1. Sample Essay No. 4
'The School Gate Opens' is one of the most outstanding works by the author Lý Lan, capturing the pure emotions of a mother on her child's first day of school. In the text, the mother's feelings stand out as she reflects on her child's school journey, while also reliving her own first school experience.
To express her inner thoughts and emotions, the mother uses a diary-like style, writing intimate entries that not only share her feelings with her child but also reflect a self-dialogue. This form allows the character to reveal various emotional stages in a natural way.
Initially, the mother is portrayed as thoughtful and loving, carefully preparing for her child's first day of school. The importance of this day is evident in her meticulous preparations, from arranging the bed and checking the child's belongings to making sure everything is ready for the new academic year. The mother is not just preparing material things like new clothes, shoes, schoolbag, and notebooks, but also ensuring that her child understands the significance of this moment.
Moreover, the mother has also prepared her child psychologically for the transition. The child, who has attended preschool, is already familiar with the school environment and even acquainted with new friends and teachers before the official start. This thoughtful approach ensures that the child feels confident and ready for the first day of school.
The night before the big day, the mother finds herself unable to sleep, overwhelmed with emotions about this significant moment. She reflects on her own memories of starting school, evoking a vivid recollection of her own first day and the anxiety she felt. Her emotional response illustrates the deep impact that the first school day has on both parent and child.
Through the mother's thoughts and emotions, the text highlights the deep sense of responsibility and care from the family, school, and society towards children and education. The repeated emphasis on the importance of education, especially the first day of school, shows the mother's clear awareness of its significance. The mother also refers to the Japanese education system, emphasizing its societal importance and the government's commitment to education.
The mother concludes her reflection with an inspiring message to her child: 'Go ahead, my dear, be brave, the world is yours, and stepping through the school gate will open a wonderful world.' This 'wonderful world' refers to the school as a place of learning, personal growth, and meaningful relationships, where dreams are nurtured and lifelong memories are made.
Overall, this piece is a heartfelt reflection of a mother's love, care, and dedication as she prepares her child for a new chapter in life. It also underscores the crucial role of education in shaping the future of both individuals and society.


2. Reference Paper No. 5
Every year, the opening day of school has become a celebration for all. It marks the beginning of a new school year filled with hopes and expectations for the children. The atmosphere of the opening day is special and full of excitement. But what about the parents? What are their emotions on such a day? The text 'The School Gate Opens' by Lý Lan answers these questions for us.
This article 'The School Gate Opens' describes the emotions of a mother on the eve of her child’s first day of school, highlighting the crucial role of the school and education in our lives. It doesn't follow a clear plot, but it captivates readers with its heartfelt words that reflect the mother’s deep affection and fond memories of her child. This essay takes us back to the feelings of anticipation and nostalgia from childhood.
Without a fixed storyline, a flow of emotions is conveyed through the mother's reflections. On the eve of her child’s first day, both the mother and child have different states of mind. The mother cannot sleep because, despite her trust in her child’s readiness, she is overwhelmed by memories from her own childhood: 'Every year, at the end of autumn... My mother lovingly held my hand and led me down the narrow village road...'
The mother wants to preserve the significance of this day in her memory: 'Today, I go to school.' To her, the first school day remains unforgettable, with vivid recollections of her nervousness as she and her grandmother approached the school, feeling the unsettling moment when the school gate closed, leaving her grandmother outside. She doesn’t directly express this to her child but seems to be speaking to herself, reliving her own experiences. This writing style beautifully conveys the emotions and reflects the mother’s deep feelings that are hard to express directly.
Through these details, it’s clear that the mother loves her child dearly, cherishing her own memories and hoping to pass them on. Meanwhile, the child’s image is portrayed in a gentle, innocent way. The child, excited about the first day of school, sleeps peacefully, unaware of the concerns his mother might have. The child’s only worry is waking up in time. This contrast between the mother's restless thoughts and the child's peaceful sleep adds to the theme of the passage: the innocence and serenity of childhood.
