1. Interest level
I think this course would be extremely interesting for some anglophonic people who write how they speak and don't know, for example, that the word "alright" doesn't exist. It would also be beneficial to many francophonic people who don't know the difference between "write", "rite" and "right"; "where", "wear" and "were"; "than" and "then"; etc. I thought it was quite interesting even though I already knew it.
2. Difficulty
For people who can make the difference between an adverb and an adjective, and between the words that sound the same, the course is extremely easy. I am one of these people, since I write much better than I speak in English... However, I am sure it can be difficult for people who speak very well but never write.
3. What I learned
Unfortunately, I cannot say I learned anything...
4. My score: 100/100
5. Course rating: 8/10
Even though this course was not interesting for me, I think it is the most relevant course I took so far. I think people don't know how to write; especially when they write posts on sites like Facebook or on blogs. I see mistakes like "your" instead of "you're" way too often. If everyone took a course like this one, maybe people would stop inventing new languages on the Web...
Monday, November 23, 2009
LEL 3: Grammar Skills for Writing 2: Fine-tuning Punctuation
1. Interest level
This course was not really interesting. I thought it would teach how to use punctuation to add interesting effects in a sentence, but it was only about the grammar rules concerning punctuation and the correct use of punctuation in English language.
2. Difficulty
The course is divided in four lessons. Lesson 1 - about colons and semicolons - was very easy, since we saw it in class when we talked about the sentence patterns. Lesson 2 - about apostrophes and dashes - was also very easy, since I learned a long time ago how to use apostrophes in English, and dashes are used the same way as in French. Lesson 3 - about quotation marks - was more tricky, because it was not like in French. Finally, lesson 4 - about hyphens, parentheses, brackets, ellipsis, diagonals and numbers - was not really hard, but it was certainly the most interesting part, because it was more complete.
3. What I learned
I learned where to place the punctuation in quotations in English. In French, we put the commas and the dots after the quotation mark; but in English they have to be placed before. I also learned that brackets have to be used to insert a parenthetical idea in another, instead of a second pair of parenthesis.
4. My score: 95/100
5. Course rating: 7/10
I think the course is relevant enough, but it could be improved by adding a lesson about how to use punctuation to create special effects in a text.
This course was not really interesting. I thought it would teach how to use punctuation to add interesting effects in a sentence, but it was only about the grammar rules concerning punctuation and the correct use of punctuation in English language.
2. Difficulty
The course is divided in four lessons. Lesson 1 - about colons and semicolons - was very easy, since we saw it in class when we talked about the sentence patterns. Lesson 2 - about apostrophes and dashes - was also very easy, since I learned a long time ago how to use apostrophes in English, and dashes are used the same way as in French. Lesson 3 - about quotation marks - was more tricky, because it was not like in French. Finally, lesson 4 - about hyphens, parentheses, brackets, ellipsis, diagonals and numbers - was not really hard, but it was certainly the most interesting part, because it was more complete.
3. What I learned
I learned where to place the punctuation in quotations in English. In French, we put the commas and the dots after the quotation mark; but in English they have to be placed before. I also learned that brackets have to be used to insert a parenthetical idea in another, instead of a second pair of parenthesis.
4. My score: 95/100
5. Course rating: 7/10
I think the course is relevant enough, but it could be improved by adding a lesson about how to use punctuation to create special effects in a text.
Friday, November 20, 2009
11 Sexy Ways to Introduce a Literary Analysis
Background:
- Need a thesis statement (TS)
- Phrase the TS in terms of literary elements
- A TS is an interesting interpretation
- Use "quotations" to support the interpretation
- Don't use "I think"
1. Biographical information (author)
In Occurence at Owl Creek, A. Bierce was a northen soldier, yet he takes a southern point of view to express the horrors or war.
2. Quotation
"I am not mad. No, not me." Why did the narrator say this? Was he really sane? E.A. Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart explores the fine line between madness and sanity from the perspective of the narrator.
3. Definition
According to the dictionary, a lottery is a random draw with money as the prize. In S. Jackson's The Lottery, the prize is very macabre indeed: it's death by stoning.
4. Literary element
Imagery is a powerful way to express feelings and emotions. In Ode on a Grecian Urn, J. Keats personifies an ancient object to show the contrast between eternal beauty and ephemeral beauty.
5. Life experience of an author
E. Hemingway had a lot of problems communicating with women throughout his life. This is reflected in Hills Like White Elephants, where Jig and the American never really communicate.
6. Plot
At the beginning of Oscar Wilde's Nightingale and the Rose, the nightingale's heart is broken by the student's sadness. By the end, her heart is literally broken by a thorn of a rose tree.
7. Philosophical or sociological concept
Tries involving life and death should be based on reason and justice. In F.S.'s The Lady or the Tiger, justice is based on the whims of the king.
8. Historical background
Gothicism was in vogue in the early nineteenth century, delving into metaphysical issues and the meaning of death. In E.A. Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart, there are many gothic elements.
