1. Reference Essay 4
Every individual's life is influenced by habits. Good habits shape positive character traits, while bad habits not only impact the quality of life but can also lead individuals down a dangerous path. Smoking electronic cigarettes is one such harmful habit among students today. While the school environment should foster a spirit of serious learning, healthy habits, and good moral values, some students go against this by engaging in the detrimental habit of vaping.
The story of tobacco is well-known to us all. For years, tobacco has been globally recognized for its addictive and harmful effects on health, both for the smoker and those exposed to second-hand smoke. With the ongoing changes of the modern age, traditional cigarettes have evolved into electronic cigarettes, offering a more modern and appealing alternative. E-cigarettes are marketed as a safer substitute for regular cigarettes. However, this is far from the truth. Essentially, an e-cigarette is a battery-powered device designed to mimic the experience of smoking a regular cigarette. It uses a cartridge that contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Inside the e-cigarette, a heating element vaporizes the liquid for the user to inhale. Nicotine, a harmful chemical found in traditional cigarettes, is one of the primary contributors to health risks. Moreover, e-cigarettes contain other dangerous substances such as fine particles that can cause lung cancer, volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals like nickel, tin, and lead, which are toxic to the body. Additionally, some e-cigarette flavoring agents contain diacetyl, a compound linked to lung disease.
According to surveys by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2020, there were 2,807 cases of lung injuries from e-cigarette use, with some leading to death. The rate of e-cigarette use among young people worldwide is rising. In Vietnam, for example, in 2019, around 2.6% of teenagers aged 13-17 used e-cigarettes, up from just 0.2% previously. The use of e-cigarettes in Vietnam is increasing, especially in major cities among the younger population with relatively higher incomes. It’s not uncommon to see students and young adults casually vaping, even in school uniforms. Recently, e-cigarettes (also known as vapes) have infiltrated schools, sold at affordable prices (around 120,000 – 150,000 VND) in the form of lipstick, pens, or USB sticks. These vapes come in various flavors like strawberry, orange, and mango, and often contain nicotine and cannabis, both of which are addictive.
Many young people mistakenly believe that e-cigarettes are safer than traditional cigarettes, but recent studies have shown that e-cigarettes can have severe consequences on health, particularly the development of students. Nicotine is especially harmful to the brain, leading to chemical changes and, most dangerously, addiction. Users may also experience headaches, dizziness, or shaking. Nicotine and diacetyl – a flavoring agent – found in some e-cigarettes increase the risk of lung diseases and lung cancer. Young people who vape are also at risk of long-term high blood pressure, which could eventually lead to heart disease and strokes. Research indicates that e-cigarettes can damage the immune system even more than regular smoking. Not only does vaping harm personal health, but it also exposes children and unborn babies to toxic chemicals. Aside from the direct health risks, e-cigarettes also cause neurological disorders. People who vape may feel depressed, fatigued, or irritable when they can't vape. Over time, this can lead to behavioral issues, impairing self-control and affecting attention and reasoning, which can harm academic performance. Additionally, e-cigarettes pose a fire risk due to their batteries, and shared vaping devices create a higher risk of transmitting respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. The high cost of e-cigarettes often leads students to resort to theft or deceit to afford them, which can eventually lead to involvement in social vices.
When you quit vaping, you're not only protecting your health, but you're also contributing to a healthier and more positive school environment. In such an environment, we can focus on building friendships, studying, and participating in school activities. Quitting vaping will allow you to protect your health, enabling you to focus on your studies and live a happier life. Rejecting the temptation to vape from others helps you maintain a healthy lifestyle and build good character. Additionally, quitting this harmful habit will save you money and prevent unnecessary stress for your family and teachers.
To address the issue of e-cigarette use among students, a concerted effort is needed from various levels of government and agencies. Authorities should regulate the sale of e-cigarettes more strictly, especially to minors. Schools should organize regular extracurricular sessions to educate students about the dangers of vaping and enforce stricter rules for both students and teachers regarding e-cigarette use. Families also need to be more attentive to their children's behavior, avoiding leniency when it comes to dishonesty or engaging in harmful activities that affect their studies and health. Most importantly, young people, particularly students, should be aware of the dangers of e-cigarettes and avoid them. Instead, they should focus on their studies and engage in healthy activities. Together with schools, we can help eliminate e-cigarette use from the classroom.