In the end, Lý Lan emphasizes the importance of education through the mother’s words: 'Go, my child... a wonderful world awaits you.' This statement underscores the significant role of education in human life, offering not just knowledge but also friendships, moral values, and a sense of belonging. The school gates open to a world full of opportunities, marking the beginning of a journey towards a brighter future. It is a reflection of how education shapes the growth of both the child and the society they will contribute to.
The story concludes, but the echo of the world beyond the school gates and the enduring love of the mother for her child lingers in the reader’s heart. From birth to adulthood, we are always cared for by our mothers. Many nights, our mothers stay awake for us, enduring countless hardships for our sake. So, as children, we should honor our mothers, cherish them, and always bring happiness to their lives.


3. Reference Paper No. 6
"Tomorrow, I start first grade!" My child has grown up so much. All the toys, like the armored car, the plastic robots, the animal army... that used to be scattered all over the house, but this afternoon, my child eagerly helped me clean up after hearing me say, "Tomorrow, you are going to school, you're now a first-grader." My seven-year-old boy has grown emotionally, nurtured by his mother’s loving words and encouragement. Tonight, although he is as excited as he used to be before a trip, he understands that he needs to wake up early, yet he still falls asleep peacefully, as effortlessly as drinking a glass of milk or having a candy. I watch him sleep with tender affection, full of love, his face serene on the soft pillow, his lips slightly parted, sometimes pursing as if sucking on a candy.
These are perhaps the happiest moments for a mother, the joy of motherhood. While he sleeps soundly, I, his mother, am wide awake. All day, I couldn’t focus on anything. After tucking him in and making sure he’s comfortable, I suddenly didn’t know what to do. This is the feeling of restlessness, anticipation, and longing. Even when I lay down, I still toss and turn. I’m not worried though. I’m confident he will adapt well on his first school day because three years ago, when he turned three, he started preschool. Now, just days before school starts, he’s already met his classmates and teacher, practiced standing in line, and prepared for this momentous occasion.
“I believe in you, my child... you’ve grown.” I’ve done everything to prepare him for school, and there’s nothing left to worry about, yet I still can’t sleep. My thoughts drift to the memories of my own childhood. I can still hear the sound of my classmates and me reciting lessons, and tonight, those voices fill my mind: "Every year, as autumn draws near... My mother gently holds my hand and leads me down the narrow village road"... I want to engrave the moment of "today, I go to school" in my heart. For me, that first day of school left a deep impression. I’ll never forget the excitement, the nervousness when my grandmother and I arrived at the school, only to find the gates locked, and my grandmother left standing outside... Lý Lan beautifully captures the essence of those emotions related to the first day of school, filled with nostalgia, love, and longing. The emotions of motherhood are portrayed delicately yet profoundly.
The author then shifts to reflect on the opening day of school in Japan, where it is considered a national holiday. Parents take the day off to escort their children to school, and public officials attend ceremonies across the country; streets are cleaned and decorated. In Japan, education is paramount, and the government’s actions show a strong commitment to providing the best education for the future generation. Education policies are promptly adjusted, recognizing that any failure in education will affect an entire generation. This reflection shows the mother’s hopes for her child to receive the best possible education, supported by a loving society and country.
Finally, Lý Lan expresses her thoughts about tomorrow, the first day of school. She will take her child to school, holding his hand as they walk through the school gates, then letting go. The gesture, full of love and care, is also one of trust. “Go ahead, my child. Be brave, this world is yours. Step through those school gates, and a magical world will open up to you.” This is the most beautiful sentence in the story “The School Gate Opens.” The mother encourages her child to face the future with confidence, just like a bird leaving the nest, flying into the vast sky. The child will step through the gates of the school, entering a world filled with new opportunities—new classes, new friends, and new teachers. Education will help the child grow in knowledge, character, and prepare for life ahead. Schools are magical places, where future talents are nurtured.
For me, sending my child to first grade feels like sending a soldier off to battle. My love for him is tied to my hopes for his future. We must strive to be good students... In conclusion, Lý Lan’s “The School Gate Opens” captures the profound impact that the first day of school has on a child’s soul. Through the author’s portrayal of restlessness, she poignantly expresses a mother’s love and hopes for her child’s bright future. Education is a vital responsibility for the youth, and we must understand deeply that “once you step through those school gates, a magical world will unfold.” That magical world is one filled with knowledge, culture, and science...


