation, bathing, and cleaning. Additionally, water is used in various industries: irrigation, hydropower, and material processing. Without clean water, human life would be severely affected. The clean water sources in Vietnam, as well as worldwide, are increasingly polluted, leading many rivers to become "dead rivers." As a result, many nations are now facing a severe shortage of clean water. Thus, we must protect our water resources.

Paragraph 2. Water is a natural resource, but it is not infinite. Although water can be recycled by nature, over 1 billion people worldwide lack access to clean water for daily needs. This is a shocking reality. Yet, many of us waste water recklessly.

Two-thirds of the world's water is stored as ice. However, this is a reserve that nature keeps for emergencies. Such storage is essential, just as humans have two kidneys and two lungs for survival. Earth also reserves water to sustain life.

Water vapor rises to form clouds, which then cool, condense, and become rain. Rainwater flows into rivers, lakes, and streams, before returning to the sea. A significant portion seeps into the ground, forming groundwater. Although it may seem like a perfect, endless cycle, it is fragile. Human activities, such as diverting rivers for agriculture or industry, disrupt this cycle, altering the flow of water. This causes wetland areas to shrink, leading to the death of species, ecosystem imbalance, and environmental consequences worldwide.

People may argue that excavating canals within one's territory doesn't affect others. This viewpoint is wrong. Water is a shared resource, essential for life. Protecting water is synonymous with safeguarding life on Earth.

Paragraph 3. Today, environmental pollution has spread everywhere. Among the three elements—air, water, and land—land pollution is the most severe. Air and water pollution are inevitable consequences that follow. If we compare nature to the human body, environmental pollution is akin to aging or illness. The less critical parts are discarded first, while the essential organs are prioritized. When the brain and heart cease functioning, a person dies. Air can be seen as the brain, and water is the heart. Land, however, is like the liver.

In reality, land is being severely degraded due to human activities. While plants may still appear healthy above the surface, the soil underneath has become barren due to unsustainable agricultural practices. Forests are disappearing due to deforestation, and monoculture crops are being grown on large scales. Moreover, the widespread use of pesticides, herbicides, and growth hormones is making things worse. The demand for increased crop yields has led farmers to prioritize quantity over quality, producing food tainted with harmful chemicals. Humans are ultimately responsible for transforming nature and the Earth from paradise to a hellish place.

We must recognize that the progress and growth in social sciences always stem from human interests. If an action harms nature but benefits humanity, we might accept it. However, our survival relies entirely on nature's balance. When this balance is disturbed, all life on Earth is threatened.

Environmental disasters are not inevitable. They result from human choices. Like the gradual accumulation of toxins from pesticide consumption, which eventually leads to illness, the Earth is using its resources to combat ecological imbalances. If we continue to destroy it, the Earth will eventually collapse. We must unite to protect the environment and ensure the survival of all life.

Nature does not create natural disasters on its own. Both past and present, human actions have been the cause. For the past 2000 years, humanity has lived in discord with nature. We must return to a way of living that harmonizes with nature, allowing the Earth to thrive and sustain life as it once did.