1. Sample Essay 4

2. Reference Story 5
The short story 'The Fledgling Birds' is incredibly endearing, capturing the innocent love and care for all living things through the eyes of two young children. The two siblings, Mon and Men, show deep concern for the fate of a flock of birds stranded on a sandbar in the river.
The story radiates joy as they watch the young birds safely fly to shore. After reading this story by the author Nguyễn Quang Thiều, I couldn't help but feel the beauty within the hearts of these two children, emotions that anyone young at heart could relate to and learn from.
The narrative begins with the thoughts and conversations of the two siblings, Men and Mon, about the sandbar where the birds' nests might be submerged. Driven by compassion, the two decide to brave the stormy night and venture out to the river. Seeing the young birds take flight from the sandbar at dawn brings immense joy and emotional relief to the siblings.
The third-person narration is compelling, weaving through dialogues and vivid character portrayals. The simple, relatable language makes the dialogues authentic and lively, enhancing the connection with the characters, especially the siblings Mon and Men, making them feel more real and distinct.
Amid the stormy night, Mon and Men struggle to sleep, their worries about the rising river waters keeping them awake. They fear the young birds might drown. It's easy to notice Mon’s heartwarming concern, as he repeatedly asks his older brother Men about the birds' safety, though neither of them has a definite answer.
The repeated questions—“Is the river rising?”, “Is the sandbar submerged?”, and so on—are not for seeking answers but rather to relieve Mon's anxiety. Men, while seemingly irritated, answers gruffly, yet the worry is clear in his actions, even if he doesn't voice it. In the end, they both decide to take action and save the birds.
This worry stems from the natural habits of the birds, which lay their eggs on the sandbars, where dried seaweed creates a cushion for their nests. As the river rises during the wet season, the sandbars become submerged, and the birds' nests face danger. Mon and Men, despite trying to sleep, find their minds racing, with Mon’s concerns fueling their anxiety.
Mon is the brave, determined child who cannot abandon the birds, even in the middle of the night. His decision to save them reflects his unyielding spirit. Meanwhile, Men, though gruff and often irritable, shows his care in his actions rather than words. His concern becomes evident through his quiet worry, even if he doesn't express it openly.
After a long night of restless thinking, the two siblings finally reach the river at dawn. The sunrise creates a breathtaking scene, with the rain-drenched river sparkling as tiny birds suddenly take flight. The sight is magical, as the young birds soar away from the river and land safely on a nearby clump of wild plants.
This moment is a mix of awe and emotion for both the birds and the siblings. The birds have completed their first important flight, and for Mon and Men, it marks the end of a long night of worry. The moment is deeply moving and shows the beauty of childlike compassion and determination.
The story of 'The Fledgling Birds' allows us to feel the purity and sensitivity of childhood, as the siblings' deep affection for the little birds resonates with us all. Through this short story, we are reminded of the innocence, empathy, and courage that even children possess, qualities we can all learn from, regardless of age.

3. Reference Example 6
The short story "The Stilt Birds" by Nguyen Quang Thieu beautifully portrays the love for animals and nature. The story's ending is especially moving, pulling the readers into an emotional journey.
The protagonists, Mon and Men, find themselves awake in the middle of the night during a storm, discussing their concerns about the river's rising water. Mon's repetitive questions show his deep concern for the stilt birds. This scenario highlights the characters' compassionate nature and their connection to the animals and the environment.
Men shares his worries as well, and together, they decide to do something to save the young birds from drowning. The story explores the bond between the siblings and emphasizes the importance of helping others when needed. There is also a humorous touch, as Mon secretly releases a fish his father caught, reflecting the innocent and playful nature of the young characters.
The author masterfully describes the riverbank and the life of the stilt birds. As dawn breaks, the scene is bathed in the golden light of the morning sun, while the rising waters threaten to swallow the riverbank. This depiction symbolizes the complex relationship between nature and wildlife, as well as the power of nature. The birds' struggle to fly as the sandbank disappears beneath the water embodies resilience and the will to survive. One bird, exhausted, still attempts to fly despite its limp wings, symbolizing the indomitable spirit in the face of adversity. These images convey a powerful message about perseverance and the value of life.
In the final scene, Mon and Men stand frozen, their faces pale and their eyes tearful. They cry, and their tears symbolize not just emotional reaction, but also a deep love and understanding of life and nature. This moment conveys the story's core message about love, kindness, and the need for harmony with nature.
The author uses simple language, making the story accessible and engaging, especially for young readers. The third-person narrative perspective allows readers to feel empathy for the characters. Though the story is intended for children, it carries a profound message about love for animals, friendship, and the importance of helping others. The author uses vivid descriptions and lively language to recreate the natural setting and the stilt birds' lives. The image of the exhausted bird and the emotional moment between Mon and Men in the early morning rain evoke deep emotions, drawing readers further into the story.
In conclusion, "The Stilt Birds" is not just a tale of love for animals and nature, but also a lesson about life, resilience, and the importance of unity in the face of challenges.

