What are the 15 best sample brief essays telling a historical story? What are the required literary competencies for 4th-grade students in Vietnam?

What are the 15 best sample brief essays telling a historical story?

Students can refer to the following best sample brief essays telling a historical story:

Sample 1: Quang Trung's Great Victory over the Qing Army

At the end of 1788, the Qing invaders led by Sun Shi Yi marched into our country. The Qing army was large and strong, but King Quang Trung was not afraid. He decided to go to battle with a determined spirit of victory. Before advancing, Quang Trung had his troops train diligently and prepare strategies thoroughly.

On the 5th day of the Lunar New Year (1789), Quang Trung led his army to Go Dong Da, where the Qing army was camped. Our forces launched a surprise attack, striking forcefully at the enemy. The Qing army panicked and fled, being thoroughly defeated. Our troops achieved a resounding victory, driving the invaders out of the country and protecting the nation's independence.

The victory at Go Dong Da is one of the glorious achievements in Vietnamese history, showcasing the bravery and leadership talents of King Quang Trung.

Sample 2: The Victory at Bach Dang River in 938

At the end of 938, the king of the Southern Han, Liu Gong, under the pretext of helping Kieu Cong Tien against Ngo Quyen, sent his son Liu Hong Thao to lead a navy fleet from China to invade our country by sea. The Southern Han army was numerous and strong, but Ngo Quyen had meticulously prepared plans to repel the invaders.

Ngo Quyen chose Bach Dang River as the decisive battle site. He had our troops ambush and set sharp stakes in the riverbed. When the Southern Han troops advanced, their boats were ensnared on the stakes, unable to move. At this moment, our troops launched simultaneous attacks from both the riverbank and the river, causing chaos among the Southern Han forces. The enemy was completely defeated, and Liu Hong Thao had to retreat back to his country.

The victory at Bach Dang River is a milestone in history, helping Ngo Quyen secure the nation's independence and usher in a long period of peace for the country.

Sample 3: The Victory at Rach Gam – Xoai Mut (1785)

In 1785, the Siamese army (Thailand) invaded our country with the intention of helping Nguyen Anh regain power. The Siamese forces were large and strong, but King Quang Trung was undaunted. He was determined to repel the invaders to protect the country.

Quang Trung decided to attack the Siamese forces in the riverine area, where the enemy could not easily maneuver. He led our troops to Rach Gam – Xoai Mut, an area favorable for ambushes. At this time, the Siamese forces were caught in a trap, unaware that our troops had already ambushed.

On January 19, 1785, Quang Trung's forces launched a surprise attack, quickly routing the Siamese. The Siamese were thrown into panic and completely defeated by our troops. Following the victory, Quang Trung firmly defended the country, asserting his power.

The victory at Rach Gam – Xoai Mut is not only a great military achievement but also a testament to Quang Trung's strategic prowess and courage in defending the nation's independence and freedom.

Sample 4: The Victory at Dien Bien Phu (1954)

In 1954, the war between the Vietnamese army led by General Vo Nguyen Giap and the French army was at a decisive stage. The French set up a base at Dien Bien Phu, a mountainous area in the Northwest, to block our army's advance into the North. However, under the brilliant leadership of General Vo Nguyen Giap, our army devised a plan to defeat the French.

Our army conducted a very skillful and persistent military campaign. Although the French were strong in armament, our forces had a tactical advantage. Fierce battles and assaults on French bases took place over several months. Our troops employed tactics of digging tunnels and positioning artillery in strategic locations to attack the French. Finally, on May 7, 1954, our forces achieved complete victory, forcing the French to surrender. The victory at Dien Bien Phu was a monumental achievement, ending French colonial presence in Indochina and opening a new era for the country.

Sample 5: The Victory in the Air Battle of Dien Bien Phu (1972)

In 1972, during the intense Vietnam War, the United States launched "Operation Linebacker II," also known as the "Air Battle of Dien Bien Phu," targeting Hanoi and Haiphong with B-52 bombers. The U.S. aimed to destroy military facilities and weaken the fighting spirit of our people.

However, our army and people, under the leadership of the Communist Party and President Ho Chi Minh, bravely resisted. Our forces used an air defense system with SAM missiles and anti-aircraft guns, alongside decisive counter-strategies. After many days of resistance, we shot down many U.S. B-52 bombers, forcing the U.S. to halt the attack and agree to peace negotiations.

The "Air Battle of Dien Bien Phu" victory was a major surprise to the world, demonstrating Vietnam's air defense capabilities, and stands as one of the celebrated achievements in modern warfare history.

