Top 6 Most Outstanding Lesson Plans on 'Auxiliary Words and Interjections'

I. BASIC KNOWLEDGE TO MASTER

- Understand the definition of auxiliary words and interjections.

- Know how to use auxiliary words and interjections to a certain extent.

1. What are auxiliary words and interjections?

a) Auxiliary words

In the context of auxiliary words, 'auxiliary' means to assist or support. Auxiliary words are words that accompany other words in a sentence to emphasize or express attitudes towards the subject being discussed. Some examples (the auxiliary words are in bold):

- The fish is truly fish.

- The house has five people, yet he bought eight tickets.

- The house is crowded, yet he bought only two pounds of meat.

- It was he who caused the accident.

- Even the homeroom teacher did not know about this event.

- I didn't know that either.

- Your house, always bragging about being top-notch.

- As for me, I dislike him.

- He tends to lie a lot.

b) Interjections (also known as emotional words, exclamatory words, etc.)

In the terminology of interjections, 'interjection' refers to an exclamation or expression of emotion. Interjections are used to directly convey the speaker's feelings (e.g., the interjection 'ai' expresses discomfort or pain from an external force; 'oh' expresses surprise at an event). Here are some examples:

+ Oh, how cold the long night was!

The sun rises and the mist disappears!

(Tố Hữu)

+ Wow, how wonderful, the northern poem!

Very free, with fresh music and fresh verses.

(Tố Hữu)

+ Alas, the guns of the enemy are rumbling!

The people's hearts are clear.

(Nguyễn Đình Chiểu)

+ Alas! The western wind brings storms, the eastern winds are quiet...

(Phan Bội Châu)

+ Hey! Why throw the ladder like this?

(Trần Đăng)

Interjections are usually accompanied by specific intonations (rising or falling pitch, emphasis or casualness) and facial expressions or gestures of the speaker.

Moreover, interjections can also be used for calling or responding. Some examples:

+ Hey, clever ones of the race!

Young men and women, come on!

(Tố Hữu)

+ Yes, I'll come right away.

+ The train arrives, please wake me up.

- Yes, go ahead and sleep.

(Thạch Lam)

2. Key points to remember when using auxiliary words and interjections

- Auxiliary words are primarily used in casual speech or daily communication. When used, auxiliary words often have a specific intonation (to emphasize or express an opinion).

- When using interjections to express emotions, it's important to ensure that the interjection is suitable for the emotional state, context, and the person being addressed, to maintain politeness and cultural respect in communication.

II. PRACTICE GUIDELINES

1. The sentences provided in this exercise are divided into four pairs. Each pair (a and b; c and d; e and g; h and i) relates to a word (within the main words: ngay, là; những). These words are homophones (same sound, but different word class: auxiliary or not).

- To determine which word is an auxiliary, read each sentence carefully (each pair) and use the context to identify the word class of the bolded word.

For example, in sentence (a), the word is an auxiliary, used to emphasize the subject in the sentence (the principal). In sentence (b), the bolded word is an adjective, modifying the noun (character), meaning it's not an auxiliary.

- Apply the same approach to the other pairs of sentences.

(Answer: + Auxiliary: Bolded words in sentences c, g, i.

+ Not an auxiliary: Bolded words in sentences d, e, h.)

2. To explain the meaning of auxiliary words, read each sentence carefully, paying attention to the context in which the auxiliary appears. You can look up the meaning of these auxiliaries in a dictionary. Here are the meanings of the individual words:

- Sentence (a): The auxiliary word 'lấy' is used to emphasize the minimum level, with no requirement for more.

- Sentence (b): The auxiliary word 'nguyên' emphasizes only one thing. The auxiliary 'đến' emphasizes a higher degree, making the situation slightly surprising.

- Sentence (c): The auxiliary word 'cả' emphasizes a greater extent or implication.

- Sentence (d): The auxiliary word 'cứ' emphasizes an additional confirmation, regardless of external circumstances.

