1. Reference Essay 4
Across the entire length of our country, there is no place without forests. The presence of forests everywhere in this S-shaped land highlights the immense importance of forests. Protecting forests is protecting our own lives.
Forests are incredibly vital to human life. They are divided into two types: primary forests, created by nature, and man-made forests. Plants, trees, flowers, and wildlife are all components that make up a forest. Forests are closely connected to human life, acting as the lungs of the Earth and a giant air purifier for humans. This makes forests one of nature’s most useful and beneficial elements.
Forests bring numerous benefits to humanity. The oxygen we breathe every day partly comes from forests. Trees in forests absorb CO2 during the day and release O2 for humans to breathe. Forests also supply raw materials for domestic industries and exports, supporting daily life. Tea forests, coffee forests, and others provide essential resources for both domestic consumption and international trade. Bamboo and rattan forests offer materials for creating items like bamboo rice and chopsticks. More importantly, forests prevent floods and protect human lives. Many floods have been mitigated upon reaching human settlements due to the presence of forests. Forests, especially watershed forests, stand strong day and night to safeguard the lives of people in urban areas. With trees and forests, the land does not erode. Without forests, many people would have perished from landslides. Mangrove forests play a crucial role in blocking waves from the sea and preventing salty water from flowing into cities.
Forests have not only played a significant role in the present but also in history. During the war, forests served as burial grounds for enemy soldiers. Vietnamese soldiers needed forests for hiding and supporting their resistance. Many writers, poets, and musicians have used forests as inspiration for their works. Songs like "Forest Music" and poems such as "Forest in Viet Bac" elevate the significance of forests in the struggle for independence, among many other literary and artistic works.
Currently, many forests in Vietnam are deteriorating severely. People continue to cut down forests without considering the long-term consequences. Watershed forests and protective forests are being destroyed, leading to catastrophic floods. Illegal logging has become a common occurrence in all corners of the country. Forest destruction intensifies during the dry season, with a single spark potentially causing a massive fire. People destroy forests without proper planning, failing to replant them. They believe that as long as one forest is gone, others will remain. Deep in the forest lies a vast mineral resource, which leads to illegal mining. Many forestry workers have sacrificed their lives to protect forests from illegal logging. The greed of people is driving them to exploit these resources illegally, with little regard for human life, often resorting to murder to cover their tracks. Besides cutting down trees for wood, people also hunt wild animals for illegal profits.
The destruction of forests has caused severe consequences. People in Central Vietnam, and globally, are suffering from storms and tsunamis that reach inland because there are no forests to block them. Every year, floods pour into populated areas, wreaking havoc due to the lack of forest protection. Many lives are lost and homes are destroyed due to floods. It is truly a case of "what goes around, comes around": the people who destroy the forests now face the consequences. In some areas, barren land remains exposed due to reckless exploitation. Wildlife populations are dwindling, with many species now on the endangered list because of excessive hunting, leading to ecological imbalance. If one species goes extinct, others follow, and soon the Earth will be devoid of wildlife. Many infrastructure projects have been destroyed.
In Central Vietnam, desertification has begun to appear, threatening the local population. The "greenhouse effect" and global climate change are the result of the absence of forests regulating the climate and purifying the air. The environment is polluted, and without forests, the Earth's temperature is rising. Some primary forests and scenic landscapes have been completely lost. In an effort to curb illegal logging, the government has spent billions to address the issue. Without forests, rainfall flows freely, causing soil erosion. Mangrove forests are being destroyed, leading to an influx of salty seawater into agricultural areas, shrinking farmland. The loss of forests is also causing dangerous wild animals to invade human settlements. These animals, displaced by the destruction of their habitats, are now attacking human settlements. Imagine sitting in your house when an elephant from the forest barges in, destroying your home. No one can withstand such chaos. The greatest fear is the reduction in oxygen levels. If oxygen decreases, the Earth will return to a primitive state without life.
