The book "Exhortation to Learning" is one of Xunzi's works from the Warring States period. It emphasises the importance and necessity of learning. Xunzi believed that learning was the key to attaining noble virtues.

The article starts with a linguistic analysis, e.g. "wheel band" is interpreted as "resultant". This helps the reader to understand the content. Next, we will discuss the structure of the article. This includescomparative argumentandmetaphorical argumentThese are the techniques that make the essay more in-depth and the argument clear. These techniques allow the essay to go deeper and make a clearer point.

Then, we will mention the deeper meaning of "Exhortation to Learning". By analysing sentences such as "A gentleman should never stop learning", we understand that Xunzi encouraged people to study hard. He encouraged the study of the ways of the sages. The metaphor of "a leap with a giant's foot" demonstrates the staying power of learning.

Conclusion, "Persuasion" is written in a meaningful and engaging style. This article will help readers to understand the content and writing skills. This will be very helpful for the DSE exam. The wisdom of Xunzi and the beauty of ancient texts will emerge in our study.

New Concepts Chinese Tutorials offers a full range of intensive courses. Whether it's a text analysis or a suggested sample, it's all explained in detail. Welcome to GETUTOR Chinese Private Tutoring (getutor.com.hk/findtutor) Find the best teacher for you!

Key Learning Points

• Xunzi's masterpiece, "Exhortation to Learning", emphasises the importance of learning.
• Strong arguments using contrasts and metaphors.
• Use rhetoric to make your writing more vivid.
• Understand the deeper meaning by analysing words and sentences.
• Learn about the key points and features of this article to help you prepare for the DSE exam.

Collection of worksheets on benevolence, filial piety, and being a gentleman

Persuasion Original and Translation

The original text of the persuasion

The gentleman said: learning can not be. Green, taken from the blue, and blue in the blue; ice, water for it, and cold in the water. Wood straight in the rope, wheel band for the wheel, its curvature in the rules. The wheel band makes it so that it does not become stiff even though there is a haystack. I have tried to think all day long, not as good as a moment's learning; I have tried to leap and look at, not as good as climbing high to see. If you climb up high, your arms are not longer, and the people you see are far away; if you call out to the wind, your voice is not faster, and the people you hear are more visible. A man with a false horse or carriage is not able to make a thousand miles with his feet; a man with a false oar is not able to make a river with his feet, but he is able to make a river with his feet. A gentleman is not born differently, but he is good at pretending to be something else.

If you accumulate earth to form mountains, wind and rain will arise; if you accumulate water to form an abyss, dragons will arise; if you accumulate goodness to form virtue, God will be pleased with you and your holy heart will be ready. Therefore, if you don't accumulate a few steps, you can't reach a thousand miles; if you don't accumulate a small stream, you can't make a river or an ocean. A single leap with a heavy weight is not enough for ten steps; a ten-horse drive is not enough for the work to be done. The act of baht is accumulated into money. Step by step, you can accumulate up to a thousand miles. The righteous man of the township is happy to educate the material, not guilty of introspection, and give it to others, the study of the West River, he is on the verge of Taoism and study, soak the more, but also in. I heard that the use of the line, give up the hide, the time to give is appropriate, the action is gained. The late king, who was a great Taoist, set up the Ziang school to teach them. Ziang means "to raise" and "school" means "to teach". Ziang is to raise; school is to teach; and sequence is to shoot. Summer is the school, Yin is the order, Zhou is the Ziang, the school is the three generations of the common, are so clear human ethics. Ethics on the top, the people in the bottom. The upper reasoning and the people easy to make, the way to get and the people do not follow. Poetry says: "If others have a heart, I will consider it." The Husband of Confucius was good at seducing people, and he used the language of literature to teach me, and the rituals to teach me. If you want to repay your virtue, you will be rewarded by heaven, therefore, if you do not have a hundred million or more, you will not be rewarded at all!

Translation of persuasive vernacular

A gentleman says, "Learning never stops. The colour green is extracted from bluegrass, but it is better than blue. Ice comes from water, but it is cooler than water. Timber is straight only when it is corrected, so that it can be used as a wheel to fit the circle. Even if the wood is partly rotten, it cannot stand up because it has not been carved. The wood is straight when it has been corrected with ropes, and sharp when it has been polished with gold. A gentleman learns extensively and examines himself, and in this way he can know what he is doing and do what he is doing without any faults. It is better to think for a day than to learn for a moment, and it is better to stand tall than to see far. Waving one's hand from a height, one can see farther even if one's arm is not longer; calling out to the wind, one can speak louder even if one's voice is not louder. Borrowing a vehicle instead of walking is the only way to travel a thousand miles; borrowing a boat instead of swimming is the only way to cross a river. A gentleman is not born differently, but makes good use of his environment.