3. Read each sentence carefully, focusing on words that express emotions or feelings, as well as words used for calling or responding. Interjections often appear at the beginning of a sentence (or in special cases). Here are the interjections found:

- Interjections expressing emotions: à, ấy, chao ôi, hỡi ôi
- Interjections for calling or responding: này, vâng

4. To understand what emotions these interjections express, read the sentences and place the interjection in its context to interpret the meaning. You can also refer to a dictionary.

Here are the meanings of the interjections:

- Ha ha: Represents a loud, joyful laugh at an unexpected discovery or amusing situation.

- Ái ái: An expression of sudden pain or fear.

- Than ôi: Expresses sorrow or regret.

5. Before forming sentences, select five interjections (from two types: emotional and calling/responding). For each interjection, understand its meaning and usage context. The sentence content should relate to familiar, everyday things. Some examples:

- Oh, the scenery here is so beautiful.

- Yes, I won't play soccer at noon anymore.

6. The saying 'call and answer respectfully' refers to showing respect to elders. This proverb advises us to be polite and respectful in our communication.

I. BASIC KNOWLEDGE

1. Auxiliary Verbs

What are auxiliary verbs?
Auxiliary verbs are words used alongside other words in a sentence to emphasize or convey a particular attitude or evaluation of the subject or action. Auxiliary verbs often derive from other word classes.

Examples:
+ Eating is something we do with great enthusiasm
+ Even Hung has decided to skip school?

+ Indeed, the enemies are chasing us!

+ She bought five books.

Types of auxiliary verbs
Emphasizing auxiliary verbs: such as those, really, is, that, etc.
Examples:

+ Now, I turn back towards the sea.

+ Mrs. Uẩn placed a full platter of fish and meat on the table.

– Auxiliary verbs expressing attitude or evaluation: exactly, indeed, right, etc.

Examples:

+ Exactly, yesterday you went to see.

+ It was through Mr. Nam Tiến that I learned where I was currently staying.

2. Interjections

What are interjections?
Interjections are words used to express emotions or reactions or to call out for responses.

Examples:
+ Oh, did that girl just speak that well?

My house is no place for strangers!

+ Wow, the scenery here is amazing!

+ Oh, how vast is your heart, Doctor!

Features
– Interjections express surprise or direct emotion about an event.

Examples:

+ Oh dear, the workers are so strong!

– Interjections can form a standalone sentence or be set apart as an independent clause.

Examples:

+ Wow, this painting is stunning!

(Independent clause)

+ Hey! Why are you leaving the ladder here?

(Standalone sentence)

Types of interjections
– Interjections for emotional expression: oh, ah, wow, ouch, etc.

Examples:

+ Oh, Hạc!

+ Ouch, that hurts!

+ Damn it!

– Interjections for calling or answering: hey, oh, yeah, etc.

Examples:

+ Yes, I’ve thought just like you, Elder.

+ Who will bring the full bowl of rice?

II. SKILL PRACTICE

1. Which of the underlined words in the sentences below are auxiliary verbs, and which are interjections?

He looked carefully, indeed it was Thuần the one.

(Võ Huy Tâm)

He bought a heavy load of sweet potatoes from the market.

(quoted by Nguyễn Tài Cẩn)

Huh, these people are really bold!

(Ngô Tất Tố)

Oh no, that’s so painful!

This book is incredibly good!

Wow, the scenery here is breathtaking!

(Hồ Xuân Hương)

Hint:

Auxiliary verbs: indeed, those, is

– Interjections: huh, oh dear, wow.

2. Identify the auxiliary verbs and interjections in the following passages:

Are you awake already, Trầu?

Let's pick a few leaves, shall we?

For mother and father.

Don’t let the betel leaf fade away!

(Trần Đăng Khoa)

It’s really fun, but be careful.

Who truly understands the depth of another’s feelings?

