hanh phuc suot doi ben nguoi

Educational institutions have a responsibility to dissuade students from pursuing fields of study in which they are unlikely to succeed. In any educational institute, the system of rewards and punishments is deemed effective in encouraging good behavior among students. Discuss the statement and give your opinion. Some people think that schools should reward students who show the best academic results, while others believe that it is more important to reward students who show improvements. Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. With media conspiracy, certain individuals and organizations are trying to polish their reputations under the cover of charity work. Doubts arise out of public concern over the truth which has been withheld or distorted. What is your opinion about the current media conspiracy? We can learn much more from people whose views we share than from people whose views contradict our own. Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. Some people think that success should be measured by the material possessions a person has acquired while others think that it should be judged by the knowledge he or she has. Discuss both views and give your opinion. Living in the abundance of mass media does more harm than good. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Plagiarism in academics has become a pressing problem in many countries today. What are the causes of this problem? What are some possible solutions?

random (lead-in)

In a world where educational guidance shapes future trajectories, it is common belief that >< there is a school of thought asserting that

many argue that the carrot and stick method is counterproductive in fostering favorable demeanor among students, and justifiably so.

adopting a comprehensive strategy that facilitates the all-encompassing development of students.

In the technology-driven world, means of information dissemination have been ubiquitous, exerting transformative effects on society.

we can work towards creating a culture of

a serious and pervasive issue in academic settings that can have far-reaching consequences for

guidance from experienced teachers → constructive feedback on course selection (particularly during high school when students are still in the formative stages of their academic journey.)

extensive experience → comprehend industry expectations + possess insights into students’ strengths and weaknesses → qualified to offer feedback

On the side of teachers and academic advisors, if equipped with extensive experience, some of them comprehend industry expectations and possess insights into students' strengths and weaknesses, qualifying them to proffer constructive feedback on course selection.

why does the high school period serve as a crucial time for reconsideration and self-reflection for students ?

teenagers → have more time and energy → fields where they can thrive and enjoy - eg: a student: lack strong foundation in math and coding → lower prospects despite aspiring for computer science degree → reconsider choice and potentiall redirect their direction

→ extreme situations: instituions = supportive role with constructive criticism, acknowledging that students = decide their own.

Being teenagers at the age of merely 18 years old, they have more time and energy to steer toward fields where their potential can flourish and their academic pursuits align with their abilities.

eg: a student, despite aspiring for a Computer Science degree, is prone to diminished acceptance chances into prestigious universities and a limited occupational success rate if they obviously lack a strong foundation in Mathematics and Coding.

→ beneficial if educators could assist them in meticulously contemplating their academic choices and potentially redirecting their direction if necessary.

→ in situations where it is clear and extreme, educational institutions should play a supportive role in providing students with constructive criticism on their choice of university program, acknowledging that it is ultimately students who decide their own academic path.

why shouldn’t dissuading students from their interests should be a primary approach for institutions to provide guidance on program selection ?

inherent personal differences → an environment encouraging exploration (even those outside conventional norms - not pursue passions). Viet Nam: emphasis STEM fields cuz of perceived job opps and expectations → creative and artistic talents overlooked → limited opps to nurture them.

the rationale lies in the distinctive aspirations, talents, and preferences inherent in individuals.

educational institutions should foster an environment that encourages students to explore their passions, even if those passions fall outside conventional norms since restricting choices based on perceived success rates could deter students from pursuing their life-long passions.

In Viet Nam, there has been a traditional emphasis on academic success in STEM fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. → students are often encouraged to pursue these disciplines due to perceived job opportunities and societal expectations → overlook the creative and artistic talents that students might possess in fields such as fine arts, literature, or social sciences → limited opportunities to nurture aptitude.

failure and challenges, although disheartening, are intrinsic components of the learning process.

embrace challenges derive lessons from setbacks = indispensable → resilience and triumphs. discouraging → limit growth potential + message setbacks = avoided → negate the profound value adversities bring.

embracing challenges and deriving valuable lessons from setbacks are indispensable life skills, enhancing personal resilience and eventual triumphs. → discouraging students from pursuing challenging fields not only limits their growth potential but also sends the message that setbacks are to be vehemently avoided → negate the profound value embedded in the learning experiences that adversities bring.

carror-and-stick idk

Have you ever been given some money as a reward for your academic achievements? Or have you ever been forced to stand outside your class with a thick dictionary on top of your head just because you are a bit overhyped in class? Many of us, as students, must have undergone those kinds of experiences before. That begs the question of whether

rewards and punishments teach students to differentiate right and wrong.