Clay gathers into a mountain, thus wind and rain rise; water flows into an abyss, thus the dragon survives. Accumulation of good deeds is the only way to develop virtue, and wisdom is naturally sublimated. Only when one's feet are on the ground can one reach a thousand miles; the smallest threads of accumulation eventually converge to form a river and an ocean. No matter how fast you are, you can't take more than ten steps; no matter how many horses you have, the key lies in your unwillingness to give up. The accumulation of small things becomes great wealth; the accumulation of good deeds can achieve a thousand miles. A kind and loving person who is willing to take a break in the field is happy to cultivate talents, to look at his own heart without shame, to give to others, to learn from Xihe, and to persevere in spite of being slandered. It is possible to embrace it, but it is not possible to put it away, and the only way to succeed is to move in a timely manner. Ancient emperors promoted morality, showed people's character, and set up schools to educate the people. There should be a place for education, and the Ziang school should be established. Ziang was for the nurturing of the people, and the school was for the learning of the people. In the pre-Qin period, there was a ziang, in the Xia-Qin period there was an orderly ziang, and in the Western Zhou period there was a ziang, all for the purpose of clarifying the way of human ethics. When a wise ruler possesses human ethics, the people will be at peace. If the ruler is good at governing, the people will follow him. As the poem says, "If others have a heart, I will do the same for myself." Confucius was gentle in his speech and behaviour, touching people with his knowledge of the language and regulating me with his courtesy. What can I gain by repaying the kindness of others, a virtue that is as high as heaven?

Reading the original text and the translation, you will see how Xunzi emphasises the importance of continuous learning and extensive accumulation. He uses the analogies of blue and green, ice and water, and straight wood to illustrate how hard work and study can help one break through the limitations of one's natural talents and continuously improve oneself. He also explains the importance of unremitting efforts behind success through the principles of accumulating achievements to become a mountain and accumulating good deeds to become virtues. It is a profound and thought-provoking essay that has a strong inspirational effect on future generations.

Analysis of the Chinese Characters and Phrases of Persuasive Writing

There are a lot of Chinese characters and ancient and modern anagrams used in the text of "Exhortation to Learning". Knowing the true meaning of these words can help us understand the whole text.

First of all, "已" is the same as "止", which means to stop. Xunzi tells us that "learning cannot be stopped". This means never stop learning.

The word "Shu" in this passage means to cultivate, to practice. The word "yan" in this passage means to cultivate, to cultivate, to cultivate, and the word "yan" means to be modest and courteous. Xunzi believed that a gentleman should cultivate himself internally and show weakness externally. Such a person is able to cultivate himself and demonstrate humility and courtesy.

Understanding the Chinese characters and ancient and modern anagrams in the Exhortation is crucial to truly understanding Xunzi's ideas. Understanding the meaning of these words is the only way to truly understand Xunzi's teachings.

When reading the classics, be patient, learn and think deeply. In this way, you will gain much that will benefit you for the rest of your life.

The main idea of the persuasive essay

Article highlights the benefits of learning

The benefits of learning are highlighted in the book of Persuasion. He explains that through knowledge and reason, we can improve our character. By applying what we have learnt, we can gain insight and judge right from wrong.

Xunzi aimed to make his readers understand the importance of learning. He wanted his readers to be happy and good at learning.

Article on the right attitude towards learning

Xunzi talked at length about the right way to learn. He believed that perseverance was important. Particular emphasis was placed on humility and reflection over self.

Lifelong learning is the focus of this article. Xunzi used dialectical arguments to exhort us to treat learning well. He believed that learning with the right attitude would enable us to make progress.

Essentials and Analysis of Persuasive Passages

Xunzi's "Exhortation to Learning" teaches the world to study hard. The whole text is divided into three main points, each of which is an exhortation. By analysing the text, we can better understand the author's main idea.

The Importance of Learning

The article begins with a number of metaphors, such as "The green is taken from the blue, and the green is in the blue". These metaphors illustrate the importance of learning. The author warns that learning is a lifelong endeavour and one should not relax.

Make good use of external conditions for self-improvement

The second paragraph starts from daily life. The second paragraph starts from our daily life. Examples are given, such as climbing up to a high altitude, having a good wind, driving a car and so on. These seemingly ordinary things actually contain profound truths.

The author uses specific examples to integrate philosophy and make the text easy to understand.