(Nguyễn Du)

Oh Kim Lang! Oh Kim Lang!

Goodbye, I have abandoned you from this day forth.

(Nguyễn Du)

Wow! How sad is the tree of the tung oil tree!

Gold, gold falls… autumn is vast.

(Bích Khuê)

Wow, what longing!

One autumn bird flies far away.

(Chế Lan Viên)

Oh, the glorious time is long gone!

(Thế Lữ)

The moment the moonflower blooms.

What is it like, oh moon?

What is it like, oh stars?

What is it like, oh wind?

The moment the moonflower blooms.

How can we retrieve it?

(Lâm Thị Mỹ Dạ)

Hint:

Auxiliary verbs: huh, shall, is, oh.
Interjections: oh, oh dear, wow, ouch.

3. Explain the meaning of the underlined words in the following sentences:

Oh, it was not just a cold, long night.

The sun rises and the fog disappears.

Oh, it wasn’t just a scorching road.

Our life suddenly turns into paradise.

(Tố Hữu)

Hint:

Meaning of:

Oh: An exclamation expressing strong emotion before something unexpected.
Wow: An expression of surprise or realization of something important.

4. Form six sentences, three with auxiliary verbs and three with interjections.

Example:

It’s definitely Hùng who failed.
Oh, I’m so scared.

A. KEY CONCEPTS

1. Auxiliary Verbs

1.1. How do the meanings of the following sentences differ? Why is there a difference?

He ate two bowls of rice.
He ate as many as two bowls of rice.
He ate only two bowls of rice.
Answer:

He ate two bowls of rice - A normal statement of an action.
He ate as many as two bowls of rice – Emphasizes the large quantity (too much).
He ate only two bowls of rice - Implies the amount is below the normal expectation (too little).
1.2. In the sentences above, what do the words 'as many as' and 'only' indicate about the speaker's attitude towards the action? Answer: The words 'as many as' and 'only' are used to highlight or assess the quantity of the action in the sentence.

2. Interjections

2.1. What do the words 'ah' and 'yes' in the following passages express?
a. Hey! Mr. Teacher! That creature is clever! It keeps mimicking me like it's blaming me. It says 'uh huh', looks at me, almost as if it wants to say: 'Ah! You're terrible! I've been living with you, and this is how you treat me?'
b. Hey, tell the doctor to hide somewhere. Otherwise, if they come in, they'll start questioning us, and it'll be a hassle. The sick person is so weak; if they get another beating, they'll be bedridden for months.
Answer:

The words 'ah', 'hey', and 'yes' express emotions or feelings from the speaker.

2.2. Choose the correct statements regarding the use of 'ah' and 'yes'.
a. These words can form an independent sentence.
b. These words cannot form an independent sentence.
c. These words cannot be part of another sentence.
d. These words can join other words to form a sentence and usually appear at the start of a sentence.
Answer: The correct answers are (a) and (d).

(a) These words can form an independent sentence.
(d) These words can join other words to form a sentence and often begin a sentence.

3. Memorize

Auxiliary verbs are words that are paired with other words in a sentence to emphasize or show the speaker's attitude towards the action or event. Examples: 'as many as', 'only', 'even', 'just', etc.
Interjections are words used to express emotions or to call attention. They usually appear at the beginning of a sentence, and sometimes they can form an independent sentence.
There are two main types of interjections:
Interjections expressing emotions: 'ah', 'oh', 'wow', 'oops', 'alas', 'oh my', etc.
Interjections for calling attention: 'hey', 'yes', 'uh-huh', 'yep', 'um', etc.

B. EXERCISES AND SOLUTIONS

Question 1: (Page 70 - 8th Grade Literature Textbook) In the following sentences, which words (in bold) are auxiliary verbs, and which ones are not?

a. It was the principal who gave me this book.
b. Chị Dậu is the main character in the work 'Tắt đèn'.
c. I don't even know about this matter.
d. You need to tell the teacher this right now.
e. My father is a worker.
f. She is incredibly beautiful.
g. I remember the memories of my childhood for a lifetime.
h. I reminded you at least three or four times, and you still forgot.