To halt the rapid deforestation, the government, local authorities, and individuals must take decisive actions. The best course of action is to stop deforestation. If it is necessary to cut down forests, there must be awareness of replanting. The animals in the forest are calling for help and need our protection. We must not hunt them anymore. A forest must have both plant and animal life. If we kill the animals, what is left of the forest? Today, many high-ranking officials have mobilized efforts to educate the public, especially young people, about the importance of forests. Television programs and campaigns have been launched to raise awareness about forest conservation. Forest rangers are working tirelessly to protect forests and prevent illegal logging.
Forests play an incredibly important role in human life. Therefore, each of us should contribute a small effort to protect forests, as well as our own lives.

2. Sample Article No. 5
"The forest is calling for help!" "Protect the green lungs of humanity!"... Hundreds of headlines! Thousands of calls for action! These are the urgent pleas we face as the environment cries out in desperation. As society progresses and the rhythm of modern industrial life elevates human achievements across various fields, we simultaneously face the grave consequences of severe environmental pollution. The inevitable outcome of the 'Industrial Age' is the destruction of thousands of hectares of forests and the increasingly perilous state of the ozone layer. Why do humans ruthlessly destroy forests? Why do so few understand the importance of the green lungs and the catastrophic consequences if deforestation continues?
It is certain: without forests and trees, humanity and all living beings on Earth are doomed.
Why? Perhaps everyone can answer this question. Because simply put, everyone knows: trees absorb CO2 and release O2 into the atmosphere, providing life-sustaining oxygen for humans and all other life forms.
The process of photosynthesis in trees helps regulate atmospheric balance: releasing O2, which is vital for life, while absorbing and fixing CO2, which helps mitigate the greenhouse effect. It is only through trees that humans benefit in two ways: oxygen to breathe and protection from the effects of ozone depletion. According to V.V. Pôlevoi (1989), "Every year, trees release 70–120 billion tons of oxygen into the atmosphere. This oxygen is essential for all aerobic organisms, including humans and animals..." Forests, the collective of trees, play a crucial role in maintaining high oxygen levels in the atmosphere. Scientists have calculated that one hectare of forest in the spring and summer produces enough oxygen per hour to support 200 people's respiration. Additionally, the oxygen released through photosynthesis is vital for the formation of the ozone layer, produced by the photolysis of O2 molecules under solar radiation. The ozone layer shields us from harmful ultraviolet rays... This simple truth is something most of us have learned since our school days. Yet, many continue to ignore it or deliberately forget it, justifying their destructive actions with the excuse: "Oh, forests are vast, cutting down a few hectares doesn't matter." This is utterly unacceptable. Industrial progress has already caused the irreversible loss of countless forests. Moreover, smoke from factories and dust from modern life further contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer. With the reduction in oxygen levels due to deforestation, humanity faces unimaginable consequences as the ozone layer continues to deteriorate. What will happen if one day forests no longer exist? It’s too terrifying to imagine. Without oxygen for us to breathe, the ozone layer completely destroyed, and ultraviolet rays flooding the Earth... What would life be like then?
Remember, the Earth is called the 'blue planet' because it is the only one in the Solar System with the green of forests, the blue of seas, the essence of life, and the promise of hope. That is why we must protect the green happiness of our forests and trees, and take pride in having a loyal friend that sustains life for us.
Speaking of the blue planet, there is another reason why we must protect our forests. We must preserve this invaluable resource. Forests are not just environments for photosynthesis; they are sanctuaries for nature lovers. In the past, Nguyễn Trãi willingly sacrificed power and wealth to live in seclusion at Côn Sơn, to feel the fresh air of the green forest.
"Côn Sơn’s stream flows with a murmur, I hear it like the sound of a zither beside my ear … Côn Sơn has moss-covered rocks, I sit on them as if sitting on a soft mat In the pine forest, the trees grow thick I seek a shaded spot to recite poetry in peace…"
How peaceful, serene, and free one feels in the wild hills, so full of charm. Each line of poetry reveals before us a majestic, picturesque scene. Suddenly, we are overwhelmed with emotions, quietly thanking the mountains and forests for their beauty. Thank you for giving us places like Côn Sơn and the green forests... Could any machine or technology ever recreate this beauty?
