1. Reference Essay 4
Have you ever been affected by being late, either by your own actions or someone else's? Most of us have probably been late for school, missed an appointment, or been late for work at some point. But if being late is a rare, unavoidable occurrence, it’s usually no big deal. Unfortunately, being late has become a growing issue that negatively impacts both personal and collective life.
In our class, there’s one student who is constantly late. The number of tardy entries in the attendance book is overwhelming, all because of the same reason: “being late.” At first, we sympathized, but over time, it became frustrating. This student's lateness heavily affected our class's performance, as we were often placed at the bottom in rankings, not achieving the desired results, and frequently criticized during assemblies. After investigating, we found that the reason was a missed bus, but there was no effort to wake up earlier or use another form of transportation, like a bicycle.
Everyone has their personal reasons and excuses for being late, but in a group setting, it’s important to be more considerate. The actions of one person can undo the hard work of an entire team, and that is something worth criticizing. Moreover, being late is a bad habit that fosters laziness, dependency, passivity, and a lack of awareness, which can lead to becoming a disorganized person who is hard to change in the future. While teachers may overlook it in school, in the workplace, there’s no room for those who continuously repeat such behavior.
Thus, we must all make an effort to be more self-aware, eliminate this bad habit, and prevent it from negatively affecting our group and, most importantly, ourselves.

2. Sample Reference 5
Hello, everyone! In today's discussion, I will share my thoughts and opinions on the topic "Building a Reading Culture". I invite you all to listen and reflect on this matter.
Before diving into the topic, I have a small question for everyone: Do you often read books? How many books do you read per month? As we can see, today’s rapid development of electronic devices has brought great excitement to people. We spend hours scrolling through TikTok, Facebook, but often don't allocate enough time for reading. Therefore, building a reading culture is not only meaningful but also essential for enhancing our lives. Some might argue that promoting a reading culture is unnecessary, claiming that real-life experiences offer more valuable knowledge than books.
In my perspective, building a reading culture is not about chasing quantity or trends. It's about reading to understand, gain knowledge, and experience. Instead of consuming unverified information on social media, you can explore verified insights in books and journals. By opening a book, you can learn countless things that not everyone will teach you.
To further expand and develop the reading culture, relevant authorities must implement specific programs. Additionally, libraries must continuously improve and innovate, keeping their collections up-to-date. The management of libraries needs to enhance their facilities to meet the growing demands of readers.

3. Sample Reference 6
What does "respecting differences" mean to you? To me, it means having a fair and comprehensive understanding of the people around us, without discrimination or judgment towards things that may deviate from the majority. However, today, some individuals tend to judge and consider differences as being 'showy' or against the traditional values of Vietnamese culture. But, let's not rush to make such narrow judgments. With 7 billion people in the world, we have countless personalities and worldviews. So why should we force others to fit into a rigid mold, right?
Therefore, each of us should learn to recognize and respect differences. To do this, we must be able to put ourselves in others' shoes, to understand and empathize. Instead of being critical or digging for flaws, we should respect everyone's privacy and individuality.
After listening to everyone’s thoughts, here’s my conclusion: Respecting differences is a meaningful action that shows respect for others. We should have a more open-minded view of those around us. When offering feedback, it should be done with a positive and harmonious attitude, avoiding negative scrutiny. I hope you always remember the words of Zorba the cat in the book 'The Story of the Cat Who Taught the Seagull to Fly': 'It’s easy to accept and love someone who is like us, but to love someone who is different from us is truly difficult, and you have helped us do just that.'