Answer:

The bolded words in sentences (a), (c), (f), and (h) are auxiliary verbs.
The word 'main' in sentence (b) is an adjective that adds meaning to the noun before it, so it is not an auxiliary verb. The words in sentences (d), (e), and (g) are not auxiliary verbs either.

Question 2: (Page 70 - 8th Grade Literature Textbook) Explain the meaning of the bolded auxiliary verbs in the following sentences:
a. However, no matter what, my love and respect for my mother will never be tainted by anyone’s ill will.
(Nguyên Hồng, 'Childhood Days')
b. The two of them were deeply in love. The girl's parents knew this and agreed to the marriage, but they set a very high dowry: one hundred silver coins in cash, plus some betel, wine... it was nearly two hundred coins in total.
(Nam Cao, 'Lão Hạc')
c. It seems that Mr. Vàng eats even more than I do!
(Nam Cao, 'Lão Hạc')
d. Then every year, on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, they look down at the world and laugh.
(Tản Đà, 'Want to be Cuội')

Answer:

a. The repeated auxiliary verb 'even' emphasizes the deep affection of the character for their mother, which no ill will can affect.
b. The auxiliary verbs 'even' and 'to' emphasize the high dowry and express the character's dissatisfaction with the demands.
c. The auxiliary verb 'even' emphasizes the extreme degree of Mr. Vàng's eating.
d. The auxiliary verb 'then' reinforces the certainty and continuation of the action regardless of circumstances.

Question 3: (Page 71 - 8th Grade Literature Textbook) Identify the interjections in the following sentences (from the work 'Lão Hạc' by Nam Cao):
a. Suddenly, Mr. Hảo said: 'Hey! My grandson has been here for a year without any papers, Mr. Teacher.'
- 'Ah, so you're thinking of your son.'
b. - 'The dog was bought by my grandson!'... He bought it to raise, intending to kill it when he gets married... Alas! Life always seems to be like this. People set their plans, but they never carry them out.'
c. - 'Yes! Mr. Teacher, you're right! We are lucky.'
d. Oh my! To those around us, if we don't try to understand them, we'll only see them as foolish, ignorant, miserable, cruel... all the excuses we use to justify being cruel.'
e. Oh dear! So even at the end, you would act recklessly like everyone else...

Answer:

Interjections in the sentences: a. 'hey', 'ah'
b. 'alas'
c. 'yes'
d. 'oh my'
e. 'oh dear'

Question 4: (Page 71 - 8th Grade Literature Textbook) What emotions are conveyed by the bolded interjections in the following sentences?
a. The rats laughed loudly: 'Ha ha! Let’s see if we can open this pot!'... Five or six rats gathered around and managed to knock the lid off. Ha ha! Leftover rice! And there’s a bowl of sour fish stew. Mmm, it smells so good. Let's eat!' The pot shuddered: 'Bung boong. Oh no! Please, gentlemen, eat, but don't tip me over. If I fall from this high shelf, I'll break or get crushed!'

(Nguyễn Đình Thi, 'The Tet of the Mouse')
b. Alas! Where has the glorious time gone?
(Thế Lữ, 'Forest Memories')

Answer:

a. 'Ha ha' expresses the joy and excitement of the rats when they discover the food.
'Oh no' expresses the sorrow and pleading of the pot when it is in danger of being broken.
b. 'Alas' expresses sadness and regret for the loss of better times.

Question 5: (Page 71 - 8th Grade Literature Textbook) Write five sentences using different interjections.
Answers:
Ah! Spring has come!
Oh my! The scent of the areca flowers fills the air!
It was you who stole my book!
Hey, come play with me!
Mom! I miss you so much!