Leaving Côn Sơn behind and moving forward to the early 20th century in Việt Bắc, one can only admire how Tố Hữu was fortunate enough to witness such a magnificent sight of the forest:
"Green forests with bright red banana flowers The hilltop’s light casts a gleaming belt In spring, white flowers bloom throughout the forest I remember a girl weaving hats with strands of bamboo The cicadas sing, the golden ginkgoes fall I remember the girl picking bamboo shoots alone In autumn, the moon shines on the peaceful forest I remember the songs of loyalty and affection…"
How envious we are of Tố Hữu! The four scenes he painted seem to come from an immortal paradise, not from the Earth. Yet, they are real, and thanks to the poet, we can witness the changing seasons in Việt Bắc with all its subtle beauty. How skillful he was to capture the spirit of the landscape with just a few simple verses, each reflecting the delicate charm of nature. Reading these lines, we feel as if we are immersed in the landscape, living in the mountains and forests, with all our passion. How majestic and refreshing the green of the budding trees looks!
Today, it’s hard to find that "zither-like sound" in Côn Sơn or the pure white flowers of the Việt Bắc forests. We remember the flowers and the people. Perhaps the love of the people of Việt Bắc is still warm and loyal, but the forest flowers of Việt Bắc may be lost forever. How heartbreaking!
Yet, some people still ruthlessly cut down trees to build homes and burn forests to clear land. Can they not feel the sorrow when they see their green lungs in pain? Can they not feel their hearts tighten in front of the vast, warm green of the forest? Such actions are unacceptable, no matter the reason. Strong measures must be taken to stop the destruction of the environment and the future of humanity. Because forests are not only our lungs, providing the oxygen we need to survive and protecting us from the greenhouse effect, but they are also our most loyal companions. In other words, forests nourish us both physically and spiritually. Especially in today’s fast-paced world, once we immerse ourselves in the vegetation of the forest, we realize how essential it is to protect the forests, to protect the green lungs of our planet.
It would be terrifying if one day our "green planet" no longer had the green of trees and ancient forests. Therefore, we must protect our forests, protect the source of life for humanity. Let us preserve the hopeful green of the "Blue Planet" and ensure that Mother Nature’s "lungs" remain pure...

3. Reference Article 6
The forest is an invaluable gift from nature to humanity. It brings countless benefits to people. First and foremost, the forest provides wood for our daily life. From the forest to the city, rural villages, and towns, logs are turned into firewood, paper, and various household products. Everywhere in our homes, we see wooden objects—tables, chairs, cabinets, even the soft bed we lie on. Precious woods like ironwood, pine, and gu... are even exported by ship to international markets.
Thus, the forest plays a significant role in the economic development of humankind. Beyond that, forests are home to rare and valuable herbs. For centuries, herbalists have sought countless medicinal plants from the forest for various remedies, including cures for digestive issues and skin diseases. In the market today, products like reishi mushrooms and ginseng are sold at high prices, promoting human health.
Moreover, the forest serves as a habitat for countless species of animals, many of which are rare and endangered. The sounds of the forest are a symphony of wild life—birds calling, monkeys swinging through branches, and the rustling of snakes slithering on the forest floor. All of this contributes to the natural beauty of the environment.
Thanks to the forest, the animal kingdom is protected and flourishes. Forests also act as natural barriers, preventing landslides, soil erosion, and flooding. The roots of thousands of trees hold the precious soil, stopping torrents of rain from washing it away. Thanks to these heroic trees, fields are abundant with crops, flowers bloom brightly, and the land remains fertile.