4. Reference Article No. 7
The Gate to School is one of the captivating and creative works by author Ly Lan. It's true that everyone has experienced their first day of school, but the emotions of the mother on that day are quite unique. There’s a sense of worry, restlessness as her child steps into school – beginning a new academic year. The story reflects the mother's feelings and reinforces her love for her child while emphasizing the crucial role of school in shaping each individual's life.
The night before her child’s first day of school, the mother couldn’t sleep. This was because she was busy preparing everything for her child and reliving cherished memories of her own childhood. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw images of her own first day at school, as vivid as ever. The mother was determined to make sure the child would never forget their first school day, hoping that, years later, the memory would still linger. Tomorrow, the mother would walk her child to school, reminding them to be brave as they step into a magical world beyond the school gates.
Ly Lan wrote a deeply lyrical piece, focusing not on events or plot, but rather on conveying the emotions and thoughts of a mother on such a significant day. We see the contrast between the carefree child and the anxious mother. The six-year-old child, though about to start first grade the next day, easily drifts into sleep like drinking a glass of milk, completely carefree. Meanwhile, the mother is filled with unease. The child eagerly anticipates school, almost as if awaiting an exciting trip, yet aware they are growing up.
Everything for the child’s school day was ready: new clothes, shoes, a new backpack, and notebooks. All that remained was waking up early the next day. Ly Lan masterfully captures the child’s innocent, carefree mindset, which serves to highlight the mother’s concern and constant love.
As usual, after her son fell asleep, the mother began picking up the toys scattered around the house. But today was different. The child, eager for tomorrow, helped clean up, understanding that he was now older and had responsibilities. This moment starkly contrasts with the mother’s restless mind as she lies awake, unable to sleep, thinking about her son.
Even though everything was prepared, the mother’s heart remained unsettled. Each time she closed her eyes, memories of her own first school day rushed back, evoking a flood of emotions. In the scene where the mother is having a conversation with herself, reflecting on her first day at school, it touches the heart in a way few can.
Through this narrative, the author beautifully intertwines past and present, showing the mother’s desire to imprint the memory of the first school day into her child’s heart. Later in life, the child will remember that moment with the same warmth and nostalgia. The mother leading her child to school represents a gateway to a magical world – the world of childhood, the happiest years of life. School will provide knowledge, friendships, and love for one’s country. Thanks to education, we grow into capable, ethical individuals, ready to contribute to a prosperous, just, and beautiful society.
Ly Lan, through her exceptional portrayal of the characters' psychology, takes us back to the serene world of childhood. Through this story, the author helps us appreciate the sacred bond of motherhood and the importance of education in shaping a person’s character.


5. Reference 1
On the first day of school, not only the child but the mother also feels a sense of anxiety, as though she herself must attend school. These anxieties highlight the selfless love and sacrifice of the mother for her child.
Before the first school day, the mother had already prepared everything her child would need to enter this new world, a world where she could no longer stay by his side as she had in the past. She had bought everything from clothes, shoes, hats, to books and notebooks, ensuring that everything was ready for the special day. When the child falls asleep, the mother continues her work, making sure to tuck him in, pull the mosquito net down, and carefully arrange the blankets. On other days, she would pick up the toy cars scattered under the table, the plastic robots lying everywhere, and the little soldiers set up for the daily battle between Lions and Dinosaurs.
But today is different; it's the day before the child will officially become a 'first-grader.' Therefore, the child, with an understanding of the importance of the day, helps his mother clean up, a gesture that signifies his readiness to start school. Despite her exhaustion, the mother cannot sleep, overwhelmed with worry about her child’s first day at school. While the mother stays awake to check everything once more, the child sleeps soundly, without a care in the world, except for making sure he wakes up on time for the next day.
However, the mother's inability to sleep is not just because she worries about the school day ahead. The thought of her child starting school triggers memories of her own first day, memories that have been etched deeply into her heart and are revived whenever a moment like this comes around. 'Whenever I close my eyes, it feels like I can hear the chanting of lessons from my own school days.' These memories, once hers, now become the child’s reality on the following day.
