1. Sample Preparation Number 4
Question 1 (page 136 Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1):
+ A genre is the realization of a larger category, encompassing various forms.
Example: The narrative genre includes forms such as stories, anecdotes...
Question 2 (page 136 Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1):
- Poetry characteristics:
+ Poetry is the voice of the soul, with its essence being lyricism.
+ The language of poetry is concise, condensed, rich in imagery, and musical.
- Types of poetry:
+ By content: lyrical poetry, narrative poetry, satirical poetry.
+ By structure: metrical poetry, free verse, prose poetry.
- Requirements for reading poetry:
+ Learn about the poem’s origin and background.
+ Read the poem carefully, appreciating details and imagery.
=> Explain and assess the entire poem.
Question 3 (page 136 Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1):
- Features of a story:
+ Reflects real life objectively: plot, events, characters.
+ Utilizes different forms of language: narration, character speech, dialogue, monologue.
- Types of stories:
+ Folk literature: myths, legends, fairy tales, fables, parables.
+ Classical literature: stories written in Chinese characters, Nom poetry stories.
+ Modern literature: short stories, novellas, novels.
- Requirements for reading a story:
+ Understand the social context and creation background.
+ Analyze the plot development.
+ Analyze characters.
+ Understand the philosophical meaning.
Exercise (page 136 Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1):
Question 1
- Artistic depiction of scenery: vividly and delicately portraying the autumn landscape of the northern plains.
- Artistic depiction of emotions: using nature to reflect feelings.
+ Language: rich in evocative imagery, descriptive words, etc.
Question 2
'Two Children' by Thach Lam:
+ Plot: A subtle psychological storyline.
+ Characters: Ordinary, small people.
+ Narrative: A narrative rich in lyrical, melancholic emotion.

2. Reference Composition No. 5
Question 1 (page 136 Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1):
- Genre: the fundamental mode of existence.
- Form: the concrete realization of the genre.
- Literary works include: narrative, lyric, and drama.
+ Lyrical forms: folk songs, regulated verse, free verse, satirical poetry...
+ Narrative forms: short stories, novels, novellas, essays, journalistic reports...
+ Drama forms: folk theatre, classical theatre, modern theatre, tragedy, comedy.
Question 2 (page 131 Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1):
- Characteristics of poetry:
+ Represents the lyrical genre.
+ The voice of human emotions.
+ Focuses on the beauty and subtlety of the human soul and the objective world.
+ The language of poetry is compact, expressive, rich in imagery, and musical in its rhythm.
- Types of poetry:
+ By content: lyrical poetry, narrative poetry, satirical poetry.
+ By form: regulated verse, free verse, prose poetry.
- Requirements for reading poetry:
+ Be familiar with the poem's origins.
+ Read the poem attentively, capturing its meaning through words, imagery, and rhythm.
+ Analyze the speaker, poetic lines, and the emotional core of the lyrical character to assess the poem's content and artistry.
Question 3 (page 131 Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1):
- Features of a story:
+ A representative of the narrative genre.
+ Reflects life in its objective essence.
+ Includes plot, events, characters, their fates, circumstances, and settings, all within a defined time and space.
+ The language may take various forms: narrator's voice, character's speech, dialogue, monologue; narrative language closely mirrors everyday speech.
- Types of stories:
+ In folk literature: myths, legends...
+ In classical literature: stories written in Chinese characters, Nom poetry stories.
+ In modern literature: short stories, novellas, novels.
- Requirements for reading:
+ Understand the social context and circumstances of the story's creation.
+ Read the story carefully, grasping its plot and being able to summarize it.
+ Analyze the characters, the situation, and the significance of the event within the story's theme. Generalize the philosophical message of the story.
Exercise
Question 1 (page 131 Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1):
The artistic portrayal of nature, emotions, and language in the poem 'Autumn Fishing' by Nguyen Khuyen stands out because:
- It depicts a classical autumn scene with familiar themes and motifs.
- The autumn in 'Autumn Fishing' serves as a symbol for the rural autumn of northern Vietnam's Red River Delta.
- The delicate and refined lines of the autumn scene.
- The skillful blending of colors that reaches an expert level.
- The simple, clear language conveys the subtle expressions of nature and human emotions.
- The artistic technique of classical poetry (using motion to describe stillness).
→ The integration of emotion within the scene, and the scene reflecting the emotion, is a hallmark of Nguyen Khuyen's autumn poetry.
