Le Hong Phong Specialized High School

(NLĐO) - An excerpt from the article "The Face Mask" by author Huynh Nhu Phuong, published in the Spring 2021 issue of Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper, appeared in the end-of-term II Literature exam for 10th grade students at Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted.

Tenth-grade students at Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted have just completed their second semester exams, featuring a very interesting Literature test.

Many students shared their thoughts after the exam about the questions being both topical and meaningful, especially the appearance of "The Face Mask" in the Reading Comprehension section of the Literature exam. In particular, the text in this Reading Comprehension section was an excerpt from the article "The Face Mask" by author Huỳnh Như Phương, published in the Người Lao Động newspaper in Spring 2021.

End-of-term II Literature Exam for 10th Grade at Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted

Specifically, the test question is as follows: Read the following excerpt:

"One of the objects that appeared throughout human life in 2020 was the face mask. Originally only common in environmentally polluted countries or in hazardous workplaces, since the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan (China) and subsequent pandemic, the face mask has been a part of people's lives, from East to West, from glamorous cities to remote villages, from young people in schools to the elderly in nursing homes..."

Overcoming initial fears and prejudices, the face mask has now won over the vast majority of humanity as a "savior" during the Covid-19 pandemic, at least until a vaccine against the disease becomes widely available globally.

First and foremost, a face mask is a medical product, intended to protect human health. Wearing a mask creates a shield to protect oneself, family, and society. Wearing a mask also helps reduce the burden on doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers in overloaded hospitals...

From a medical product, the face mask has become a social phenomenon. Wearing a mask is a way of expressing one's attitude towards others and in public spaces. Like the mask in a costume party, a mask only covers the mouth and nose, leaving the eyes, forehead, and hair exposed so that an image can be seen.

People can still recognize each other through the sparkling eyes filled with joy to encourage one another, or the sorrowful tears shed over the isolation of loved ones, or even the death of someone they cannot bid farewell to. Communication through the intermediary of a face mask requires certain changes: a louder voice, expressive eye contact, the necessary distance, and flexible gestures to engage the interlocutor…

The way people wear masks reflects their discipline and sense of community. Careful people only touch the straps, not the fabric, and change their masks daily; careless people wear them just for the sake of it, using the same cloth mask for days without washing it. Last year, our country successfully controlled the pandemic, partly due to decisive measures like social distancing and centralized quarantine, thanks in part to improved individual awareness regarding mask use.

In times of hardship, the face mask becomes a cultural phenomenon, representing family bonds, solidarity, and humanity.

Students should fulfill the following requirements:

Question 1: According to the text, which character/object appears throughout human life in 2020?

Question 2: Identify two benefits of wearing a face mask that are mentioned in the excerpt.

Question 3: Do you agree with the author's statement: "In times of hardship, the face mask becomes a cultural phenomenon, expressing family love, brotherhood, and humanity"? Why?

Question 4: What lessons have you learned from wearing a mask?

...

According to Ms. Hoang Thi Thu Hien, former Literature teacher at Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted, the most valuable and excellent part of the exam was the Reading Comprehension section, especially the image of "The Face Mask." By including this image, the exam was both relevant, topical, and highly educational . The exam skillfully connected literature with life.

According to Ms. Hien, the reading comprehension section of the exam was also excellent: the chosen text was highly topical, touching on issues of global significance and directly related to human lives. It both educated and raised students' awareness and understanding of COVID-19 prevention, and their responsibility to themselves and the community.

While some essay topics, due to their requirement of "Literature connected to life," often feel forced, this essay topic is very natural. The pages of books and the pages of life are seamlessly connected, practical, and urgent. The issue under discussion is not something far-fetched, nor does it require waiting for results; it is right beside the students, something they work on every day.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/giao-duc-khoa-hoc/doan-trich-dat-gia-tren-bao-nguoi-lao-dong-vao-de-thi-van-truong-chuyen-le-hong-phong-2021042816264886.htm