9. Claim to fame and notoriety
J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye was written in the 1950's and is still read in almost every literature course.
10. Interesting imagery
A painting is for the painter what the novel is for the writer.
11. Allusion
Many literary works are related to trials: Karfka's The Trial, Lee's Tokilla, T. Capote's In Cold Blood. These express universal themes. In Lawrence and Lee's Inherit the Wind, the trial explores free thinking US fundamentalism.
- Need a thesis statement (TS)
- Phrase the TS in terms of literary elements
- A TS is an interesting interpretation
- Use "quotations" to support the interpretation
- Don't use "I think"
1. Biographical information (author)
In Occurence at Owl Creek, A. Bierce was a northen soldier, yet he takes a southern point of view to express the horrors or war.
2. Quotation
"I am not mad. No, not me." Why did the narrator say this? Was he really sane? E.A. Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart explores the fine line between madness and sanity from the perspective of the narrator.
3. Definition
According to the dictionary, a lottery is a random draw with money as the prize. In S. Jackson's The Lottery, the prize is very macabre indeed: it's death by stoning.
4. Literary element
Imagery is a powerful way to express feelings and emotions. In Ode on a Grecian Urn, J. Keats personifies an ancient object to show the contrast between eternal beauty and ephemeral beauty.
5. Life experience of an author
E. Hemingway had a lot of problems communicating with women throughout his life. This is reflected in Hills Like White Elephants, where Jig and the American never really communicate.
6. Plot
At the beginning of Oscar Wilde's Nightingale and the Rose, the nightingale's heart is broken by the student's sadness. By the end, her heart is literally broken by a thorn of a rose tree.
7. Philosophical or sociological concept
Tries involving life and death should be based on reason and justice. In F.S.'s The Lady or the Tiger, justice is based on the whims of the king.
8. Historical background
Gothicism was in vogue in the early nineteenth century, delving into metaphysical issues and the meaning of death. In E.A. Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart, there are many gothic elements.
9. Claim to fame and notoriety
J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye was written in the 1950's and is still read in almost every literature course.
10. Interesting imagery
A painting is for the painter what the novel is for the writer.
11. Allusion
Many literary works are related to trials: Karfka's The Trial, Lee's Tokilla, T. Capote's In Cold Blood. These express universal themes. In Lawrence and Lee's Inherit the Wind, the trial explores free thinking US fundamentalism.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Book Report - Pride and Prejudice
Through the years, many novels have marked the history of English litterature; Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, is certainly one of them. This famous novel is among the greatest classics of literature for it is highly apreciated for its wit, the social criticism it contains and its engaging characters. All these elements, and many others, contribute to the originality of both the story and the style of the writing. In this report, I am going to explain how the point of view and the characters make Pride and Prejudice a good novel.
First, it is important to mention the particular point of view. In any novel of this kind, the main character would, without any doubt, have been Jane, Elizabeth's older sister. The most classical love story between her and Mr. Bingley would have made a perfect scenario for one of these cliché romantic novels with which the libraries are overflowing. The originality of Jane Austen's concept lies in the point of view, that uses Elizabeth Bennet as the main character. While Jane's story is still present, it is seen mostly from her sister's eyes, which makes it more interesting. However, it also makes it appear secondary. The major place is taken by Elizabeth's thoughts about her family, her regards in respect to some characters and her dislike toward some others. Furthermore, in the second half of the novel, her rather uncommon story with Mr. Darcy becomes the main center of interest. This hatred gradually turning into love is a great change compared to the usual "love at first sight" fairy tale.
Then, another element that is essential in the story, for it makes it realistic and funny, are the characters. Each character has a distinct personality that contributes to make the story more interesting. From Mrs. Bennet's garrulity and foolishness to her husband's cynicism, with Jane's infinite kindness, Lizzy's explosive character, Darcy's pride and Collins' ridiculousness, the mix can be nothing but delightful. Moreover, the pride and insolence of the characters of higher class show a profound critique of society. They consider the people of lower rank as savages and have no remorse when they openly criticize them. The "savages", on their side, are willing to do anything to increase their fortune, as to marry someone for whom they have no respect. For example, Mrs. Bennet wants Elizabeth to marry Mr. Collins, and Charlotte actually does marry him, for the sake of money. It is so fair to say that the characters are extremely realistic and represent with an outstanding precision the society of that time.
In conclusion, I must say Pride and Prejudice is one of the best novels I have read. Smart and funny, yet touching, it has everything it needs to please almost any kind of reader. Jane Austen's masterpiece will forever remain a classic of English literature.
First, it is important to mention the particular point of view. In any novel of this kind, the main character would, without any doubt, have been Jane, Elizabeth's older sister. The most classical love story between her and Mr. Bingley would have made a perfect scenario for one of these cliché romantic novels with which the libraries are overflowing. The originality of Jane Austen's concept lies in the point of view, that uses Elizabeth Bennet as the main character. While Jane's story is still present, it is seen mostly from her sister's eyes, which makes it more interesting. However, it also makes it appear secondary. The major place is taken by Elizabeth's thoughts about her family, her regards in respect to some characters and her dislike toward some others. Furthermore, in the second half of the novel, her rather uncommon story with Mr. Darcy becomes the main center of interest. This hatred gradually turning into love is a great change compared to the usual "love at first sight" fairy tale.