Question 2 (page 131 Literature 11 Textbook, Volume 1):
In the short story 'Two Children':
a. Plot: There is no specific plot; the details establish a recurring cycle of time and space.
b. Characters: Appear sequentially over time. The story is not focused on events or plot twists but instead explores the inner emotional development of the characters with delicate, fleeting emotions. The characters represent small, fading lives in a poor village street.
c. Narrative: Intimate, gentle, reflective.

3. Reference Composition No. 6
Question 1 (page 136 of Literature 11, Volume 1)
How are genres and forms defined in literature?
Detailed solution:
The structure of a literary work is defined by its genre (genre type, category) and form (form type, genre, style, and structure). Genre refers to the overall mode of existence, while form is the realization of the genre.
Most opinions agree that literary works can be divided into three main categories: lyric (focused on expressing emotions, thoughts, and moods of individuals), narrative (using narration and description to build the plot, depict characters, and create vivid pictures of life), and drama (portraying social conflicts through dialogue and actions of characters). Each category can include different forms:
- Lyric genre includes forms like poetry, chants, etc.
- Narrative genre includes forms like stories, memoirs, essays, etc.
- Drama genre includes forms like tragedy, comedy, and historical drama, etc.
Additionally, there is another form often encountered, which is argumentative writing.
Question 2 (page 136 of Literature 11, Volume 1)
Describe the characteristics of poetry, its different types, and the requirements for reading poetry.
Detailed solution:
a. Characteristics of poetry
Poetry is known for its rhythm and meter; its language is concise, evocative, and reflects deep emotional and mental states.
b. Types of poetry
- Classified by thematic content: Lyric poetry, narrative poetry, and satirical poetry.
- Classified by the structure of the poem: regulated poetry (following a set meter), free verse poetry (not bound by a fixed meter), and prose poetry (where the lines resemble prose but maintain rhythm).
c. Requirements for reading poetry:
- One should know the title, collection name, author, publication year, and background of the poem.
- Read the poem carefully, understanding its meaning through words, imagery, and rhythm. The meaning in poetry lies in emotions, thoughts, moods, events, and objects. To truly feel the essence of the poem, one must relate to the poet, use imagination, and analyze the expressive potential of each word, detail, and rhythm.
- After experiencing the beauty of individual lines, images, and emotions, take a step back to analyze and evaluate the entire poem in terms of both content and artistry. It's crucial to identify the unique and creative aspects of expression and to reflect on its contribution to thought and content.
Question 3 (page 136 of Literature 11, Volume 1)
Summarize the characteristics of short stories, their types, and the requirements for reading short stories.
Detailed solution:
* With the historical development of literature, short stories have evolved into various types.
- In folk literature, there are different types of stories: myths, legends, fairy tales, fables, and humorous tales.
- In classical literature, there are stories written in Chinese and stories written in Vietnamese (classified based on the script used).
- In modern literature, based on the scale and the extent of reality, short stories can be divided into short stories, novellas, and novels.
+ Short stories often feature fewer characters and events, focusing on a small segment of life, sometimes covering an entire life or a part of it. Despite this, they can raise significant issues and reflect profound human insights. (A short story is a small narrative with a plot, characters, setting, time, and narration. It may include imagination and fiction, differing from news reports or investigative journalism. It often portrays a snapshot of life or the inner world of a character).
+ There's no clear distinction between novellas and novels. Novels are larger-scale narrative forms. They can include adventure stories, detective stories, science fiction, and epic narratives about heroic figures. However, the most common type is the novel about ordinary people's lives, full of struggles and hardships. Characters often endure great suffering. With its capacity to reflect life in full, novels can explore personal fates, incorporating various literary techniques, and are seen as a major form of written art.
* Requirements for reading and understanding short stories:
- When reading a story, it's important to understand the social and historical context, as this aids in a more accurate interpretation of the story's content.
- Understand the main plot and the key events that drive the story.
- Pay attention to the characters' traits to better grasp the story's themes and artistic elements.
Exercise
Question 1 (page 136 of Literature 11, Volume 1)
Analyze the use of scenery description, emotional portrayal, and language in Nguyen Khuyen's poem 'Câu cá mùa thu'.
Answer:
a. Scenery and emotional depiction.