Our future is shaped by our actions today. Protect yourself by avoiding harmful social vices and health risks that impact your education. Saying no to e-cigarettes not only protects the integrity of the school environment but also provides a solid foundation for personal growth and development.

2. Reference Essay No. 5
In today's world, many new sources of pleasure have emerged, accompanied by a rise in harmful habits that have the opportunity to thrive. Among these bad habits, smoking is one that not only affects the smoker but also harms those around them, making it an urgent issue to address.
We are all aware through books, newspapers, and media that smoking is harmful to everyone. Cigarettes contain nicotine, a substance that is addictive, which is why many people start with the belief that smoking just once won't hurt, but over time it becomes a difficult habit to break. Smoking directly harms human health, being a leading cause of lung diseases such as tuberculosis, lung cancer, and throat cancer, and is also a significant factor in reducing life expectancy. Long-term smoking can even lead to death. Moreover, smoking also indirectly affects non-smokers, especially those who are exposed to second-hand smoke in public or private settings. Second-hand smokers, particularly children and pregnant women, are at significant risk. Children exposed to cigarette smoke are more prone to diseases like pneumonia, stunted growth, and developmental delays. For pregnant women, inhaling second-hand smoke can severely harm the unborn child, with tragic outcomes in many cases caused by the smoke.
In addition to health risks, smoking also contributes to environmental pollution. The smoke from cigarettes contaminates the air, and the widespread use of cigarettes only exacerbates the growing problem of environmental pollution. Every day, countless cigarettes are smoked, directly impacting the surrounding environment.
Despite the serious consequences of smoking, many people continue to underestimate its dangers. Some use cigarettes as a form of social interaction, greeting each other with a cigarette, or even competing with each other over who can smoke the most. What’s even more concerning is that the trend of smoking among young people is on the rise, prompting widespread concern. Young students, curious and easily influenced by peers, often smoke to fit in or to show off, eventually leading to addiction, which negatively affects their health, academic performance, and, in the long run, their future.
Although society and the government have taken several measures to reduce smoking, they seem to have little effect. Cigarette packages clearly state, 'Smoking is harmful to health,' yet many smokers remain indifferent, not recognizing the seriousness of the issue. Awareness campaigns about the dangers of smoking continue, but their impact has been limited.
Clearly, smoking is extremely harmful to health, and it is an issue that society must address collectively. Each of us must develop the consciousness to protect ourselves and remind those around us to avoid smoking, for a cleaner, smoke-free future that will not harm future generations.

3. Reference Essay No. 6
Modern society has led to greater civilization, but it also brings with it many hidden dangers as social vices increase. Smoking, while not as dangerous as crimes like robbery, murder, or drug trafficking, has become a pressing issue in today's world.
With scientific research and widespread warnings, we all know that smoking has no benefits. It harms the smoker’s health directly, and it also affects those around them. Despite the warning on cigarette packaging that states 'Smoking may cause lung cancer,' many smokers ignore this caution.
Why, despite these warnings about the severe risks of smoking, do people continue to smoke? The reasons are numerous, with social interaction being a key factor. Just as in the past people would offer betel leaves as a gesture of hospitality, today, offering tea or cigarettes is seen as a sign of being 'modern and progressive.' For some, smoking is a way to relieve stress. For rebellious youth, smoking is a way to 'prove' they are grown-up. That’s why it’s common to see cigarette packs on office desks, during social gatherings, or at ceremonies today.
As mentioned, everyone is aware of the health risks of smoking, and even smokers know this but lack the willpower to quit. Cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, making it very difficult for people to quit. This leads to an increase in smoking frequency, contributing to numerous health issues such as asthma, coughing, shortness of breath, and lung cancer. These consequences are severe, but people often realize them only after they have already suffered. At that point, treatment efforts may be futile.
