What are the sample analysis essays on a favourite satirical poem? What is the working period of 8th-grade teachers in an academic year in Vietnam?
What are the sample analysis essays on a favourite satirical poem?
Sample 1: The poem "Lai Tân"
| The poem "Lai Tân", part of the collection Prison Diary by Ho Chi Minh, expresses a satirical and profound view of the corrupt and irresponsible governing policies in prisons in China at that time. With just four short lines, Ho Chi Minh painted a vivid and satirical picture of social realities.
"Chưởng ngục lai kinh giám ngục thùy Lương đầu hạnh phúc tẩu đầu tùy" He describes the daily tasks of the prison officials. The image of the warden checking dogs all day and the chief warden leisurely riding on a horse evokes indifference and irresponsibility towards their primary duties. Prisoners, who should be rehabilitated and educated, are instead neglected as a trivial part of the system. The description is gentle yet contains deep sarcasm. "Tam nhân đồng điếu các phương tiện Hữu hạnh nan phùng thượng cấp kỳ" The prison scene continues with three people working each in their own way, without coordination. This shows a disorganized system only focused on personal interests. Particularly, the last line implies stagnation and slowness in management, as improving the prison is just a matter of random luck. Using concise language, specific imagery, and a satirical tone, the poem not only reflects a corrupt social reality but also embodies Ho Chi Minh's calm and composed attitude towards injustice. Through this, we perceive his deep humanitarian thought and steel spirit. The poem "Lai Tân" is not merely light satire but a profound condemnation of an unjust system, helping us to further understand and respect Ho Chi Minh's humanitarian spirit and intellect. |
Sample 2: The poem "Lễ xướng danh khoa Đinh Dậu"
| The poem "Lễ xướng danh khoa Đinh Dậu" by Tran Te Xuong describes the ceremony of announcing the names of those who passed the examination in 1897. Instead of the usual solemn scene, the announcement ceremony is depicted as chaotic and shabby, through which the author criticizes the degradation of examination policies and society at the end of the 19th century. The first two sentences open a humorous yet satirical scene. The bureaucrats and candidates appear not in a solemn manner but rather “shabby”, “ragged”, “running around”. These descriptive words vividly portray the chaos, losing the dignity of a ceremony honoring intellectuals. The next two sentences emphasize the negligence and disrespect in the ceremony. The image of “blue parasols carelessly forgotten” suggests superficiality, while “red satchels selectively pleasing” implies bias and unfairness in announcing the results. This directly criticizes the buying of fame during the exams of that time. The next two sentences vividly depict the shabbiness of both candidates and officials. The image of “candidates with hanging bags” and “officials with crooked pipes” reflects not only the hardships of learners but also the trivial nature of exam administrators, illustrating the rot and decline in both education and management systems. The final two lines consolidate the chaotic picture of the ceremony. Important figures like students and educators – symbols of education – are absent, highlighting the decay of exams and Confucian education. Using sharp language and a satirical tone, the poem not only mocks the reality of exams but also reflects the author's helplessness and regret over societal decline. Through this, Tran Te Xuong subtly conveys his critique and reform desire, making the work distinctive. |
Sample 3: The poem "Tự trào"
| The poem "Tự trào" by Tran Te Xuong is a representative work in his satirical poetry collection. With a humorous tone, the poem is not only a self-mockery but also deeply reflects the social issues of late 19th century Vietnam. Right from the beginning, Tu Xuong expresses self-mockery in the first two lines: "Kìa ai chín suối xương không nát Có lẽ ngàn thu tiếng vẫn còn." The author mentions the immortality of talented, famous figures, but then admits himself as "a coat hanger," living off appearance without substance. This self-admission shows humor, humility, and a bittersweet sense from a talented scholar unappreciated in a decaying society. The next two lines use the image of "gilded throne" left by ancestors with deep satire. The gilded throne symbolizes nobility, now becoming useless, lacking real value. This line is both self-deprecating and subtly critical of a crumbling society where good traditional values slowly fade away. In the next two lines: "Được thời rồng lộn ai hay biết Chẳng phải là nơi ngựa chú buồn." Tu Xuong admits having talent but not meeting the right time. The image of "dragon reveals" – symbol of talent, placed next to "horses gallop" – a mundane image, creates a stark contrast, satire. Here, the author not only mocks himself but also reflects injustice in society, where talents often go unnoticed. The final lines, using the image "close to ink then black, close to light then bright," playfully reflect the helplessness when living in a society full of temptations and corruption. Despite trying to stay intact, the author feels unable to remain completely pure. With a satirical tone, simple yet profound language, the poem is not just self-mockery but also a social critique, highlighting the talent and character of Tran Te Xuong – a poet both talented and sharp. |
Sample 4: The poem "Tiến sĩ giấy"
| In Vietnamese literature, Tran Te Xuong is known as an outstanding satirical poet, with works deeply reflecting social realities. The poem "Tiến sĩ giấy" is one of his representative creations, where the author not only criticizes the vanity and decay of the feudal education system but also conveys a bittersweet voice about the true value of education.