4. Sample Reference 7
As we all know, national spirit is a sense of collective identity that has been shaped throughout history and is reflected in the cultural values of the Vietnamese people. It represents the culmination and elevation of traditional values, with patriotism and national unity being the two core values. In the current Corona pandemic, once again, the spirit of national unity has emerged strongly, forming a powerful front against the epidemic and halting its spread into the community.
So, what does national unity mean? It’s the love and compassion among people, living with a sense of responsibility for the community, and being ready to lend a hand in times of crisis. National unity brings immense strength to a nation, helping to bind people together within a society. It makes us more tolerant, willing to give, to share, and to support each other. This spirit of unity helps bring about peace and a better life.
In 2020, Vietnam and the world faced difficult times with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. While many countries prioritized their economies over the safety of their citizens without strong measures against the disease, we can be proud that Vietnam put public safety above economic gain. What makes us even prouder is the unity of the Vietnamese people.
In the past, our people united to fight against foreign invaders to reclaim peace. Today, that same spirit of unity is once again proving its immense power in helping Vietnam conquer the Covid-19 pandemic. From the first case of infection to the time when the number of cases reached hundreds, from government officials to ordinary citizens, everyone demonstrated unwavering unity. Strict regulations were immediately implemented to combat the disease. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the whole nation united, following government directives, regulating activities, maintaining hygiene, and ensuring public order.
People of all ages, from the elderly to children, strictly followed guidelines: wearing masks in public, frequently washing hands with disinfectants, and avoiding crowded places. Especially during the social distancing period, the whole country adhered to these measures. Many doctors, both young and retired, volunteered to work on the frontlines, and even medical students offered their help. Initiatives like rice ATMs, mask ATMs, and free food distribution points were created, demonstrating not only compassion but also the solidarity of the entire nation in fighting the pandemic.
However, there are still some individuals who lack responsibility. It is disappointing to hear about a girl who escaped quarantine and posted a video bragging about her actions, or people who, for personal gain, smuggled individuals into the country, risking the spread of the disease. There are also selfish individuals who exploited the situation to hike prices of masks and sanitizers, and even sold counterfeit products or spread false rumors, causing public panic. These actions are reprehensible as they undermine the collective effort. Therefore, each Vietnamese citizen must be fully aware of their personal responsibility in the fight against the pandemic.
I once read a quote: 'In an insecure world, we still have the right to believe in a bright future.' Currently, the number of Covid-19 cases in Vietnam is on the rise again, but overall, the disease is still under control. Looking at the results, we see that the government made the right assessments and took timely, effective actions, guiding the nation in fighting the pandemic. This is the result of national spirit, the will to unite, the strength of mutual support, and the firm belief of the people in the leadership of the Party and government. As a student, living through this nationwide effort against the pandemic, I realize the responsibility of a citizen. I promise to follow all preventive measures, maintain a positive mindset, and study hard for the upcoming important exam. I believe that Vietnam will overcome this pandemic, and I will succeed in my upcoming exam.
The pandemic has also shown us the beauty of human kindness. 'No one is left behind' – this is a slogan known to every Vietnamese citizen. Through these meaningful acts, we grow more in love with and proud of our nation. As children of Vietnam, we must remind ourselves to preserve and spread this spirit.

5. Reference Example 1
The concept of a 'simple life' might seem… simple, but in reality, it is a dream for many. Today's fast-paced society has swept people into a whirlwind of work, study, and relationships that are hard to escape from. So, what should we do to live a simpler life?
Living simply means understanding the purpose of life. It’s about having intentional focus in every aspect of life, from the things we use, our actions, habits, and relationships that bring us value and joy. A simple life is one where comforts are minimized, focusing on cutting out what’s unnecessary in exchange for future happiness. Minimalism is about realizing that your self-worth should come before material values.
Choosing a simple life brings many benefits, not only seen in your living space but also felt in the positive shift in your mindset. You must separate yourself from the constant changes and start living slower and simpler, allowing you to truly live and feel more fulfilled. A simple life is where real happiness exists.
Change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that requires effort and commitment to transforming yourself. The first step towards a simpler life is realizing that you can make better choices than following the crowd in today’s modern society. Start by clearing out the clothes you never wear from your wardrobe to create more space for items you actually need. Then, work on improving your meals; while healthy eating is desired by many, sometimes it requires spending more than expected.
We are constantly connected to the global web, an ecosystem that never sleeps. Ask yourself why you spend so much time online—why not spend that time doing something more productive and allow your body to rest rather than constantly staring at a screen? It’s time to log off more frequently and establish a habit of checking your devices only when necessary, setting boundaries and limiting online time.
Many people focus on decorating their physical living space. However, overloading on decor can make your environment feel cramped. Thus, try to keep your home, workspace, and life clear and organized. Clutter, whether physical or mental, disrupts your life. Learn to embrace minimalism and eliminate unnecessary things, understanding what 'enough' really means for emotional and material needs.
Living a simple life doesn’t mean you have to abandon everything to 'move to the countryside to raise fish and grow vegetables.' There are ways to distance yourself from the stress of modern society without making drastic changes. Actions like downsizing your home, minimizing space, or building a capsule wardrobe are just a few examples. Start working on improving your quality of life so you can feel more at ease, reducing the stress and fatigue caused by the pressures of life.