4. Reference Example 7
The story "The Stilt Birds" by Nguyen Quang Thieu is a captivating and meaningful work for children, featuring unique and engaging characters and situations.
The main characters, Mon and Men, exhibit a beautiful bond between siblings. Mon's concern for the fragile stilt birds is shown through his continuous questions about the weather and the river's condition. His question, "I'm afraid the young stilt birds will drown," reflects his deep love and concern for nature and animals. Men also shares his worries and is ready to join his brother in facing the challenge.
The innocence and naivety of the two characters shine through when Mon tells a story about secretly releasing a fish, and Men chuckles with amusement upon hearing it. This creates a warm and loving family atmosphere.
Both Mon and Men are not just ordinary children, but sensitive souls with a deep love for animals and nature. Their understanding and empathy for the world around them are the story's most remarkable features.
Through this narrative, the author conveys messages about love, caring for nature, and the importance of understanding and empathizing with the environment. This is a charming and educational story for children.
In "The Stilt Birds," Mon and Men are endearing young characters whose kind hearts are evident when they decide to save the stilt birds. Despite the storm and danger, they bravely help the birds, demonstrating their special care and affection for nature and animals.
The familial love and brotherhood are also clearly depicted in the story. When Men hears Mon's story about secretly releasing a fish, he doesn't scold his brother but instead laughs, creating a warm, loving family dynamic that resonates with the reader.
The breathtaking scene where the morning sun casts light on the raindrops on the river and the massive water floods the sandbank is a powerful image, showcasing the marvels and wonders of nature. The resilience of the young stilt birds as they face danger and strive to fly into the sky is deeply emotional.
In the story's conclusion, when Mon and Men stand still, tearfully watching, their tears symbolize not only emotional response but also love and care. This moment reinforces the themes of affection for nature and the importance of understanding and empathizing with the environment.

5. Reference Example 8
Human love is not only shown between people, but also through acts of kindness towards animals. In this way, Nguyen Quang Thieu turns this idea into a meaningful story, shared with readers through his work, "The Stilt Birds."
The stilt birds are a symbol that Mon and Men witness on the riverbank, with the little birds tentatively learning to fly. However, that very night, a torrential rainstorm strikes. Despite the challenges and the downpour, the two brothers rush to the riverbank to save the helpless birds. Thanks to their actions, the young birds are saved from drowning and can take flight at dawn when the sun begins to rise.
The characters of Mon and Men are carefully crafted by the author, highlighting the story’s themes and meanings. First is Mon, the younger sibling, who, despite his youth, is remarkably sensitive. He worries about the birds, wanting to help them even in the middle of the storm. Yet, he still has small fears, like worrying about waking his father or being alone. This portrays his innocence and naivety. Men, the older brother, is also an animal lover and highly perceptive. Though disturbed, he still gets up to accompany his younger brother when he talks about the birds. The image of him looking up at the birds soaring in the morning sunlight deeply touches the reader's heart.
The author's use of beautiful imagery and skillful descriptions, such as the birds flying in the sunlight and the tear-filled eyes of the two brothers, creates a deeply emotional atmosphere. The story unfolds in a logical sequence of time, helping readers connect with the characters and understand the story’s message. The love and care shared by the brothers come through clearly, illustrating the themes Nguyen Quang Thieu aims to convey to the reader.