The right things that students should do are those deemed commendable and follow the common code of conduct, which, if carried out correctly, will end up in the form of rewards. >< wrong actions are despicable and even heavily banned in academic settings, meaning that students undertaking them will be given punishments.

→ shape students’ thinking and awareness of what is right or wrong, what is acceptable and what is not in both their schools and later in our society as well.

the rewards - punishments model aims to encourage appropriate deeds among students.

Everyone wants to receive compliments, especially students who are impressionable and crave recognition, be it academically or societally. → an impetus to strive for the good in order to earn a reward + avoiding the bad as they are frowned upon and they won’t help students gain an upper hand in their studying environment.

the completely extrinsic nature of the carrot and stick method, which may make students act against their intrinsic drives.

expected to behave in certain ways → scared to step out of societal norms or make changes in their academic settings → decrease their creativity, self-esteem and increase their reliance on teachers or adults’ opinions rather than theirs.

those gaining high grades are given great monetary rewards → students would vie for the valedictorian position just because they want the money or respect from others instead of actually wanting to improve themselves academically.

psychological disorders might emerge among students, especially those receiving punishments.

teachers might misuse their commanding role and set absurd standards, judging students unfairly and inflicting harsh penalties.

eg: Suppose a quiet student misses homework due to personal struggles at home; Instead of asking what is wrong, the teacher singles them out in front of the entire class, calling them lazy, or slapping their desk → The student feels completely humiliated and powerless. → the fear of facing that classroom again gives them severe anxiety and trauma.

→ The harsh penalty did not fix the missing homework—it just turned an academic stumble into an emotional crisis and pushed the student completely away from learning.

rewarding students for academic results → foster a cultural milieu towards excellence + provide clear recognition for those who consistently perform at a high scholastic level.

monthly academic achievement award: reward standout students in terms of their progress, dedication and their ability to maintain commendable academic records → incentivizes initial stragglers + top performers alike. → healthy competition and collective drive for success.

Take a monthly academic achievement award as an example, which recognizes and acknowledges students who demonstrate outstanding performance in their studies. → incentivizes students who may not initially rank among the top performers but also provides assurance to high-achieving students that consistent maintenance of their academic excellence will still earn them the awards.

→ The positive reinforcement creates a culture of healthy competition and a collective drive for success.

grades should never be a sole criterion, because rewarding students for improvements stands as a testament to the acknowledgment of the intrinsic value embedded in diligence and commitment, irrespective of their initial academic standings.

progress-and-dedication-based reward system: underline the virtues of tenacity and growth mindset + inclusive cuz reward students regardless of their starting points.

eg: math lagger can be rewarded if demonstrating unwavering dedication, though not securing top positions in class. → motivating factor for other students.

By adopting this perspective, educational institutions not only applaud the end result of effort but support the transformative journey itself, imparting a distinctive emphasis on the virtues of tenacity and perseverance and a growth mindset in students.

Unlike a rigid focus on absolute outcomes, this approach takes into account the diverse starting points of students and celebrates the individual progress made by every student, notwithstanding their level of competence.

Illustrative of this is the case that a student, who had initially struggled with mathematics, demonstrated a noticeable upward trajectory after unwavering commitment and extensive hours of dedicated study, though not achieving the top scores in class.

If this student gets recognized and commended for his/her progress, it not only boosts his/her confidence but also serves as a motivating factor for other students facing academic challenges.