Question 6: (Page 71 - 8th Grade Literature Textbook) Explain the meaning of the proverb 'Gọi dạ bảo vâng'.
Answer:
This proverb advises us on the proper use of calling and responding politely, encouraging children to listen to the teachings of their parents or elders. When called, one should respond respectfully by saying 'yes', and when given instructions, one should say 'vâng' (yes). It reflects Vietnamese cultural and ethical traditions.

I – Particles

1.

- He ate two bowls of rice. -> Indicates a factual event.

- He ate as much as two bowls of rice. -> Emphasizes that eating two bowls of rice is more than usual.

- He ate only two bowls of rice. -> Evaluates the amount as less than normal.

2.

- The words "those" and "only" both accompany the phrase "two bowls of rice" to emphasize the degree of evaluation and highlight the object being referred to in the sentence.

II- Interjections

1. The words "this", "ah" and "yes" in the following excerpts represent:

+ The word "this" is used to call attention or address the listener.

+ The word "Ah" expresses frustration when realizing something unpleasant is happening.

+ The word "yes" demonstrates politeness from a subordinate to a superior.

2. Evaluate the usage of the words "this", "ah", and "yes" by choosing the correct answers:

a, These words can form an independent sentence.

d, These words can combine with other words to form a sentence and usually appear at the beginning of the sentence.

Practice

Exercise 1 (Page 70, Grade 8 Literature Textbook)

In the following sentences, identify the particles:

a, It was the principal himself who gave me this book.

c, I don’t even know about this matter.

e, She is incredibly beautiful.

i, I reminded him three or four times but he still forgot.

Exercise 2 (Page 70, Grade 8 Literature Textbook)

a, The particle "take" emphasizes the minimal amount, indicating that it had been a long time since receiving even a single letter, word of inquiry, or concern from his mother.

b, The particle "only" emphasizes that there is only one item. The particle "until" emphasizes a high degree, making it somewhat surprising.

c, The particle "even" highlights the high degree, implying the extent of what is being mentioned.

d, The particle "just" adds a confirming tone, disregarding any external conditions.

Exercise 3 (Page 71, Grade 8 Literature Textbook)

Interjections from the excerpt of the text Lão Hạc (Nam Cao):

a. this, ah
b. that
c. yes
d. wow
e. oh

Exercise 4 (Page 72, Grade 8 Literature Textbook)

These interjections express the following emotions:

+ Ha ha: Expresses delight and joy upon discovering something interesting.

+ Ah: An exclamation of pain or surprise (fear).

+ Alas: Expresses sadness or regret.

Exercise 5 (Page 72, Grade 8 Literature Textbook)

+ Oh! The dragonfly is so beautiful.

+ Yes, I’ll cook dinner for you later this evening.

+ Oh no! Why did you make such a mess in the house?

+ Alas, such a miserable fate.

+ Wow, this dish is absolutely delicious!

Exercise 6 (Page 72, Grade 8 Literature Textbook)

Explain the meaning of the saying: "Gọi dạ bảo vâng" (Responding politely).

+ "Gọi dạ bảo vâng" refers to someone who shows respect and politeness to their elders.

+ This saying advises us to be humble, polite, and respectful.

Part I

I. PARTICLES

Answer to Question 1 (Page 69, 8th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

How do the meanings of the following sentences differ? What causes the difference?

- He ate two bowls of rice.

- He ate as many as two bowls of rice.

- He ate only two bowls of rice.

Answer:

- Sentence 1 is neutral, without indicating the speaker's attitude toward the event.

- Sentences 2 and 3 express the speaker's attitude toward the event due to the inclusion of the words 'as many as' and 'only.' 'As many as' implies something excessive, beyond the usual, while 'only' suggests something small or insufficient.

Answer to Question 2 (Page 69, 8th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

Which words in the sentences from Question 1 reflect the speaker's attitude towards the situation?

Answer:

The words 'as many as' and 'only' reflect the speaker's evaluation of the event.