"Vanh mặt làm ra vẻ núi sông Tưởng rằng đồ thật hóa đồ chơi." The author starts with the image "face turning", a symbol of boasting, arrogance of those who achieve only by appearance. The word "nation" evokes great responsibility, but these people are actually "toys", completely useless. Here, Tu Xuong uses a satirical tone to expose the deceit in the value of doctoral status at that time."Xét nghề nghiệp ấy mà vô ích So với nhân tài há nực cười." Doctors with just titles but no real talent are harshly criticized with the term "useless". They bring no benefit to the country, becoming a laughing stock when compared with real talent. The tone is mocking but cannot hide the author's bitterness over societal reality. "Ghế tréo lọng xanh ngồi bảnh chọe Tưởng rằng đồ thật hóa đồ chơi." The image "cross-leg chair parasol" evokes outer glamour, but inside is hollow. The line repeats the idea "real turns into toy", emphasizing deception and formalism in learning at that time. "Tấm thân xiêm áo sao mà nhẹ Cái giá khoa danh thế mới hời." The author concludes with deep satire, affirming that doctors with titles but no substance, their value is light, cheap like the crumbling education system. The poem "Tiến sĩ giấy" is not just a satirical laugh but also a profound warning about the true value of knowledge and the responsibility of intellectuals to society. Through this, Tran Te Xuong affirms the talent and vision of a poet always pondering over the times. |
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What are the sample analysis essays on a favourite satirical poem? What is the working period of 8th-grade teachers in an academic year in Vietnam? (Image from the Internet)
What is the working period of 8th-grade teachers in an academic year in Vietnam?
Under clause 2, Article 5 of Circular 28/2009/TT-BGDDT the working period of 8th-grade teachers in an academic year is 42 weeks, including:
- 37 weeks for teaching and educational activities according to the academic year schedule.
- 03 weeks for learning, training, and improving qualifications.
- 01 week for preparing for the new academic year.
- 01 week for end-of-year summary work.
What is the teaching norm for 8th-grade teachers in Vietnam?
According to Article 6 of Circular 28/2009/TT-BGDDT, supplemented by clause 5, Article 1 of Circular 15/2017/TT-BGDDT:
Teaching Norm
The teaching norm is the number of theoretical or practical lessons each teacher must teach in a week. Specifically:
1. The teaching norm for primary school teachers is 23 lessons, lower secondary school teachers is 19 lessons, upper secondary school teachers is 17 lessons;
2. The teaching norm for teachers of boarding ethnic secondary schools is 17 lessons at the lower secondary level, 15 lessons at the upper secondary level;
The teaching norm for teachers of semi-boarding ethnic secondary schools is 21 lessons at the primary level, 17 lessons at the lower secondary level;
The teaching norm for teachers at schools for the disabled and handicapped is 21 lessons at the primary level, 17 lessons at the lower secondary level.
2a. The teaching norm for teachers at pre-university schools is 12 lessons
3. Teachers who serve as Leader of the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization at rank I schools teach 2 lessons per week, rank II schools teach 1/3 of the teaching norm, rank III schools teach 1/2 of the teaching norm of teachers at the same education level. The classification of general education schools is according to current regulations.
Thus, the teaching norm for 8th-grade teachers is 19 lessons. For 8th-grade teachers at semi-boarding ethnic secondary schools, it is 17 lessons.