→ reinforces the idea that success is not solely defined by where one starts but by the distance traveled and the hurdles overcome.

consumption of social media

Every day, we consume a colossal amount of information, either consciously or unconsciously, and a big part of it comes from the media.

the rise of media conspiracy allows individuals and organizations to embellish their names under the cloak of charity work, which in turn, stirs up concerns among the public about whether they are fed the right and sufficient information.

the original purpose of the media

Since its induction, the media has been expected to provide the public with useful, accurate, up-to-date information about what’s going on in our world, and most importantly, it has to stay loyal to the truth. + spreading kind-hearted actions

what are the actual things the media has been doing ?

it’s a completely different story: Rather than fulfilling their noble functions, the media has easily been manipulated by organizations and individuals to serve their malicious purposes.

what is the nature of the media ?

profit > truth

it wants to grab the attention and engagement of the public through sensational headlines or controversial stories. In other words, its top priority is to maximize profits from views and shares → sometimes the moral factor is overlooked and media conspiracy comes into play when bad people take advantage of it.

but why people are worried about the dire implications of the reality that media conspiracy is all the rage these days ?

Regarding the public, as they are deprived of the right to know the truth, they tend to accept what they have been given by the media, and in the long run, they might lose faith in the media for fear of being unconsciously hoaxed by misleading contents.

Individuals and organizations that misuse the media to spread unauthorized information will be damned if the public finds out, and that may even ruin their whole career or push them out of their desirable spotlight

media agencies are to blame harshly for bending the truth, which would cause them to lose considerable profits and worse, make them suffer from a crisis of distrust from the public.

what are the spill-over effects that performative actions might have on others whose deeds are out of goodwill.

media conspiracy sometimes leads to ignorance or even the denial of charity work done by celebrities even if they do it out of good will.

Instead of being appreciated for their contribution, they may have to come in for harsh criticism as people believe that the whole thing is fake, as with the case of Tran Thanh - a famous Vietnamese comedian, whose helpful intentions were questioned seriously by his followers as he has a history of doing some shoddy charitable work.

call to action

this phenomenon may get out of hand unless governments and authorities intervene with strict regulations about what is portrayed in the media. We, the readers and viewers of information, also should be alert, mindful, and vigilant to all sources of information that we take in through media platforms.

the growth of media must be kept in check, and media literacy be promoted to harness the power of mass communication for societal advancement.

what happens when we interact with like-minded people ?

When we interact with the like-minded, we feel affirmed in our convictions, knowing that we are not alone in our opinions.

illustrate the potent power that validation gives people that allows them to push themselves forward

in short: confirmation → confidence → resilience (eg. against skepticism or norms)

Confirmation from like-minded individuals can boost our confidence and self-esteem, thus helping us to strengthen our resilience and push forward with bravery against the norms.

Take a group of entrepreneurs who are passionate about the integration of artificial intelligence into teaching as an example. Although others may view this idea with skepticism, the group’s firm belief in their project and collective efforts may be able to mitigate the current drawbacks of AI and find a way to make the benefits of this technology to teaching and learning outshine its limitations.

what are the merits of engaging with individuals whose views diverge from our own

in short: foster intellectual growth, expand understanding, and cultivate empathy and tolerance.

engaging with individuals whose views diverge from our own is crucial for fostering intellectual growth, expanding our understanding of complex issues, and promoting empathy and tolerance.

why is exposure to a wide range of ideas, experiences and worldviews desirable ?

in short: challenged to critically evaluate our beliefs → question assumptions → consider alternative viewpoints → improved critical thinking. → minimize cognitive bias and narrow-mindedness

This exposure challenges us to critically evaluate our beliefs, question assumptions, and consider alternative viewpoints, ultimately leading to improved critical thinking abilities and communication skills.

→ constantly challenging oneself with differing viewpoints can minimize confirmation bias and narrow-mindedness due to overreliance on similar viewpoints, which hinders one's ability to evaluate ideas critically.

how does interacting with individuals holding a different perspective cultivate our empathy and understanding ?

it encourages us to recognize and appreciate the unique experiences and perspectives of others. Through respectful and constructive dialogue, we can bridge divides, find common ground, and work towards solutions that reflect the diverse needs and interests of society.

mark dau xoang

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when I mention Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg? Some may say they are billionaires, yes, some may say they own lots of companies, yes, others say they live in colossal mansions, I bet it’s another yes. Do you see the common point of all these things? Money. We tend to attach those successful people with money and lots of material possessions.

why is success often measured by the material possessions a person has acquired ?