A little goes a long way

The third paragraph of the article delves deeper into what it takes to achieve success. The author mentions that greatness requires accumulation and hard work. Just like "when you build up a mountain, the wind and rain will rise; when you build up an abyss, the dragon will emerge".

Here, prose and couplets are used to give the text a sense of rhythm. This writing style shows the author's deep thoughts.

Through a sentence-by-sentence analysis, we see the deep exhortation of "Exhortation". The essay develops from the shallow to the deep, demonstrating the author's thinking and literary ability. This paragraph-by-paragraph approach helps us to better understand this masterpiece.

An Analysis of the Writing Techniques of Persuasive Argumentation

In the essay "Exhortation to Learning", Xunzi used various methods of argumentation. For example, he uses analogical and contrastive arguments. This makes his points more convincing. These methods make the essay more logical and make it easier for readers to understand his views.

argument by analogy

Xunzi was good at using analogies to illustrate his ideas. He used examples from everyday life, such as blue grass and ice water, to illustrate the importance of learning. He said, "The green, taken from the blue, is greener than the blue" to show the power of learning. Through these vivid analogies, Xunzi's ideas become more understandable and accessible.

comparative argument

Xunzi also uses the technique of contrasting arguments. He compares the gentleman with the crab and the earthworm to talk about the attitude of learning. Xunzi believes that a gentleman should make use of external objects to make progress, like the crab, and should not make no progress, like the earthworm. This clear contrast highlights the noble character and unremitting pursuit of the gentleman. The method of contrast makes the essay more convincing and leaves a deep impression on the reader.

Overall, Xunzi's use of analogy and contrasting arguments makes the Exhortation more convincing. His arguments are clearer and more understandable. This made the reader think deeply. Xunzi's writing provided much inspiration for later writers.

Collection of worksheets on benevolence, filial piety, and being a gentleman

Analysis of rhetorical writing techniques

Xunzi uses a variety of rhetorical techniques in his essay "Exhortation to Learning". These techniques include similes and metaphors, which make the essay more understandable and lively. By analysing his writing style, we can learn how to use these techniques to improve the quality of our own writing.

simile

In "Exhortation to Learning", Xunzi often uses metaphors to make abstract truths concrete. For example, Xunzi says, "The green is taken from the blue, and the green is more blue than the blue". In this sentence, he used the metaphor of blue grass and the colour blue to describe learning, which means that learning can help one to improve. In addition, he also mentioned that "Ice is made of water, but it is colder than water". Here, he used ice and water as an analogy for learning to change one's character and to illustrate the importance of learning later in life. These analogies make the importance of learning deeply rooted in people's minds.

parallelism

Parallelism is a rhetorical device often used by Xunzi in his Exhortation to Learning. He used parallel sentences to express profound thoughts and emphasise the importance of learning. For example, he says, "When earth is accumulated to form a mountain, the wind and rain will rise; when water is accumulated to form an abyss, the dragon will be born. There are other examples in the article that emphasise the importance of studying hard.

Therefore, if you don't accumulate small steps, you can't reach a thousand miles; if you don't accumulate small streams, you can't make a river or an ocean.

This prose clearly expresses the importance of accumulation for success. It highlights the main idea of the essay "persuasion". As you can see, the use of prose makes the essay more convincing and touching.

All in all, similes and metaphors are important rhetorical techniques in the Exhortation. By analysing these techniques, we can have a deeper understanding of Xunzi's wisdom. By analysing these techniques, we can gain a deeper understanding of Xunzi's wisdom and gain experience from his writing to improve our own writing.

Important Examination Points of Persuasion

The "Persuasion" is a frequent article in the Chinese paper. If you want to get good marks, you should learn to apply your knowledge in addition to reading the core ideas of the text. You need to provide examples to prove your point. Here are a few topics you should know about:

1. You will need to understand the argumentative techniques used in the essay, such as the difference between green and blue and the difference between a gentleman and a crab. You need to explain how these arguments make the essay more convincing.
2. There are also a lot of rhetorical devices used in the article, such as similes and metaphors, and you have to say how these devices can make the article more imaginative and interesting.
3. We should also discuss the relevance of Xunzi's thinking to our present society. He believed that learning could transform us internally. You can illustrate this point in the context of modern society.
4. Finally, compare and contrast the similarities and differences between Exhortation and Teachers' Discourse. What are the similarities between the two in terms of learning attitude?

Therefore, a gentleman is not ashamed to ask questions, and he is not ashamed to seek benefits. He is not ashamed to ask questions, and he is not ashamed to seek benefits. He is not ashamed to be uncultivated, and he is not ashamed not to be heard of. It is not a matter of not having good people, but of not having many good people; it is not a matter of not having people who know, but of not having many people who know.