Smoking not only directly harms the smoker but also acts as a silent killer to those nearby. Second-hand smoke contains harmful toxins, and by inhaling it, non-smokers are exposed to the same risks, such as coughing, shortness of breath, or even lung cancer. For pregnant women, exposure to cigarette smoke can lead to birth defects, causing unfortunate and irreversible consequences.
Knowing the terrible effects of smoking, what can we do to prevent it in society? Smokers must quit smoking immediately. Although nicotine is addictive, quitting is not impossible. With a strong sense of determination and by using effective smoking cessation methods (such as medication or traditional remedies), people can resist their cravings. The most important factor is awareness and willpower. If we understand the dangers of smoking and commit to quitting, we can succeed.
Cigarette manufacturers and relevant authorities should coordinate efforts to reduce smoking rates through production controls and public awareness campaigns. Creating a smoke-free environment not only protects our health but also improves the quality of the air, especially in public places such as offices, schools, airports, and buses.
The support from people around smokers and from all of us in situations where there is second-hand smoke is vital. It helps protect ourselves, the smokers, and contributes to building a healthier, more civilized, and respectful society. Therefore, we must all work together to eliminate this harmful habit for a better future.

4. Reference Essay No. 7
Cigarettes, a leading threat to human health today, are made from tobacco plants and come in various forms such as cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and other variations. Cigarette use spans across many demographics: teenagers, students, women, the elderly, but it is most common among men of all ages.
According to health ministry statistics, cigarette smoke is one of the primary causes of cancer. It contains harmful substances that severely impact the respiratory system and lungs. Smokers face increased risks of asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and even lung cancer. Worse, smoking doesn’t only harm the smoker but also unintentionally becomes a silent killer for those exposed to second-hand smoke. Passive smoking poses the same risks as active smoking, and in some cases, it is even more harmful. Pregnant women exposed to second-hand smoke can cause birth defects, and the elderly and children with weak immune systems are at higher risk. Statistics show that more than 40,000 people in Vietnam die from cigarette smoke annually, and countless others unknowingly become victims while in public spaces.
Despite the severe dangers, many people remain addicted to smoking. One reason for the increase in smokers is the curiosity and appeal that cigarettes have on the mind. Smoking is also notoriously difficult to quit, with some individuals even relapsing after months of trying to quit. It is evident that the allure of cigarettes is not simple.
In my own family, many relatives, including my father, were heavy smokers. He used to smoke two packs of Thang Long cigarettes a day, and sometimes more if he had extra time. His teeth turned yellow, his breath reeked of smoke, and his body became frail and weak. My siblings and I were also deeply affected, suffering from poor respiratory health, nasal and sinus inflammation from an early age, and frequent bronchitis and pneumonia during the cold weather. Realizing the severe impact smoking had on our health, my father decided to quit. After smoking for 20 years, he finally quit in 2017, removing all cigarettes from our home. His motivation to quit was his granddaughter, and he discarded his last pack in a hospital trash can when she was born. It was an extraordinary and inexplicable moment. Along with psychological methods to quit, there are also physical therapies, lozenges, and mouthwashes that help reduce cravings, allowing the smoker to gradually eliminate the harmful habit.
Today, my father has been smoke-free for five years, and his health has improved dramatically. He has gained weight from 50kg to 65kg, his teeth are whiter, his breath is fresh, and he no longer feels fatigued. His stamina is better, and his mood is much more positive. We also notice a significant improvement in our family's respiratory health.
It’s not that our public spaces are inherently bad, but cigarette smoke is harmful. Let’s work together to create a clean and healthy environment for ourselves, our families, and society. 'Say no to cigarettes, be wise in your life choices.'

5. Reference Essay No. 1
Modern life offers many conveniences, but it also carries hidden dangers such as social vices. Smoking may not be an urgent societal threat, but it causes significant harm in today's world.