- In terms of scenery description, the poet uses the perspective from the 'autumn pond' to 'the sky' and back to the pond, with the focus on the pond. The poet vividly describes the pond's surface, evoking the spirit of autumn in the rural countryside: cool, clear, and especially tranquil. The poet also expands the scene to the boundless sky and uses movement to highlight the stillness and calmness of rural life.
- Regarding emotional depiction, a key point is the technique of using nature to express emotions: through the autumn scenery, the poet conveys a quiet, subtle love for nature and the homeland, reflecting a sense of nostalgia and deep reflection on life.
b. Use of language.
'Câu cá mùa thu' is a vivid example of the beauty of the Vietnamese language. The poem's language is simple and clear, yet it effectively conveys the delicate nuances of the scenery and the poet's complex emotional states.
The poem excels in several artistic techniques, particularly its use of rhyme. The difficult 'eo' rhyme is employed effectively by Nguyen Khuyen, creating a sharp, contracted feeling that reflects the narrowing and enclosing space, in harmony with the melancholic mood of the poetic voice.
Along with the unique rhyme scheme, the poem also succeeds in using motion to describe stillness. To create a lasting impression of quietude, the poet incorporates subtle sounds, such as the 'fluttering' of leaves and the barely noticeable sound of fish 'tapping under the lotus leaves.'
The poem also uses descriptive adjectives like 'clear,' 'bright green,' 'floating,' and verbs like 'rippling' and 'gently moving' to highlight the gentle and serene atmosphere of the autumn scene in Vietnam.
Question 2 (page 136 of Literature 11, Volume 1)
Comment on the plot, characters, and narrative style of Thach Lam's short story 'Hai đứa trẻ'.
Answer:
- 'Hai đứa trẻ' is one of Thach Lam's most outstanding short stories. It has high social relevance and conveys a deep humanitarian spirit. This story also demonstrates Thach Lam's mastery in writing short stories.
- Like many of Thach Lam's short stories, 'Hai đứa trẻ' doesn't have a traditional plot. It resembles a poem, focusing entirely on the inner turmoil of the characters, Lien and An, as they anxiously await the passing of a night train.
- In this story, Thach Lam delves deeply into the characters' inner feelings, capturing their vague and fragile emotions. The descriptions of the characters' mental states are both profound and sensitive.
- Thach Lam also successfully uses the artistic technique of contrast (between the dim, faded light from the oil lamp at the tea stall and the bright, piercing light from the passing train...), which accentuates the poverty and silence of the small town.
The story is also notable for its intimate, reflective narrative style. Beneath the images and words, there is a compassionate, sensitive soul that deeply understands the complexities of human emotions and the world around us.

4. Sample Essay 1
I. Basic Knowledge
Question 1: Literary Genres and Forms
- Genre is the overarching method of existence, realized through specific forms.
- Literary works: lyrical, narrative, dramatic.
+ Lyrical: poetry, ballads, etc.
+ Narrative: stories, memoirs, etc.
+ Drama: tragedies, comedies, etc.
- Other categories include essays.
Question 2:
Characteristics of Poetry
- Poetry is defined by rhyme, rhythm, concise language, and evokes deep emotions, reflecting human feelings.
- Poems are categorized by content: lyrical poetry, narrative poetry, satirical poetry.
- Poetry can be divided into structured verse, free verse, or prose poetry.
- Key considerations for analyzing poetry include:
+ Knowing the origin of the poem: author, publication date, and additional relevant information.
+ Reading carefully to understand and feel the poem’s emotional flow.
+ Identifying the themes and artistic elements in the poem.
+ Recognizing the lines, words, or images that create the most powerful emotions.
Question 3: Characteristics of a Short Story:
- A story reflects reality through its objective perspective.
- A story includes plot, characters, situations, and conflicts within a specific time and place.
- The language of a story includes narration and character dialogue.
- Genres: folk literature (fables, anecdotes, legends, fairy tales), classical stories, modern stories (short stories, novels, narrative poetry, etc.).
* Important points to consider when analyzing a story:
- Understanding the social and historical context of the story to interpret its message and theme.
- Grasping the plot and key developments of the narrative.
- Understanding the characters’ personalities to comprehend the message and artistic aspects of the story.
Practice
Exercise 1 (page 136, Literature 11, Vol. 1)
The artistic techniques in the poem “Autumn Fishing” – describing nature and emotions through language.
- The poem reflects a deep connection to the natural beauty of the Northern Vietnam countryside.