6. Reference Example 1
Nguyen Quang Thieu is a renowned author with several remarkable works for children. "The Stilt Birds" is one of his masterpieces, offering profound and meaningful lessons.
The story revolves around the main characters, Mon and Men, and the unique situation created by the author. Around 2 AM, Mon wakes up and calls out to his brother, Men, asking several anxious questions such as, "Do you think the rain is heavy?" and "Do you think the river will rise?" These repeated questions reveal Mon's worry and restlessness. Frustrated by the barrage of questions, Men replies, "Stop asking so many questions."
However, when Mon says, "I’m afraid the young stilt birds might drown," Men realizes his concern. Responding with, "I’m scared too," both brothers can’t sleep and continue talking.
Mon shares a story about secretly releasing a fish his father had caught. Instead of scolding his younger brother, Men laughs with amusement. This detail highlights the innocent and playful nature of the two characters.
After much discussion, Mon suggests they go to the riverbank to save the stilt birds. Without hesitation, the two brothers brave the rain and danger, using Mr. Hao’s boat to make their way there. Mon and Men are brave, compassionate boys who care deeply for animals. As they approach the riverbank, the brothers awkwardly disembark from the boat. Men ties the boat rope around his body, pulling it while Mon wades behind.
By the time the two brothers return the boat to its place, dawn is breaking. They rush to the opposite riverbank, near the sandbar. Mon asks Men if the river has flooded yet and whether the birds can still fly. Mon's concern, "Maybe Dad is awake now," shows their shared fear of being scolded. Despite their worries, they are still children who fear the consequences of their actions, but their thoughtfulness and bravery are truly commendable.
Particularly, the author paints a beautiful scene when the first light of dawn illuminates the raindrops on the river. The rising water has swallowed most of the sandbar, but the small stilt birds shake off the water and spread their wings, soaring into the sky. The water had been rising rapidly since the previous afternoon.
The rising water pushes the parent birds to guide their young ones to higher ground. The little birds hop along the highest point of the sandbar, their fragile legs still too weak to support them fully. Suddenly, one bird falters. Its wings droop and it falls like a leaf, but with unwavering determination, it uses all its strength to soar and rejoin its flock.
The final image in the story shows Mon and Men standing motionless, their faces pale from the rain, illuminated by the dawn light. The brothers realize they have been crying, their tears symbolizing deep emotion and love.
Thus, in "The Stilt Birds," the author conveys a profound message: we must live in harmony, be connected to, and love the animals around us.

7. Reference Example 2
Nguyen Quang Thieu is an author with numerous works for children. One of his notable pieces is the short story "The Stilt Birds." A standout feature of the story is Mon, a kind-hearted young boy.
"The Stilt Birds" tells the story of Mon and Men. Around 2 AM, Mon wakes up and calls to Men. He is concerned about the stilt birds nesting on the sandbar. The heavy rain is gradually submerging the birds' nests. After some conversation, the brothers decide to go and bring the birds to safety.
The water had been rising rapidly since the previous afternoon. As the water rises, the parent birds guide their young ones to higher ground. They continue to the highest part of the sandbar. By morning, the birds manage to free themselves from the rising waters and take flight. Their bodies lift off from the surface of the water, soaring higher than their first attempt. Both Mon and Men feel joy and happiness witnessing this moment.
Although Mon is just a child, he shows concern for the stilt birds nesting on the river. He fears the birds might be swept away by the river. He asks his brother a series of worried questions: "Do you think the rain is heavy?", "Will the river rise?", "Is the sandbar submerged yet, are the birds still there?" Even though he tries to think of other things, he can’t help but worry about the birds: "The young stilt birds might drown."
This leads Mon to suggest to Men, "Let’s bring them to the shore," and he is resolute, "We have to bring them to the shore, brother." Together, the two brothers go to the riverbank. When they see that the birds are safe, Mon cries, overwhelmed with happiness as the birds rise into the sky. This tear is a symbol of pure joy and contentment. Mon’s character shines through as one full of compassion and love for animals.
Through Mon’s character, the author imparts a lesson in kindness and a deep love for nature.

8. Reference Example 3
Nguyen Quang Thieu is a renowned author known for his notable works, one of which is the short story "The Stilt Birds." The story depicts two characters, Mon and Men, who are portrayed as compassionate young boys.
The story revolves around a conversation between the two brothers, Mon and Men. Around 2 AM, Mon wakes up and becomes worried. The heavy rain has caused the river to rise quickly, and he is concerned for the stilt birds nesting on the sandbar.
After a brief discussion, Mon suggests to Men that they should row a boat out into the river at midnight to rescue the young birds and bring them to safety. When they reach the spot, they witness the tiny, wet birds suddenly taking flight, escaping the rising water. The sight is emotional and overwhelming for the two boys, leaving them deeply moved.
Mon, a kind-hearted boy, cannot rest easy because of his worry for the stilt birds. At 2 AM, he wakes Men, asking him repeated questions: “Do you think the rain is heavy?”, “Is the river rising?”, “Has the sandbar submerged, are the birds still there?”.
Mon’s repeated questions reveal his anxiety. Finally, he says to Men, “I’m afraid the stilt birds might drown.” His worry leads him to ask why the birds built their nests on the sandbar in the first place, instead of choosing a safer, higher place to stay during the storm.
Though Mon tries to rest, he is unable to sleep. He whispers to his brother, uncertain, “Hey, brother…” and then resolutely declares, “We have to bring them to shore, brother.”
This decision showcases Mon’s determination and bravery. He is a boy of strong resolve, unwilling to abandon the stilt birds while the river continues to rise. His actions stem from his concern, and it is Mon, not Men, who takes the initiative to save the birds.
Through the character of Mon, the author conveys a profound message about compassion and respect for animals.