The above words illustrate Xunzi's idea of persuasion. He believed in humility and the courage to learn. This is very important for the DSE. You can analyse why Xunzi thought this way in the context of the whole text. Use similes and metaphors to strengthen your argument.

In short, Persuasion is full of wisdom and meaning. By reading it and sorting out the key points, you will be able to write an excellent essay on it. I hope you will do well in DSE Arts!

Article Structure Analysis

The importance of learning is emphasised at the outset. He then uses examples of individuals and groups to illustrate the benefits of learning. Xunzi's choice of intuitive and vivid metaphors, such as blue dyeing, sailing with the wind, and accumulating knowledge over time, make the profound truths visible.

The structure of Xunzi's essay is also very characteristic. Each paragraph has a central thesis, which is simple but profound. In this way, each paragraph can be read independently, but also smoothly connected to the context, so that the whole article is coherent and smooth.

If you accumulate earth to form mountains, wind and rain will arise; if you accumulate water to form an abyss, dragons will arise; if you accumulate goodness to form virtue, God will be pleased with you and your holy heart will be ready. Therefore, if you don't accumulate small steps, you can't reach a thousand miles; if you don't accumulate small streams, you can't make a river or an ocean.

At the end of the essay, it is once again emphasised that study is the key to attaining holiness. This structural arrangement makes Xunzi's important points more prominent and inspiring.

1. It was emphasised from the outset that learning is important to us.
2. Then analyse the benefits of individual and group learning.
3. Use vivid metaphors to enhance persuasive power
4. Each paragraph has a clear central point.
5. Finally, the importance of learning is highlighted once again.

Overall, the essay in Persuasion is skilfully and logically structured. It has a profound insight into the importance of learning. Through studying this article, we can improve our reading, writing and logical analysis skills.

Author's Background and Motivation

Xunzi was a Confucian thinker who lived in the late Warring States period. His work Xunzi became an important part of the development of Confucianism. Xunzi believed that human nature was inherently bad.

Introduction to Xunzi's life

Xunzi's real name was Situation and his character Qing. He was born in the State of Zhao during the Warring States period. During his youth, he studied in the states of Qi and Chu.

He studied with Mencius. He became a famous scholar because of his erudition and proficiency in Confucianism, Taoism and law.

Xunzi once served as the magistrate of Lanling and the guest secretary of King Hui of Liang. In his later years, he chose to live in seclusion in the mountains. There, he buried himself in his writings. He made great contributions to Confucianism.

Xunzi's main ideas

Xunzi inherited and developed the teachings of Confucius and Mencius. His views were unique. He believed that human nature was inclined to evil and therefore needed to be restrained.

In terms of educational philosophy, Xunzi believed that learning was of paramount importance. He believed that acquired learning could help change human nature and cultivate morality.

In addition, in terms of political philosophy, he advocated that equal importance should be attached to both manners and law. He firmly believed that the combination of etiquette and law could maintain social order and harmony.

These ideas have had a profound impact on Chinese culture.

Collection of worksheets on benevolence, filial piety, and being a gentleman

Purpose of writing an essay

The essay "Exhortation to Learning" reflects the importance Xunzi attached to education. At that time, the society was full of chaos and Xunzi deeply felt the need for education.

He believed that through learning, individuals could recognise good and evil and make self-improvement. This is also conducive to social stability. Therefore, he wrote this article.

Through the "Exhortation to Learning", he hoped to inspire people to study hard and cultivate their moral character for the benefit of society and themselves. All in all, Xunzi's purpose of writing was mainly to emphasise the importance of education.

Practical significance of persuasion

The Persuasion of Learning is a work written more than two thousand years ago, which has achieved a new significance today. Xunzi puts forward many ideas that are worthy of our deepest consideration. These ideas not only guide us in our lives, but also inspire us in education.

The Relevance of the Essay on Persuasion

Xunzi used the analogy of "green is taken from the blue, but it is more green than blue; ice is made of water, but it is colder than water" to illustrate the importance of learning. He said that through learning, one can surpass one's own talent and break through the limits. This spirit encourages us to strive forward.

Xunzi also mentions the important attitude of learning. He said that we should make good use of opportunities to strengthen ourselves with the help of external objects. "If a gentleman learns extensively and examines himself on a daily basis, then he will know well and act without fault." The breadth of knowledge and constant self-examination help us. They enable us to make wise choices.

Success requires persistence and hard work. Xunzi said, "If you build a mountain out of earth, the wind and rain will rise; if you build an abyss out of water, the dragon will arise. This analogy emphasises the importance of perseverance, both in learning and in other endeavours. It is only through perseverance that we can succeed.