Sample 6: The Victory at Bach Dang (1258)

In 1258, the Mongol army under the command of General Omar invaded Dai Viet. The Tran dynasty, led by King Tran Thai Tong, decided to resist the invaders. King Tran Thai Tong, along with generals like Tran Hung Dao, executed a smart and resolute strategy.

Our troops set up defensive positions at Bach Dang, with its advantageous terrain. The Mongol army was ambushed by our forces while we had the advantage of terrain and tactics. The Mongols fell into the prepared traps, their ships were pierced by stakes under the riverbed. Our forces struck at the weak points of the invaders, forcing them to withdraw. The victory at Bach Dang in 1258 demonstrated the Tran dynasty's prowess in defending the nation's independence and freedom.

Sample 7: The Victory at Ham Tu (1285)

In 1285, the Mongol Yuan army under the command of General Omar launched a second invasion of Dai Viet. This time, our army faced a larger invasion. However, King Tran Nhan Tong and General Tran Hung Dao planned a determined fight.

Our forces strategically withdrew to defend at Ham Tu, utilizing the treacherous terrain. The Mongol Yuan army attacked, but our forces stood firm, repelling many assaults. When the Mongols were exhausted, our army launched a powerful counterattack, causing panic and retreat among the enemy. Following this victory, the Mongol Yuan was forced to retreat from Dai Viet for the second time, suffering heavy defeat.

Sample 8: The Victory at Chuong Duong (1288)

In 1288, after their defeat at Ham Tu, the Mongol Yuan forces returned to invade Dai Viet once more. This time, the Mongols sent General Zhang Wenhu to lead the attack. However, the Tran dynasty, under the leadership of King Tran Anh Tong and General Tran Hung Dao, remained resolute in the fight.

The battle at Chuong Duong took place on the river, with our forces employing clever tactics. Stakes were set under the river, preventing the Mongol Yuan from advancing, and our forces launched a surprise attack. The Mongol Yuan were caught off guard and were completely defeated. The victory at Chuong Duong is one of the illustrious feats that discouraged the Mongol Yuan from invading again.

Sample 9: The Can Vuong Movement (1885-1896)

The Can Vuong Movement was one of the major resistance movements against French colonial rule in the late 19th century. After King Ham Nghi was captured and exiled by the French, the patriotism of the people remained undiminished. In 1885, the Can Vuong Movement, led by patriots such as Phan Dinh Phung, Truong Dinh, and Ton That Thuyet, erupted across the country.

The Can Vuong Movement aimed not only to restore the throne for King Ham Nghi but also symbolized the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people. Uprisings broke out in many places, especially in the Central and Southern regions, notably the uprisings of Truong Dinh in Dinh Tuong and Phan Dinh Phung in Quang Binh. Despite fierce suppression by the French, the spirit of resistance remained strong, leaving a profound mark in the history of the nation's struggle.

Sample 10: The Yen The Uprising (1884-1913)

The Yen The Uprising was a notable resistance movement against French colonial invasion during the late 19th century. Led by leader Hoang Hoa Tham, the people of Yen The (Bac Giang) rose against the French rule. From 1884, Hoang Hoa Tham gathered a sizable force of soldiers, farmers, and ethnic minorities, organizing an uprising in the rugged mountainous areas of Yen The.

The uprising lasted nearly 30 years (1884-1913). Despite being encircled by the French and their cohorts, thanks to guerrilla tactics, the Yen The insurgents repeatedly defeated the French forces, causing significant difficulties for the enemy. Though ultimately the French managed to suppress the insurgency in 1913, the Yen The Uprising inspired the undying fighting spirit of the people, becoming one of the exemplary resistance movements in Vietnam's history against French colonialists.

Sample 11: The Hai Ba Trung Uprising (40-43)

In the early first century, when our country was invaded by the Eastern Han, the Vietnamese people endured the oppressive rule of the Han. At this time, the two sisters, Trung Trac and Trung Nhi, daughters of a noble family in Me Linh, witnessing the oppression of the people, decided to rise up and resist the invaders.

When Trung Trac's husband, Thi Sach, was killed by Han officials, the sisters led a rebellion. They gathered the people, fought valiantly, and achieved many significant victories. Our forces defeated numerous Han fortresses, reclaiming vast territories. In a short time, the two sisters drove out the invaders, establishing an independent kingdom.

The uprising of Hai Ba Trung, although lasting only three years (40-43), set a shining example of patriotism, resilience, and the sacrifices of Vietnamese women in defending the nation. The sisters fought bravely until they were eventually defeated, but their image remains an indomitable symbol of the nation.

Sample 12: The Ba Trieu Uprising (248)

In 248, after the decline of the Eastern Han, the country was still not freed from northern domination. At this time, the Han forces led by Toa Do oppressed the Vietnamese people. A courageous and talented woman, Ba Trieu, from Nong Cong village (Thanh Hoa), stood up to lead an uprising against the invaders.