The mother seems to want to impress upon her child the quiet yet profound emotions of that first school day. 'I want to gently and naturally plant these feelings into your heart, so that one day, when you look back, you’ll feel a surge of nostalgia.' It feels like the mother is speaking to the child, but in fact, she is speaking to herself, reflecting on her own childhood memories. 'When I was little, the school would close completely during the summer, and the first day of school was always the most significant. I remember the anticipation, the nerves I felt with my grandmother as we approached the school, and the overwhelming sense of fear when the school gate closed behind me, as if I was stepping into a new world.' These memories have stayed with the mother throughout her life, and now, she wants her child to also treasure these moments that will eventually become part of the past.
The author’s expression masterfully conveys the deep, unspoken emotions of a mother on the first day her child attends school.


6. Reference 2
The serene face of the child rests gently on the soft pillow, their lips parted slightly, occasionally pursing as if savoring a candy. This image lingers in my mind after reading the text 'The School Gate Opens' by Lí Lan, evoking a mixture of joy and concern from a mother's heart.
This essay captures the emotions of a mother on the eve of her child's first day of school, highlighting the significant role of education in our lives. Although there is no particular event or plot structure, the writing is compelling due to its emotional depth, reflecting the love and nostalgia of a mother thinking of her child. It takes us back to the emotions and memories of childhood.
Delving deeper into the essay, one can feel the contrasting emotions, expressed through beautifully flowing language. The child's image is depicted with innocence and charm. Their serene face rests on a soft pillow, their lips slightly parted, occasionally puckering as if enjoying a candy.
The next day is the first day of school, a significant moment in childhood, a memory to cherish. The child, eager yet concerned, wonders if they will wake up on time, then quickly falls back into a peaceful sleep as if it were just another sweet treat. This calmness reflects the innocent heart of the child. Perhaps this serenity also stems from the mother's care and nurturing love.
While the child dreams sweet dreams, the mother lies awake, lost in thought. Her mind is filled with memories of her own first school day. After the child falls asleep, the mother tidies up, picks up toys scattered by the child, and takes care of her own chores. Yet, despite having completed everything, she cannot sleep, not out of worry but because of the rush of emotions flooding her mind.
Countless childhood memories resurface, prompting reflections on her own experiences decades ago. She remembers the day when her mother walked her to school, the uncertainty and fear she felt as the gate closed behind her. Her mother had led her into a world of wonder, a world filled with the essence of childhood. That first step into the unknown was taken with a mixture of independence and a blend of joy and sadness. The mother trusts that her child will grow strong on their educational journey, facing life's challenges ahead. The words of her own mother still echo in her mind: 'Every year, at the end of autumn, my mother would lovingly take me along the long, narrow road to school.'
The mother has experienced many school openings, but the one tomorrow weighs most heavily on her heart. It is the day her child will step into a new world, where they will learn to interact with teachers and peers. The beauty of this essay lies in its emotional portrayal through memories. Along with the vivid expressions of the character’s emotions, the writer uses descriptive language to bring the people and objects to life. Artistic techniques enhance the imagery, making the reader feel as if they are immersed in the mother's world.
All these emotions are just part of the message conveyed in the text. The immense role of education in shaping individuals is crucial. In the story, the mother tries to ease her child's transition into the school environment, ensuring they are well-prepared for the first day: from their schoolbag to their clothes and stationery. After reflecting on these memories and hopes, the mother recalls a tradition in Japan: 'I’ve heard that in Japan, the first day of school is a national holiday. Everyone takes the day off to accompany their children to school, for no priority is greater than education. Every mistake in education can derail an entire generation.'
The entire essay is a reflection of the mother's inner thoughts. She doesn't speak directly to her child or anyone else; she speaks to herself, to her memories, and to her own experiences of childhood. Tonight, she lies awake, gazing at her child, lost in reflection. The writing style highlights the emotions, thoughts, and feelings of the character, offering a subtle yet powerful expression to the reader, moving them deeply and provoking thought.