6. Sample Article 2
Discussing societal issues has become a common and essential need in modern life. We encounter countless issues that stir various opinions and perspectives. Today, I'd like to discuss a topic that often triggers differing reactions from both parents and students alike: High school romance—should it happen or not?
First, let me define what I mean by high school romance. Simply put, it's a close and affectionate relationship between two students. For me, high school romance happens when two individuals experience emotions beyond friendship. They might gaze at each other often, talk frequently, hold hands in class, walk home together, ride together, or eagerly anticipate meeting each other after school.
Love is an integral part of life. It connects people and brings joy to our lives. But when it comes to young people still in school, there are mixed views on whether such relationships are appropriate. Should young people fall in love while still in school?
In my opinion, everything in life has two sides—good and bad, benefits and risks. The outcome largely depends on the individual situation. High school romance, especially when both individuals are still very young, represents normal emotional development and cannot be controlled. Furthermore, as students, these relationships tend to remain innocent and unaffected by material or social pressures. It’s simple, pure, and not as complicated as adult love. For many, a high school relationship is their first love, often carrying with it unforgettable memories. It also serves as a motivation for some to strive in their studies or aim for a brighter future together.
However, it’s understandable why parents might worry when their children announce they’ve fallen in love at school. For those in high school, parents might feel reassured that their children have developed a certain level of understanding and responsibility. But for younger students in middle or even elementary school, love can be distracting and interfere with their studies. Moreover, as society becomes more open and external cultural influences spread, early relationships and unsafe sexual behavior among young people are becoming more common, leading to unfortunate consequences.
In conclusion, I believe that high school romance is not something to be condemned outright. Like everything else, it has both positive and negative aspects. Rather than rushing to judge whether it's right or wrong, we should assess each situation individually. Whether a high school romance is positive or negative depends greatly on the individuals involved. As students ourselves, we must set clear boundaries, think carefully before acting, and ensure that even sweet experiences like love don't lead to bitter regrets later on.
These are my thoughts on the phenomenon of high school romance. I appreciate the attention of both teachers and fellow students, and I would be honored to hear your thoughts on this topic as well.

7. Sample Article 3
Have you ever faced the pressures of life? Are you completely satisfied with who you are? Have you ever struggled with negative thoughts? I believe that none of us are perfect, and we continuously strive to improve ourselves. But did you know that sometimes, perfection lies within you, and pressure might not always be as bad as it seems? And sometimes, failure won't make us fall. Why is that? You’ll understand once you learn how to "Turn Pressure into Motivation."
So, what exactly is pressure that makes so many people feel pessimistic? Pressure refers to the challenges and obstacles life throws at us. On the other hand, motivation is the positive energy that drives us to act and solve these difficulties. Pressure plays a crucial role in pushing individuals to strive and achieve success.
Imagine if people lived a comfortable life, always complacent with what they have and hesitant to face challenges. Pressure encourages us to push forward, improving ourselves and becoming stronger and more persistent. It also forces us to become independent and mature. Pressure helps us focus, unlocking our potential and discovering our limits. Take, for example, the story of the young boy who, without his father demanding repayment of $12.50, might have grown dependent. But his father taught him to be responsible, and the boy matured, eventually becoming the President of the United States. Similarly, the Vietnamese national football team, despite the immense pressure of expectations from their fans, always fights hard for their flag. Their success in winning the gold medal at the 31st SEA Games proves how they turned pressure into motivation.
Pressure creates motivation, but the key lies in our willpower to grow and become tougher each day. Therefore, we must realize that we need to be proactive, ready to face challenges, and never give up when setbacks occur. To turn pressure into motivation, one must adopt a positive, creative mindset, stay focused, and take systematic steps to overcome difficulties. With each challenge, we grow and improve. To achieve this, we need to cultivate our knowledge and experiences in various fields.
However, pressure won’t become motivation if we approach it in an extreme way. That’s why we must think positively, listen to others, and share our burdens with those around us. This will help us find the true meaning of life.
As a young person, I understand the significance of life and the pressures I must overcome. I’ve set my path and will give my best effort because I believe, "There is no regret in giving it all, and with determination, success is inevitable." I hope that what I’ve shared will inspire you to adopt a more positive perspective on life. Stay optimistic and happy!

