144 students from Ho Chi Minh City took part in the 10th annual “Prudential - Good Essay, Good Writing” contest on October 25.

Tang Thi Thanh Thuy, student of Ba Dinh High School in District 5, takes part in the "Prudential-Good Essay-Good Writing" contest on October 25. (Photo: Mai Hai)

The students were divided into two groups, one comprised of 6th and 7th graders, and one made up of 8th and 9th graders.

The younger group submitted essays based on the topic of encouraging their friends to participate in the contest and highlighted the importance of writing well.

The second group, meanwhile, turned in essays which analyzed the verses of a Vietnamese poem titled “Tieng ru” (Lullaby) by To Huu. The poem explores the relationship between individuals and their community.

Well-written essays with an expressive style will receive high marks, said a member of the judging panel.

Organizers included Sai Gon Giai Phong Newspaper and the City Department of Education and Training. The annual contest sponsored by insurer Prudential Vietnam was firstly held in 2000, aiming to encourage literature study and good handwriting among junior high school students.