In conclusion, the author’s message to the reader is the importance of education, conveyed through the mother’s reflections and emotions. The mother, having experienced her own first school day, now places her hopes in her child. The wonderful world the mother wishes to open up for the child is the path to learning. This path represents not only the mother’s dream but the dreams of countless others for their children. Education is a sacred duty for the youth, not only for the family but for the nation. We must understand that 'Crossing the school gate opens the door to a magical world, a world of culture and science.'


7. Reference Article 3
"The School Gate Opens" is an essay that captures the emotions of a mother as she prepares her child for the first day of school. While there is no specific event or plot, the narrative remains captivating because each sentence and paragraph carries the heartfelt emotions of a mother, deeply loving her child and constantly thinking about her responsibility towards her little one. The child in the story is a boy about to start first grade. Even though we, the seventh graders, have long since passed that stage, reading "The School Gate Opens" still stirs up nostalgic feelings, as if a time machine has transported us back to the innocent days of our childhood…
The night before school starts, the emotions of the mother and the child are very different. The description of the first-grade student at the beginning of the essay is innocent and charming. His face is serene, resting on a soft pillow, his lips slightly parted, occasionally pursing as if sucking on candy. Tomorrow is the first day of school, the first day in grade one, yet the boy sleeps peacefully because his mother has taken care of everything, making sure everything is ready. Though there is excitement akin to preparing for a trip, the boy’s only concern is waking up on time the next day. The child’s peaceful, carefree sleep on the eve of school symbolizes innocence and tranquility. Perhaps, he will even dream of a beautiful world, full of happiness and bright futures.
How is it that the boy, and all of us, as young students, can experience such peaceful and carefree moments to dream of a wonderful future? It must be due to the love, care, and education provided by our mothers. The author, Ly Lan, who is likely a mother herself, beautifully conveys the inner thoughts, feelings, and anxieties of a mother on the night before her child starts school. With everything prepared, the mother decides to go to bed early but finds herself tossing and turning. The author aptly uses the term "tossing and turning" to describe her restless sleep, reflecting her worries as a mother.
The mother believes in her child and herself. "I believe you won’t be nervous... I’ve believed in you for a long time... I trust the careful preparation we’ve made for you..." The repetition of "I believe" in the mother’s mind reassures her, showing her deep confidence. Yet, despite this trust, she cannot sleep, as memories of her own childhood surface. The mother’s mind drifts back to the first day of her own school life, remembering the comforting voice of her mother guiding her along the narrow village path, the excitement and nerves of approaching the school gate, and the separation from her grandmother as she entered the world of education. The author uses specific literary devices, such as compound words, to convey the character’s emotions effectively. Words like "calmly," "warmly," and "tenderly" evoke a sense of nurturing care.
The mother’s thoughts are not only nostalgic but also extend to the broader cultural context. She reflects on how, in Japan, the first day of school is considered a national celebration, emphasizing the importance of education for the future. The mother is keenly aware of the weighty responsibility she holds as an educator, not just for her own child but for the future of society. This understanding highlights the mother’s noble and profound love for her child and her country.
The entire essay is an introspective monologue of the mother, reflecting her personal thoughts and feelings as she watches her child sleep. She does not speak directly to her child or anyone else but shares her innermost emotions with herself. This style of writing enhances the depth of the character’s emotions and engages the reader with a lyrical, almost poetic quality. It conveys the deep, tender connection between mother and child and is an example of evocative, heartfelt writing. The author’s choice of words and narrative style allows readers to feel the emotional weight of the mother’s reflections.
The final reflection of the mother, "As you step through the school gate, a wonderful world will open up," reminds us that the world of education, which begins with the first step into school, will lead to an expansive and rich future. As seventh graders, we now understand that the "wonderful world" the author refers to encompasses much more than just learning. It is about cultivating good values, forming meaningful relationships, and developing the qualities that will make us responsible and capable citizens in the future. The mother’s love and care have laid the foundation for the child’s growth, as school provides the next chapter in the journey of learning and personal development.
Reading "The School Gate Opens" allows us to appreciate the significance of our first day of school, as well as the profound love and sacrifices made by our parents. We understand that the school gate, like the love of our parents, opens the door to a world of knowledge, challenges, and the promise of a bright future.