Persuasion and Modern Educational Philosophy

Xunzi advocated learning and education to improve human nature. He believed that human beings are born with deficiencies, but through learning and cultivation, we can become better, and even become saints. This type of education is still considered effective today.

We can learn a lot from "Persuasion". Xunzi's ideas, including the concepts of continuous learning and making good use of external forces, are still inspiring today. Although "Exhortation" was written in ancient times, its wisdom and spirit should be treasured by us.

DSE Chinese Sample Essay "Persuasion" Question Type Analysis

In the DSE Chinese examination, there is a text called Xunzi's "Exhortation to Learning". Candidates need to understand its content well and grasp the meaning of key words and phrases. This is the only way to get high marks in the examination. Let's have a look at some of the common question types and techniques used in DSE Exhortation.

comprehension question

The comprehension questions mainly examined the candidates' understanding of the content of the text and the meaning of the words. For example, one of the questions in 2019 asked for an explanation of the meaning of 'a moment' in the phrase 'I try to think all day long, but it is not as good as what I learnt in a moment'. Candidates need to read the text carefully to clarify its meaning and identify the key words and phrases. They also need to understand the meaning of these words in context. By memorising and practising the vocabulary, you will be able to tackle the comprehension questions with ease.

Analytical questions

The analysis questions asked candidates to analyse the arguments and rhetorical devices used in the text. For example, one question in 2018 asked candidates to analyse which rhetorical devices were used in Persuasion, including simile, prose and questioning. To score high marks, candidates needed to identify the rhetorical devices accurately and also give examples to illustrate their effects. In addition, the structure of the text and the method of argumentation are also important in analysing the question. Think about the features of writing in the text and master the methods of analysis and apply them in your practice answers.

Comparison Questions

Comparison questions usually asked candidates to compare the similarities and differences between "Persuasion" and "The Teacher's Commentary". Both texts are about persuasion, but with slightly different emphases. The "Exhortation to Learning" says that learning can improve one's moral character and cultivate one's career, whereas the "Teacher's Commentary" talks about the way to be a teacher. When comparing the two texts, you need to read them carefully, find out what they have in common, and then point out the differences. Use examples to support your argument. Clarity of reasoning and point of view is the key to achieving high marks.

To score well in the DSE questions on Persuasion, candidates need to understand the text thoroughly, use their knowledge flexibly and answer the questions carefully. Practise moreAdvisory DSE Question TypeSkillful masteryExhortation Reading Answer KeyThe skills. For example, reading the questions carefully, understanding them accurately, and refining theExhortation Analysis QuestionThe arguments and rhetorical devices are found to beComparative QuestionsI'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it. As long as you work hard, you will be able to achieve something in the examination centre!

Writing Tips

Multi-purpose Rhetoric Tips

The quality of an essay can be greatly enhanced by the use of appropriate rhetorical devices. For example, similes and metaphors make writing lively and interesting. In translating Chinese, the simile "青出於藍而勝於藍" is very apt.

These rhetorical devices can enhance the expressive power of an essay.

Familiarise yourself with relevant vocabulary and knowledge of the Chinese language

Finally, it is important to familiarise yourself with the key vocabulary and knowledge of the language. There are some difficult words in the Chinese language, such as "吾" and "予", which have different meanings. For example, "吾" and "予" have different meanings, and "生" and "性" have different pronunciations.

Memorising these words will help you to understand the meaning of the text and avoid making mistakes in the examination. In addition, learning more about real and imaginary words in the Chinese language can improve your writing skills.

To excel in persuasive essays, candidates must be competent in all aspects. This includes argumentation, rhetoric and language. In addition, it is important to practise more persuasive essay simulations and to summarise the key points in time.

I believe that by doing so, you will be able to excel in your exams and get good grades.

in conclusion

Xunzi's "Exhortation to Learning" expresses the meaning of learning with clear logic and vivid metaphors. He encourages people to keep learning in order to improve themselves. Through studying this article, we can understand the wisdom of the ancients and learn valuable lessons from it.

We have learnt a lot through pondering over the "Persuasion". For example, in the face of unlimited learning, we should be prepared for danger and move forward pragmatically. Like insects and ants, we should persevere in our endeavours. Learning is the path to success.

The true meaning of "Persuasion" is to encourage ourselves to make progress at all times. If you are interested in traditional Chinese culture, you may consider joining DSE Chinese Language. GETUTOR Chinese Private Tutoring offers free teacher matching to help students achieve good grades. Embark on a journey of learning together and see the world for yourself.