We cannot forget that the forest is the Earth's lungs, regulating the climate. With millions of trees, each carrying countless leaves, the forest acts as a vast filter, releasing oxygen vital for human respiration. Thanks to forests, carbon dioxide levels are stabilized, contributing to a balanced global climate. The fresh air provided by forests shields us from respiratory diseases, ensuring our well-being.
In addition, forests provide us with coal, as the leaves that fall in autumn contribute to the formation of coal over time. The leaves that once gave life now transform into this valuable resource, continuing to benefit humanity. The forest's contributions are immeasurable, even playing a crucial role in past wars, helping secure the independence of nations. The poet To Huu wrote:
"The mountains form a thick iron wall The forest shelters the troops, the trees hide the enemy."
Thus, the forest provides cover for soldiers, aiding in camouflage and ensuring their safe passage through battlefields. The forest becomes the grave of countless enemies, allowing the people to celebrate victory. The peace we enjoy today is also a product of the protection offered by the forest's green canopy.
Beyond its material significance, the forest holds immense spiritual value. It is a destination for travelers seeking peace and relaxation. Visiting the forest connects us with nature, offering a unique sense of calm and harmony. Moreover, the forest serves as an artistic inspiration for many famous writers, poets, and painters. Who could forget Levitan's "Golden Autumn"?
In literature, the forest appears frequently, evoking emotions, fostering empathy, and stirring deep feelings in readers. In conclusion, the forest provides endless benefits and is indispensable to our lives.

4. Reference Article 7
Forests are invaluable resources for humanity, providing food, raw materials for industry, and serving as centers for research, exploration, and tourism.
Imagine if forests, with their diverse plant and animal life, didn’t exist. How would we source our food, fruits, and other essentials? Where would we get the wood to make paper, houses, or furniture? Without forests, scientists wouldn’t have habitats to study wildlife or protect endangered species. And we would never discover the magnificent landscapes of nature.
But what exactly is a forest? It’s a vibrant ecosystem, where the living creatures, soil, and climate work together in harmony, with trees being its core component. So why do forests have such a profound influence on human life?
As we know, trees are the key element of forests. They play a critical role in the environment. They do more than just provide shade or enhance the beauty of our cities; trees regulate the climate, purify the air, and keep the atmosphere clean. Picture a world without trees—polluted air, intense heat, freezing cold, droughts, and floods would ravage human existence. In other words, without trees, life would be impossible.
Human life depends not only on material resources but also on the natural environment. Soil erosion, a common issue in deforested areas, can wash away the topsoil, causing floods and landslides, disrupting agriculture and daily life. Strong winds also negatively affect forests, reducing plant growth by 90%, hindering pollination, and causing sandstorms that bury crops and homes. Fortunately, these disasters can be minimized or prevented by planting trees. Forests regulate the climate, control water flow, improve soil quality, conserve water for agriculture, and defend against winds, sand, and storms, protecting villages and crops. Additionally, forests supply humans with wood, firewood, fruits, and other resources. Clearly, forests are indispensable to human life.
In summary, we rely on forests not just for economic development but for essential conditions that sustain our progress. However, the greatest benefit forests provide is oxygen, ensuring our survival. Their vast canopy absorbs carbon dioxide and generates oxygen, making forests the Earth's lungs and humanity’s common home. Forests also prevent soil erosion, protect land from floods, and combat other environmental challenges. Their role is irreplaceable, so protecting and cultivating forests must be humanity’s top priority today.

5. Reference Article 1
Since the creation of Earth, humans have thrived thanks to the surrounding natural environment. The fresh air, clean water, and especially the magical green of various trees and plants. This is why our people have coined the phrase 'forests are gold, seas are silver' to emphasize the immense value of forests and oceans. In this article, let's explore the importance of forests and the consequences of deforestation.
Some may not believe that destroying forests is akin to strangling ourselves, for it directly destroys the ecosystem and the very environment that sustains us. For centuries, forests—known as the 'green lungs' of humanity—have played a critical role in maintaining life, providing us with oxygen. However, deforestation today remains a significant concern for environmentalists.