1. material possessions are tangible, making them easier to be seen, felt, touched, and used to evaluate one’s success.

People who drive shiny cars, wear expensive tailored clothes, or live in mansions with both indoor and outdoor swimming pools are often deemed as successful ones living on top of the world because what they own can clearly be quantified.

→ Palpable things are also easily shown off to the world, making us form a perception that those people must be so successful that they can afford exorbitant physical stuff.

What is the main counterargument to material possessions as a measure of success?

Material possessions are too superficial to be the ultimate measure of success; knowledge provides a stronger foundation for achieving meaningful success.

Why is knowledge a stronger foundation for success?

knowledge is power, and the more knowledge we have, the better equipped we are to make informed decisions and navigate through life's challenges.

How does knowledge help people make better decisions?

Having a deep understanding of various subjects and concepts allows individuals to think critically and creatively, which are essential skills for success.

The ability to analyze information, solve problems, and in turn, make sound decisions is all rooted in the knowledge we acquire.

Why is success based on knowledge more sustainable?

success based on knowledge is about continuously growing and adapting to new situations. In other words, it includes a willingness to engage in lifelong learning and selfimprovement.

→ By staying curious and open-minded, individuals can stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the ever-changing world around them.

on sum smart shi

success should be defined based on our values, beliefs, and goals. No matter what our choice about what matters more, it’s important that we consider how each path aligns with our happiness and general well-being.

Why is regulating information becoming increasingly difficult?

in short: too much information → hard to be regulated → misleading or incorrect content → distort worldview

in detail:

A line of reasoning is ill-founded, if it fails to factor in the formidable ramifications of unfiltered information dissemination.

Amidst the exponential mushrooming of mass communication channels, the task of regulating and monitoring the authenticity and transparency of conveyed messages becomes an ever more daunting endeavor.

→ the vast expanse of available information across media outlets is beset with misleading or inaccurate content, ultimately distorting individuals' worldviews.

What happened as a result of the spread of false information during COVID-19?

the vast expanse of available information across media outlets is beset with misleading or inaccurate content, ultimately distorting individuals' worldviews. Demonstrably as follows, the spread of false information during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as conspiracy theories about the origins of the virus or misinformation about the effectiveness of certain treatments, has led to bewilderment and mistrust among the public.

What is another concern associated with a media-saturated world?

in short: privacy: cut-throat market → unscrupulous activities to gain an advantage → collect personal data.

in detail:

Another biding concern is the potential invasion of privacy in a media-saturated world → The excess of media can spawn a cut-throat market, in which media firms would go to any lengths to achieve a broader audience. → some platforms resort to unscrupulous activities such as spamming or wiretapping to collect data from potential customers.

eg: Facebook has long been accused of gathering its users’ information to sell covertly to other companies for advertising purposes. → demonstrates the deleterious aspects of the media-rich culture.

we dumb and we copy

At some point during our school years, I bet we all feel tired of doing boring, repetitive types of school tests and just want to give up. But we have to go to school and do homework, so we might be tempted to go online and copy others’ work, right? Such a scenario begs the question of

How does society judge our worth, and what effect does this have on students?

the pressure to perform well academically may make students resort to plagiarism:

In a society where our worth is often judged very superficially based on school grades or exams, students are stressed out and burdened by the fear of failure.

→ they may have no choice but to succumb themselves to plagiarism methods to save time, effort, or simply to finish tons of workload that they are assigned by teachers.

What is the reason why students find it easier to plagiarize?

with the bewilderingly tech-driven inventions, the accessibility of the Internet and free online tools make it easier for students to plagiarize → Now, with just a click of the mouse, students can find any information through newspapers, videos, or ChatGPT (which can generate anything they need), and use them in their assignments without properly citing those sources.

→ Such availability and convenience are too tempting for students to miss, especially those who are either stressed out by schools or too lazy to do their tasks.

What do schools need to focus on in order to combat plagiarism?

in short: education on academic integrity, proper citation practices, and utilization of detection software. Most importantly, reducing academic pressure.

in detail:

1. schools need to focus on the core of the matter - which is to educate students about academic integrity.

2. extracurricular sessions about proper citation practices ought to be implemented → distinguish between downright copying and appropriate reference ideas.

