Middle School Student Argumentative Essay Topics and Arguments - Starlight Essays

Author: Xingguang / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features:
Wang Guowei on the Path to Success
The renowned scholar Wang Guowei of the late Qing Dynasty once quoted the works of three ancient poets to illustrate three stages of life. He used the line "Yesterday the west wind withered the green trees, I climbed high towers alone, gazing into the distance until the horizon" from Yan Shu's "Butterfly Lovers" to describe the stage, explaining that when one begins to pursue a career or knowledge, they should have high standards and ambitious goals. He used the line "My belt grew loose but I never regretted it, for the sake of her, I would even waste away" from Liu Yong's "Phoenix perches in the willow grove" to describe the second stage, praising the perseverance of the pursuer who endures hardships and remains undeterred, even when physically and mentally exhausted to the point of emaciation, without changing their resolve. He also used the line "I searched for her in countless crowds, only to turn and find her in the dimly lit corners of the lanterns" from Xin Qiji's "Green Jade Table" to describe the third stage, expressing the joy of achieving success after years of hard work and exploration.
The Legend of KFC
The founder of KFC is Colonel Sanders. His success came from 1,009 failures and a two-year persistence. Initially, he was an elderly man living on relief. At the age of 65, he had the idea of making a living with his fried chicken skills and began visiting various restaurants to share his vision. At first, many people looked down on him. After 1,009 failures, he came to Salt Lake City and signed a contract there. Later, his franchisees grew in number, and today, it has developed into a global chain.
Success Ruined at the Very Breeze
During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the famous general Xie Xuan and his uncle Xie An achieved victory in the Battle of Fei River. They then led their troops northward, recapturing Xuzhou, Yanzhou, Qingzhou, Sizhou, Liangzhou, Yuzhou, and even advancing to Hebei. At the court, the Prince of Wuxi, Sima Daosi, envied Xie Xuan's brilliant military achievements. Just as Xie Xuan was advancing victoriously and on the verge of achieving a final victory, Sima Daosi, citing the long duration of the campaign, ordered Xie Xuan to withdraw his troops to Huining. Filled with anger and exhaustion, Xie Xuan fell ill on his return journey and died soon after. He was only 46 years old at the time. Later, the "Book of Jin" remarked on Xie Xuan, saying, "Why was his life so short? His great success was ruined just as it was about to be achieved."
Success Born from Suffering, Ruin from Comfort
During the Five Dynasties period, the warlord Li Kezong of Jin fought against the Later Liang, Khitan, and Yan. He ultimately failed and died in regret. On his deathbed, he left three arrows to his son Li Cunxu, urging him to avenge him. Li Cunxu never forgot his father's ambition. When he went to war, he placed the three arrows in a silk pouch. After returning victorious, he worshipped at his ancestral temple to inspire himself, worked hard, and expanded his territory, conquering Yan and Later Liang, defeating the Khitan, and winning nearly every battle. Later, when the world was unified and his great achievements were complete, he became arrogant due to his military successes, indulged in pleasure, and spent his days with actors, singing, dancing, and performing. As a result, the people lost faith, the state declined, and within three or five years, chaos broke out, and he himself was shot to death by arrows.
P15-16