In practice, we all know that forests supply raw materials for paper production, construction, and household items. Even at the end of life, we are still surrounded by wood. Forests are also a treasure trove of medicinal plants that nature has generously provided. They are homes for countless species of animals and insects, many of which are rare and endangered. Forests attract tourists, offering serene spots for relaxation and ideal camping grounds. Their role in our lives is indispensable. But above all, forests are vital ecosystems. Through photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen—crucial for life. In simple terms, forests are the most advanced air purifiers that no machine can match. They regulate the climate, serve as a natural shield against natural disasters, and play a key role in flood prevention, desertification, soil preservation, and water conservation. Once we understand the importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance, we can truly grasp the dire consequences of their destruction. Can you imagine standing on a barren desert with the hot sun burning your skin, your lips dry and cracked, and all you can see is swirling dust and sand? In that moment, wouldn't you crave some green space, a cool shadow, or a fresh water source to rest? Or feel despair when faced with a mountain of rocks devoid of vegetation, unable to retain soil? Even more concerning is the issue of air quality. Daily, factories release toxic fumes into the atmosphere, streets are clogged with dust, and people share polluted air under the relentless sun, surrounded by towering concrete blocks that obscure the sky. If forests were absent for long, the Earth would dry up, and humanity would perish. At that point, despite our wealth and comfort, we would long for the lush forests of the past. Moreover, forests are essential for disaster prevention. Now that the forests are gone, the natural disasters we once dealt with on a smaller scale have turned into massive catastrophes. Floods, desertification, droughts, and storms are wreaking havoc worldwide. In our own country, floods and storms are devastating many regions, largely due to deforestation. Furthermore, wildlife no longer has a home, and biodiversity is rapidly diminishing, with many species facing extinction. Without forests, the medicinal resources of nature would disappear, and we would lose raw materials essential for production. Where would we find places to rest and rejuvenate? Faced with this dire threat, what should humanity do? The world must raise its voice in a global SOS to protect the environment. It is time for us to safeguard forests and the ecological environment.
International conferences are held solely to discuss one crucial issue: protecting the environment. Various environmental protection committees are working in many ways to address this global issue. But what about us as individuals? It's clear: we must reduce deforestation, prevent reckless logging, and enhance efforts to protect forests. It's not too late to start safeguarding forests, but it's also not too soon to sound the alarm about the disappearing forests. We must work together to protect our forests before it's too late, or else humanity will be doomed to self-destruction.
In conclusion, 'destroying forests is like strangling ourselves'—it is the self-destruction of our lives and the future of generations to come.

6. Reference Article 2
In Vietnam and around the world, deforestation is reaching a critical level. Despite knowing the consequences, there are still individuals who mindlessly destroy forests. They may understand that deforestation is wrong, but perhaps they don't realize the full extent of the damage it causes.
In fact, the consequences of such actions are severe. What they fail to recognize is that destroying forests is like strangling oneself, as it devastates the very ecosystem we rely on. Forests have always been loyal companions to humans, serving us selflessly, and there is nothing more dangerous than losing them.
Forests are deeply intertwined with human life. Whether it's a grand mansion or a simple chopstick, everything around us comes from the forest. Forests are also an endless source of medicinal plants that nature offers to mankind.
Moreover, forests are the planet’s most powerful air purifiers, surpassing any industrial facility in the world. They provide us with fresh oxygen, offer a wealth of medicinal resources, prevent desertification, and protect against soil erosion. Forests are also an ideal place for recreation.
It’s impossible to list all the benefits that forests provide to humanity. However, humans repay forests with destruction. Why can’t we recognize the dangers and consequences of losing them?