Research and published studies reveal that smoking poses many risks without providing any benefits. It negatively impacts the smoker's health and also affects those around them. Despite the warning label 'Smoking may cause lung cancer' on cigarette packs, many smokers remain indifferent to this caution. Cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive and makes it difficult for smokers to quit. As a result, smoking rates and frequency continue to rise. Long-term smoking can lead to diseases such as asthma, coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, lung cancer, and throat cancer. While these effects may not be visible now, the future consequences will be devastating. Even with treatment, recovery is not guaranteed.
Moreover, smoking is an invisible 'killer' to those nearby. Secondhand smoke contains harmful toxins, and people around smokers may suffer from illnesses like coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or even lung cancer. Pregnant women exposed to cigarette smoke face the risk of birth defects and serious health problems for their babies.
Therefore, we must raise awareness. Smokers should quit to protect themselves and those around them. Although quitting is difficult, it is not impossible. Creating a smoke-free environment will not only protect us but also make the world cleaner and healthier.

6. Reference Essay No. 2
As society evolves, new needs arise, and unfortunately, social vices such as smoking continue to affect people's lives. Smoking may not yet be considered a major societal issue, but it is still a persistent concern due to the challenges it creates.
The smoking problem has become increasingly complex and difficult to control. Although cigarette manufacturers include the warning 'Smoking may cause lung cancer,' many people continue to ignore it and smoke anyway.
Smoking is an addictive behavior that is hard to escape once someone starts. Everyone knows that smoking is harmful and offers no benefits. It affects not only the smoker but also everyone around them. Smoking has both direct and indirect effects on people.
Despite society's progress, cigarettes remain present on desks and during social gatherings. So, what causes people to smoke? There are many reasons, but social interaction is a major factor. Some smoke to relieve stress, while others, especially young individuals, start smoking to fit in or prove themselves. This peer pressure can ultimately ruin a person.
Smoking has a profound impact on our lives, leading to diseases like lung cancer and throat cancer. These consequences may not be immediately recognized, but even when we do realize the harm, we often ignore it and continue the habit.
Additionally, smoking is a 'silent killer' that harms those around us. Secondhand smoke spreads invisible toxins that endanger everyone, particularly pregnant women who inhale harmful smoke, potentially causing devastating effects on their unborn children.
Every year, countless people are hospitalized due to lung cancer, with smoking identified as the primary cause. These individuals battle a deadly disease for the rest of their lives, all because of smoking. Isn't this a tragic and unfair outcome?
Smoking continues to rise, despite awareness campaigns. While quitting is hard due to nicotine addiction, it is not impossible. With effort and self-discipline, anyone can overcome the cravings. It is essential for each person to recognize this harmful behavior and take steps to stop. Governments and tobacco companies must work together to reduce smoking rates and create a healthier environment.
The support of others is also crucial for smokers, as it greatly influences their mindset. Together, we can eliminate this harmful habit and create a better, smoke-free world.

7. Reference Article 3
Currently, as society thrives, many pressing issues still capture the public's attention. One such issue is smoking. Every year, over 8 million people die from smoking worldwide. On average, a person dies every 4 seconds. Vietnam is among the top 15 countries with the highest smoking rates. 26% of adolescents aged 14 to 24 have been exposed to cigarette smoke.
Cigarettes have significant harmful effects on individuals. First, for smokers, it causes 90% of lung cancer cases and other illnesses such as chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Smoking is also a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure. Nicotine, a component of cigarette smoke, severely impacts the central nervous system and causes dependency. Smoking increases the risk of cancers throughout the digestive system, including the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, colon, and liver. It also disrupts the hormonal balance in both men and women, affecting reproductive health.
Additionally, smoking harms the skin, hair, and glucose regulation. It doesn't only affect the smoker but also those around them. Passive smoking, particularly during pregnancy, severely impacts both the health of the mother and the unborn child, leading to conditions like lung cancer, emphysema, hair loss, and cataracts.
Regular exposure to secondhand smoke significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, as well as stroke. Given the severe harm caused by smoking, it is crucial for everyone to avoid this deadly habit and adopt a healthier, more active lifestyle.