Note: Particles are words used to emphasize or express attitudes or evaluations about a situation (e.g., as many as, only, exactly, indeed, right away...)

Part II

II. INTERJECTIONS

Answer to Question 1 (Page 69, 8th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

What do the words 'a' and 'yes' in the following excerpts signify?

a) Hey! Teacher! This animal is quite clever! It seems to be scolding me; it makes a noise, looking at me as if to say, “Aha! You're such a poor old man! I’ve put up with you all this time, and this is how you treat me?”

(Nam Cao, Lão Hạc)

b) - Hey, let them run off if they want. But if they stay here, they’ll face the penalty when the authorities come. The sick person can't handle another beating. She's weak enough already.

- Yes, I also thought the same. But let the porridge cool down first, then I’ll have a little before giving the rest to my family.

(Ngô Tất Tố, Tắt đèn)

Answer:

+ The word 'hey' is used to grab the listener's attention.

+ The word 'Aha' expresses frustration when realizing something bad is about to happen.

+ The word 'yes' shows respect from the subordinate to the superior.

Answer to Question 2 (Page 69, 8th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

Comment on the usage of 'hey' and 'yes' and select the correct answers.

Answer:

a. These words can stand alone as complete sentences.

d. These words can be used with other words to form a sentence, typically at the beginning of the sentence.

Part III

III. PRACTICE

Answer to Question 1 (Page 70, 8th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

In the following sentences, identify which words are particles and which are not.

a) It was the principal who gave me this book.

b) Sister Dậu is the main character in the work “Tắt đèn.”

c) I didn’t even know about this.

d) You need to tell the teacher this immediately.

e) My father is a worker.

g) She is so beautiful.

h) I will always remember the memories of my youth.

i) I reminded him three or four times, but he still forgot.

Answer:

- Particles: the words 'exactly' (a), 'immediately' (c), 'so' (g), 'those' (i).

- Not particles: 'exactly' (b), 'immediately' (d), 'so' (e), 'those' (h).

Answer to Question 2 (Page 70, 8th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

Explain the meaning of the bold particles in the following sentences.

a) But never will my love for my mother be tainted by ill-intentions... Even though it’s been almost a year and I haven’t received a letter from her, nor a word of inquiry, nor even a pile of gifts.

b) The two children loved each other deeply. The girl's parents knew this, so they agreed to the marriage. But the demands were too high: a hundred coins in cash, plus betel and wine... the total wedding expenses amounted to two hundred coins.

(Nam Cao, Lão Hạc)

c) It turns out that Vàng eats better than I do, teacher!

(Nam Cao, Lão Hạc)

d) Every full moon night, looking down at the world, laughing.

(Tản Đà, Muốn làm thằng Cuội)

Answer:

- The particle 'lately' emphasizes the long duration without any communication from the speaker's mother.

- The word 'total' indicates completeness, implying no room for negotiation.

- The particle 'reaching' emphasizes the extent of something surprising or unexpected.

- 'All' refers to inclusiveness, summarizing everything.

- The particle 'still' stresses certainty and affirmation, regardless of external factors.

Answer to Question 3 (Page 71, 8th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

Identify the interjections in the following sentences.

a) Suddenly, the old man said to me:

- Hey! My grandson hasn’t brought any papers for a year, teacher!

Ah! Now I understand, the old man was thinking about his son.

b) – The dog belongs to the child who bought it!... She bought it to raise and plans to kill it when it’s time for the wedding...

Ah! Life is always like that. People plan but never seem to follow through.

c) – Yes! The teacher is right! For us, this is happiness.

d) Oh! If we don’t try to understand the people around us, we will only see them as foolish, ignorant, petty, evil... all reasons for us to be cruel to them.

e) Alas! Lão Hạc too could end up doing desperate things just like everyone else...