When forests no longer exist, the earth will become barren and cold! Humanity will gradually perish in the face of vast, lifeless cities. Even if wealth is amassed, people will long for the days when life was lush and the air clean. By then, desertification will spread everywhere. The consequences we once ignored will turn into a disaster: droughts, floods, and wildlife, which once thrived in the forests, will invade farmlands, causing untold damage. Humanity will be weakened by polluted air, and people will beg for fresh air, lamenting their lost past… The fact is, forest fires lead to unimaginable consequences: rising global temperatures, increased pollution, and the spread of serious diseases. Humans, whether by accident or selfish gain, are destroying the very forests that sustain life — ultimately tightening the noose around their own necks. The damage comes at a high cost, not just for the destroyers, but for the entire community. Sadly, the pace of deforestation continues to accelerate worldwide. The devastating forest fires in Indonesia and Ca Mau, for example, have had far-reaching effects on Southeast Asia. Soon, the green forests will be gone! Many valuable trees and rare animals will be extinct! Are we really ready to destroy ourselves for short-term gains? Stop cutting down ancient trees that have taken centuries to grow. Be cautious with fire in the forest. Let’s plant more trees and create new forests rather than destroy them. Preserve the forests, not just for today, but for future generations as well. It’s been proven that creating a forest takes years, but destroying one only takes a short time. This calls for a moral awakening among all of us. The international summit in Brazil focused solely on the urgent issue of deforestation and forest protection. The United Nations has also launched campaigns to promote forest preservation. In some countries, thousands of people have taken to the streets to demand the protection of forests as a matter of planetary survival. In Vietnam, the Cuc Phuong, Nam Cat Tien, and Tram Chim forests are invaluable treasures. Despite government regulations to protect these forests, trees continue to be felled, and forests burned by individuals seeking rapid wealth. Could the floods in Lai Chau, the Mekong Delta, and more recently in central Vietnam be the result of the disappearing forests? We need stronger measures to protect forests from destruction.
Even if we live in cities far from the forests, we must still care about them. Forests are essential for human life, and destroying them means we are putting our own lives in jeopardy.

7. Reference Paper No. 3
The forest here is understood as a vast area of trees growing and thriving on a land higher than the plains. It is home to various types of trees, some for timber and others for shade. In Vietnam, the mountainous region covers ¾ of the country’s land area, making our forest resources both diverse and abundant.
The forest is still regarded as a vital natural resource, storing a large quantity of timber for the nation and preventing natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and desertification. Every day, we inhale oxygen (O2) and exhale carbon dioxide (CO2). The primary source of O2 is the greenery around us. Trees filter polluted air, regulate the environment, and ensure clean air for humans. This is why the saying “Forests are the lungs of the Earth” holds true. Indeed, forests, with their green canopy, help purify the air and protect human health. Forests are made up of thousands, even millions, of trees growing side by side. The amount of oxygen provided by forests annually often isn't enough for humans, yet as long as forests are protected, human life remains safeguarded.
Natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and desertification occur frequently in our country. Without protective forests and mangroves, the damage caused by these disasters could be far worse. Thanks to forests, we can block floodwaters and prevent sand from invading the plains. Forests can truly be called a guardian, ensuring the safety and stability of human life.
Every year, the amount of timber produced by forests is immeasurable. The yield of valuable wood continues to rise, contributing to the creation of fine art products and intricate carvings. More importantly, forests serve as sanctuaries for wildlife, providing them with a peaceful home.
Forests play an essential role in our lives, but today, deforestation, wildfires, and the destruction of forests for agriculture are becoming increasingly severe. These actions are leading to forest degradation. Many people fail to realize the devastating consequences of rampant deforestation.
The Earth is warming, glaciers are melting, and illegal sand mining is causing significant unrest. If public awareness about forest conservation isn't improved, even greater damage is inevitable. During dry seasons, wildfires spread, leading to the loss of timber resources, soil erosion, and the gradual destruction of the greenery that once covered the hills. Therefore, each person must raise their awareness about forest protection, as it directly impacts our own survival.
In conclusion, protecting and developing forests has become a critical issue for both authorities and citizens. Everyone needs to cultivate the responsibility of safeguarding forests, as it is essentially safeguarding our own future.