Ba Trieu, whose real name was Trieu Thi Trinh, was the daughter of a peasant family. From a young age, she showed great ambition and talent. Witnessing the oppression of her people, she decided to lead an army against the enemy. Ba Trieu, with a large force of warriors and peasants, attacked the Han.

Her uprising, though short-lived, achieved resounding success. Her troops fought bravely and won numerous victories. However, when the Han army reinforced its numbers, Ba Trieu chose death to preserve her honor and spirit, refusing surrender. Her famous quote is: "I want to ride the storm, tread upon the waves, kill the big sharks in the Eastern Sea, clean up the nation, rather than bend my back to be a concubine."

The failure of Ba Trieu's uprising does not dim her heroism's image, which lives on in the hearts of the Vietnamese, symbolizing patriotism and unyielding spirit.

Sample 13: World War I (1914-1918)

World War I was one of the largest and most devastating wars in human history, occurring from 1914 to 1918. It was primarily between two alliances: the Triple Alliance, including Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy (later, Italy switched sides), and the Allies, including Britain, France, Russia, and later the United States.

The main causes of the war were power struggles among major empires, nationalist issues, and military alliances. A key event triggering the war was the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, in June 1914 in Sarajevo, which drew allied nations into war.

World War I caused immense casualties and damage. Millions died, and millions more were injured. Fierce battles took place across European fronts, especially the Western Front, characterized by trench warfare. Eventually, in 1918, the war ended with the Allies' victory, and peace treaties, notably the Treaty of Versailles, redrew the political map of Europe and the world.

Sample 14: World War II (1939-1945)

World War II, occurring from 1939 to 1945, was the largest global conflict in history. Its main cause was the rise of fascism in Germany under Adolf Hitler, alongside Japan and Italy's expansionism.

When Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, Britain and France declared war on Germany, marking the war's onset. Later, other countries, including the U.S. and the Soviet Union, joined the fight, forming two opposing factions: the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, Japan) and the Allies (Britain, France, the Soviet Union, the U.S., China, and others).

World War II inflicted massive casualties and devastations, resulting in about 60 million deaths, including millions of civilians killed in bombings, concentration camps, and global warfare. The Holocaust, wherein Nazi Germany exterminated over 6 million Jews, was one of the war's most brutal episodes.

The war ended in 1945 with the Allies' victory. Germany was divided, and Japan and Germany had to surrender. World War II radically altered the world order and led to the United Nations' formation, aiming to maintain international peace and security.Sample 15: The Cold War (1947-1991)

The Cold War was a prolonged confrontation between two world superpowers after World War II: the Soviet Union and socialist countries, and the United States along with Western allied nations. Although there was no hot war between the two blocs, this confrontation was an "unofficial war" occurring on multiple fronts, including military, political, economic, and particularly in space exploration.

The causes of the Cold War stemmed from differences in political systems and ideologies: the Soviet Union followed socialism, while the United States espoused capitalism. This war did not take place through direct battles but mainly through indirect conflicts in other countries (such as in the Vietnam War and the Korean War) and in the nuclear arms race. These two superpowers also intensified the space race, with efforts to send humans to the moon and develop rocket technology.

The Cold War lasted nearly half a century and eventually ended in 1991 when the Soviet Union dissolved, closing a chapter of intense confrontation. The Cold War left many long-lasting consequences, including the division of spheres of influence worldwide and the development of weapons of mass destruction.

Note: The content is for reference only!

What are the 15 best sample brief essays telling a historical story? (Image from Internet)

What are the required literary competencies for 4th-grade students in Vietnam?

Under Section 3 of the General Education Program in Literature issued with Circular 32/2018/TT-BGDDT, the required literary competencies for 4th-grade students in Vietnam are as follows:

- Distinguish between poetry and prose, and know how to read both.

- Recognize the beauty of artistic language.

- Have imagination, understand, and be moved by the beauty and goodness of people and the surrounding world as expressed in literary texts.

What are the required outcomes regarding writing practice for 4th-grade students in Vietnam?

- Write a narrative essay recounting an event witnessed (seen or watched) or participated in and share thoughts and feelings about it.

- Write an essay retelling a story read or heard, or write an imaginary paragraph based on a story read or heard.

- Write a descriptive essay about animals or plants; use personification and words that highlight the distinguishing features of the subject being described.

- Write a paragraph expressing personal feelings about a character in literature or a person close and dear.

- Write a short paragraph explaining why you like a story that has been read or heard.

- Write a short text guiding the steps to perform a task or use a product, consisting of 2-3 steps.

- Write a group discussion report, follow a form, or write a letter to family or friends.