Answer:

a) hey, ah

b) ah

c) oh

d) alas

Answer to Question 4 (Page 72, 8th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

What emotions do the bold interjections in the following sentences convey?

a) The rats cleaned their whiskers and called their underlings: “Look, can we find something to eat today?”

The rats climbed up to the shelf, crawled over to the pot. Six of them tried to lift the lid. “Ha ha! Cold rice! And look, a bowl of sour fish! It’s delicious! Chit chit, let’s eat, everyone!”

Old Nồi Đồng trembled in fear: “Bung boong. Aiya! Please, dear sirs, eat as you wish, but don’t drop me on the floor. This shelf is so high, if I fall, I’ll either break or be flattened, I might die!”

(Nguyễn Đình Thi, Cái tết của Mèo Con)

b) Alas! The glorious times are long gone...

(Thế Lữ, Nhớ rừng)

Answer:

a) - 'Ha ha' shows joy and satisfaction over the discovery.

- 'Aiya' expresses fear due to sudden pain or danger.

b) 'Alas' expresses sorrow and regret.

Answer to Question 5 (Page 72, 8th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

Write five sentences using five different interjections.

Answer:

- Yes, tomorrow I will start my first day at work.

- Oh, this flower is so beautiful.

- Aha, mom’s home!

- Yes, I will try to do the homework well.

- Oh no, if you don’t know, you should ask mom again.

Answer to Question 6 (Page 72, 8th Grade Literature Textbook, Volume 1):

Explain the meaning of the proverb: “Always say yes to orders from elders.”

Answer:

+ This proverb encourages respect for authority and advises being humble and polite towards elders.

+ It teaches us to be humble, respectful, and polite.

★ Fundamental Knowledge

• Auxiliary words are terms that typically accompany other words in a sentence to emphasize or express the speaker's attitude towards the subject or object being referred to. Examples include: những, có, chính, ngay...

• Interjections are words used to express the speaker's emotions or feelings, or to call for a response. These words are often placed at the beginning of a sentence, and sometimes they are separated into their own distinct sentence.

• Interjections come in two main types:

- Interjections expressing emotions or feelings: a, ái, ở, ôi, ô hay, than ôi, trời ơi,...

- Interjections used to call for a response: này, gi, công da

What is an Auxiliary Word?

1. What are the differences in meaning between the following sentences? Why do these differences exist?

- He ate two bowls of rice

- He ate as many as two bowls of rice

- He ate only two bowls of rice

Answer:

- "He ate two bowls of rice" simply reports the action.

- "He ate as many as two bowls of rice" emphasizes that eating two bowls is more than usual.

- "He ate only two bowls of rice" suggests that eating two bowls is considered a small amount in comparison.

2. Both "những" and "có" are used with which phrases in the sentences, and what do they convey about the speaker's attitude towards the situation?

Answer:

- Both "những" and "có" are used with the phrase "two bowls of rice" to emphasize the degree or the importance of the event being described.

What is an Interjection?

1. What do the words "này", "a", and "vâng" indicate in the following excerpts?

a) Này! Ông giáo ạ! The creature is also clever! It acts as if it is accusing me; it hums, looking at me, as if it wants to tell me, "A! You old fool! I've been with you all this time, and this is how you treat me?"

(Nam Cao, Lão Hạc)

b) - Này, tell him to run if he must. But lying there, when they come to collect taxes, if they don’t find him, they'll tie him up, which will be worse. An ill person like this will suffer even more from a beating.

- Vâng, I’ve been thinking the same, but let me first feed my family some rice before I go.

(Ngô Tất Tố, Tắt đèn)

Answer:

The words "này", "a", and "vâng" indicate the following:

+ "Này" is used to call attention or draw focus.

+ "A" expresses anger when realizing an unfortunate situation.

+ "Vâng" shows politeness from a subordinate to a superior.

2. How do these words "này", "a", and "vâng" function in context? Choose the correct answers.

Answer:

About the usage of "này", "a", and "vâng":

a. These words can form an independent sentence.

d. These words often appear at the beginning of a sentence and can combine with other words to form a sentence.