3. Professors can also leverage legit plagiarism detection software when grading students to ensure that their works are original.

4. Another deep-rooted cause that needs to be tackled is academic pressure.

   
   

What kind of environment should schools provide instead of emphasizing perfect grades?

Rather than emphasize high achievement and perfect grades, schools should be an encouraging environment for students to thrive in different ways instead of only excelling academically.

What will happen if schools create such an environment?

in short: high achievement and perfect grades → thrive in different ways → less academic pressure and more opps to pursue one’s passion → less plagiarism.

in detail:

Rather than emphasize high achievement and perfect grades, schools should be an encouraging environment for students to thrive in different ways instead of only excelling academically. If that can be done, plagiarism shouldn’t be a cause for concern as students may no longer need to fulfill unreachable academic expectations.

the context of Vietnam's education system ?

Vietnam’s education system has undergone numerous extensive reforms over centuries to foster upward social mobility. As of late, a policy has been put forward by the Ministry of Education and Training, stating that English be an optional subject in the national highschool graduation examination.

While some vehemently oppose it for fears of deepened neglect and educational inequality, others, myself included, see it as a welcome shift for its overwhelming merits.

What is the first reason justifying the validity of the initiative?

in short: ease the strain on financial and human resources → allocated to other crucial things.

in detail:

there are compelling reasons justifying the validity of the initiative: ease the strain on governmental resources and teaching staff: financial and human investments required for test design, test supervision and grading would be significantly reduced.

→ The streamlined exam procedure, in turn, can even allow resources to be allocated to other crucial aspects of education, such as curriculum enhancement.

What is the second reason regarding mandatory English and language proficiency?

in short: mandatory inclusion → exam-oriented mindset → less motivation to truly acquire and apply → obsolete.

in detail:

a mandatory inclusion of English in the exam does not necessarily guarantee language proficiency: When being pressured to study so as to be eligible for graduation, an exam-oriented mindset may be fostered, with which students are obsessed with exam preparation rather than truly acquiring and applying the second language in real-life situations.

→ Such a static body of knowledge, however, is subject to obsolescence over a long term.

Why is the national exam itself not an accurate yardstick of language capability?

the national exam itself is not an accurate yardstick of language capability, as it does not assess listening and speaking skills.

→ After all, the decision proves to be a well-thought-out adaptation.

well-thought-out: carefully and thoroughly planned with good judgment and attention to detail.

What is the first loophole that the elective English graduation exam inherently harbors ?

in short: not required → less motivated to study → disengagement → insufficient command.

in detail: it might cultivate a lackadaisical attitude towards English learning: without the requirement serving as a compulsion to diligently study English, young students, particularly those struggling, may withdraw from engaging themselves seriously in the study.

→ This neglect, overtime, can translate into insufficient English command, hampering Vietnamese students to make progress in the globalized workforce.

How might the reform potentially exacerbate educational inequalities between regions?

in short: no compulsion → disadvantaged areas drop it >< developed regions continue to prioritize it → widen the gap in language competence → lop-sided development.

in detail: Even more, the reform potentially exacerbates existing educational inequalities. As English is no longer a prerequisite, schools in rural and disadvantaged areas such as Lai Chau and Dien Bien may deprioritize English instruction due to limited resources. >< more well-off and developed areas, with abundant resources and ample access to educational facilities continue to prioritize English.

→ The gap in language competence among regions is then further widened, tantamount to lop-sided development of both students themselves and the country.

How can the potential demerits of this policy be assuaged and even preempted through rigorous assessment and joint efforts by all stakeholders ?

in short: make students motivated.

in detail: Schools and parents can provide support and incentives to students to boost their morale in learning. For instance, teachers can create a stimulating learning experience by providing close assistance and adopting innovative teaching methods, such as immersion or technology-assisted quizzes

The government can take the initiative in subsidizing facilities and resources in disadvantaged areas to reinforce educational equality.

What is the author's final position on making English optional in the exam?

possible pitfalls of aggravating nonchalance to English learning and regional disparities in education >< prevented by mutual efforts.

making English optional in the national highschool graduation exam is warranted: it holds great promise in streamlining the examination process and promoting true learning.