+ The beauty of autumn is tinged with sadness, reflecting the poet’s inner feelings.
+ The image of the fisherman symbolizes enduring melancholy.
+ The poet’s deep affection for the country and its landscapes is evident.
+ The poem conveys a sense of quiet reflection and longing for the nation.
- Language: simple yet profound, capturing the beauty of nature and the poet’s hidden emotions effectively.
- The poem’s unique use of rhyme enhances its depiction of a narrowing, closed-off autumn space.
- The poem blends dynamic and static elements to evoke the stillness of the poet’s emotions.
⇒ A serene, beautiful autumn scene, yet filled with a deep emotional tone.
Exercise 2 (page 136, Literature 11, Vol. 1)
The short story “Two Children” by Thạch Lam: a deep exploration of social realities and human compassion.
- The story has no conventional plot, focusing on the inner thoughts of Liên and An as they wait for a train.
- Thạch Lam delves into the characters’ subtle, fleeting emotions using a sensitive and profound writing style.
- The author masterfully contrasts the impoverished setting of the village with the characters’ inner experiences.
- The narrative style is tender and poetic, capturing the deep sensitivity of the characters and their surroundings.

5. Sample Essay 2
Question 1 (page 136 Literature 11, Vol. 1):
+ Genre is broader than form, with each genre encompassing various forms. For example, the lyrical genre includes forms such as poetry and ballads; the narrative genre includes forms such as short stories, memoirs, novels, etc.
+ Genre represents the general mode of existence, while form is its specific realization.
Question 2 (page 136 Literature 11, Vol. 1):
+ Characteristics of Poetry:
- The essence of poetry lies in its lyrical nature, always expressing the inner emotions and soul.
- Poetry’s language is concise, rich in imagery, and musical in rhythm.
+ Types of Poetry:
- By content: lyrical poetry, narrative poetry, satirical poetry.
- By structure: metrical poetry, free verse, prose poetry.
+ Guidelines for Reading Poetry:
- Knowledge of the poem’s origin is essential.
- Read carefully, paying attention to language, details, and rhyme to grasp the poem's meaning.
- Evaluate and analyze the poem in terms of both content and artistic style.
Question 3 (page 136 Literature 11, Vol. 1):
+ Characteristics of a Short Story:
- A story reflects objective reality: it has a plot with a series of events and characters connected to a specific time and place.
- A short story uses various forms of language: narrative voice, character speech, dialogue, and monologue.
- The language in a story is close to everyday speech.
+ Types of Short Stories:
- Folk literature: myths, legends, fairy tales, fables, humorous stories.
- Classical literature: stories written in Classical Chinese, narrative poetry in Nôm.
- Modern literature: short stories, novellas, and novels.
+ Guidelines for Reading a Story:
- Study the social context and background of the work.
- Analyze the plot development.
- Examine the characters and their relationships in the story.
- Identify the issues addressed and the story's philosophical implications, both in its reflection of life and exploration of the human soul.
Practice
Question 1 (page 136 Literature 11, Vol. 1):
Autumn Fishing – Nguyễn Khuyến:
+ Artistic techniques for describing nature: the portrayal of peaceful, beautiful autumn in a rural village, though tinged with melancholy, creating a sense of narrowing or contracting. The imagery is simple and familiar, differing from the idealized autumn in classical poetry.
+ Artistic techniques for expressing emotions: Nature is used as a metaphor for the poet’s thoughts and feelings, where fishing becomes a reflection on life.
+ Language: unique and distinctive rhymes, vivid and evocative language that creates a strong sense of atmosphere.
Question 2 (page 136 Literature 11, Vol. 1):
Two Children – Thạch Lam:
+ Plot: The story has a simple, gentle plot, without dramatic tension. It is more a psychological narrative.
+ Characters: Ordinary lives in a poor village, the story focuses on these simple, everyday people.
+ Narrative voice: The storytelling is gentle and reflective, belonging to the genre of narrative prose with a strong lyrical quality (rich in rhythm and imagery).
Meaning
Poetry is representative of the lyrical genre, conveying emotions, thoughts, and moods through condensed, evocative language, rich in imagery and rhythm.
In contrast, short stories belong to the narrative genre, often featuring plots, characters, and narration. They reflect broader societal realities while diving deep into the lives and inner struggles of individuals.

6. Sample Essay 3