Exercise 1. Identify which words are auxiliary words and which are not in the following sentences.

a) The principal himself gave me this book.

b) Chị Dậu is the main character in the story “Tắt đèn”.

c) I didn’t even know about this matter.

d) You must tell the teacher immediately.

e) My father is a worker.

g) She is incredibly beautiful.

h) I’ll never forget the memories of my youth.

i) I’ve reminded you three or four times, yet you still forget.

Answer:

The auxiliary words in these sentences are:

a) The principal himself gave me this book.

c) I didn’t even know about this matter.

g) She is incredibly beautiful.

i) I’ve reminded you three or four times, yet you still forget.

Exercise 2. Explain the meaning of the bolded auxiliary words in the following sentences.

a) But no matter what, my mother's love and affection for me will never be tainted by any malicious intentions… Even though it's been almost a year, I haven’t received a single letter, not a word of inquiry, nor any gifts from her.

b) The two of them love each other very much. The girl's parents know this, so they agreed to the marriage. But their demand was too high: one hundred silver coins in cash, plus wine, betel, and the wedding expenses, making the total amount to almost two hundred silver coins.

(Nam Cao, Lão Hạc)

c) It turns out that cậu Vàng eats better than I do, teacher!

(Nam Cao, Lão Hạc)

d) Every year, on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month,

We look down on the world and laugh.

(Tản Đà, Muốn làm thằng Cuội)

Answer:

a) The auxiliary word "lấy" emphasizes the long period without receiving any communication or attention from my mother.

b) The auxiliary word "nguyên" emphasizes the fact that only one thing was demanded. The word "đến" emphasizes the high level of the demand, making it somewhat surprising.

c) The auxiliary word "cả" emphasizes the high level of consumption.

d) The auxiliary word "cứ" emphasizes a certain habitual certainty in the situation.

Exercise 3. Identify the interjections in the following sentences.

a) Suddenly, the old man said to me:

- Này! My grandson hasn’t had any paperwork for a whole year, teacher!

Ah! Now I understand, the old man was thinking about his son.

b) – The dog was bought by my granddaughter! She bought it to keep until the wedding, then slaughter it...

Ah! That’s how life goes. People always plan, but they never follow through.

c) – Yes! You are absolutely right! For us, this is pure bliss.

d) Oh dear! For those around us, if we don’t try to understand them, we’ll only see them as foolish, ignorant, petty, and vile...

e) Alas! So even at the end, the old man could still take risks like anyone else...

Answer:

The interjections in these passages are:

- Interjections expressing emotions: ah, alas, oh dear

- Interjections for calling attention: này, vâng

Exercise 4: What emotions are conveyed by the interjections in the following sentences?

a) The rats wiped their whiskers and called the others: “Ha! It’s leftover rice again! And some fish! How delicious! Let's eat it up!”

(Nguyễn Đình Thi, Cái tết của Mèo Con)

b) Alas! Where has the glorious past gone?

(Thế Lữ, Nhớ rừng)

Answer:

The interjections express the following emotions:

+ Ha ha: joy and excitement over a delightful discovery

+ Ái ái: a sudden cry of pain or fear

+ Than ôi: sorrow and regret over lost time

Exercise 5: Create five sentences using five different interjections!

Answer:

+ Oh! The dragonfly is so beautiful.

+ Yes, I’ll cook dinner for you this evening.

+ Oh my! What have you done to scatter all these things around the house?

+ Alas, life is fleeting and fragile.

+ Wow, this dish is absolutely delicious!

Exercise 6: Explain the meaning of the proverb: “Call ‘yes’ and they’ll answer ‘yes’.”

Answer:

Explanation of the proverb: “Call ‘yes’ and they’ll answer ‘yes’” means a person who is polite and shows respect to their superiors.

+ This proverb teaches us the importance of humility and respect.