Then, another element that is essential in the story, for it makes it realistic and funny, are the characters. Each character has a distinct personality that contributes to make the story more interesting. From Mrs. Bennet's garrulity and foolishness to her husband's cynicism, with Jane's infinite kindness, Lizzy's explosive character, Darcy's pride and Collins' ridiculousness, the mix can be nothing but delightful. Moreover, the pride and insolence of the characters of higher class show a profound critique of society. They consider the people of lower rank as savages and have no remorse when they openly criticize them. The "savages", on their side, are willing to do anything to increase their fortune, as to marry someone for whom they have no respect. For example, Mrs. Bennet wants Elizabeth to marry Mr. Collins, and Charlotte actually does marry him, for the sake of money. It is so fair to say that the characters are extremely realistic and represent with an outstanding precision the society of that time.
In conclusion, I must say Pride and Prejudice is one of the best novels I have read. Smart and funny, yet touching, it has everything it needs to please almost any kind of reader. Jane Austen's masterpiece will forever remain a classic of English literature.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Inherit the Wind
1. How does Howard and Melinda's interaction at the beginning of the play foreshadow the major issues of the play? ------
2. What does Meeker, the bailiff's, willingness to let Cates out of jail to meet with Rachel tell us both about his offence and the town?
It tells that the offence is not serious and not a physical threat to the people.
3. What kind of town does Hillsboro seem to be in its preparation for Brady's arrival?
The town is really religious and shows it by singing.
4. What does Brady's relationship with his wife tell us about his character?
His relationship shows dependance and insecurity.
5. What does Brady's conversation with Rachel, and subsequent behaviour tell us about his character?
It tells us that he can be matipulative and cunning, and perharps even hypocritical.
6. How is Drummond characterized by the townspeople? Later when we meet him do they seem to be correct?
Drummond is described as evil because he defends criminals and murderers; however, the townspeople realize he is actually very decent.
7. What role does Hornbeck play in the action of the play? What is the significance of the way he speaks?
8. Do the elements of the trial seem fair to you? Why or why not?
9. What do you think Rachel’s motivations for asking Cates to drop the trial and admit
his guilt stem from?
10. What does Brady’s intervention in Reverend Brown’s sermon say about him? Does
this contradict what you thought about him as a character?
11. What is the central issue that Drummond is arguing for in the courtroom?
12. Do you think it is fair that none of Drummond’s expert witnesses are allowed to act as
witnesses?
13. What is it that Brady reveals about his religious beliefs while he is being questioned
in court by Drummond?
14. How does Drummond win over the support of the audience in the courtroom in his
examination of Brady?
15. What is it that Drummond says about progress? How is this significant to the play’s
main message?
16. How does Brady react to the courtroom’s support of Drummond instead of him?
17. What is the significance of Drummond’s story about Golden Dancer?
18. What is the difference in the way the two lawyers, Brady and Drummond respond to
the radio?
19. Why is Cates sentenced the way he is?
20. What is Cates’ statement after the verdict?
21. What happens to Brady after the trial? Was this a surprise?
22. What does Rachel decide at the end of the play? How does this tie into Drummond’s
message as well as the main theme of the play?
23. What does Drummond say Brady had the right to do or have?
24. What is the significance of the two books Drummond holds at the end of the play?
25. What do you think the main message of the play is?
2. What does Meeker, the bailiff's, willingness to let Cates out of jail to meet with Rachel tell us both about his offence and the town?
It tells that the offence is not serious and not a physical threat to the people.
3. What kind of town does Hillsboro seem to be in its preparation for Brady's arrival?
The town is really religious and shows it by singing.
4. What does Brady's relationship with his wife tell us about his character?
His relationship shows dependance and insecurity.
5. What does Brady's conversation with Rachel, and subsequent behaviour tell us about his character?
It tells us that he can be matipulative and cunning, and perharps even hypocritical.
6. How is Drummond characterized by the townspeople? Later when we meet him do they seem to be correct?
Drummond is described as evil because he defends criminals and murderers; however, the townspeople realize he is actually very decent.
7. What role does Hornbeck play in the action of the play? What is the significance of the way he speaks?
8. Do the elements of the trial seem fair to you? Why or why not?
9. What do you think Rachel’s motivations for asking Cates to drop the trial and admit
his guilt stem from?
10. What does Brady’s intervention in Reverend Brown’s sermon say about him? Does
this contradict what you thought about him as a character?
11. What is the central issue that Drummond is arguing for in the courtroom?
12. Do you think it is fair that none of Drummond’s expert witnesses are allowed to act as
witnesses?
13. What is it that Brady reveals about his religious beliefs while he is being questioned
in court by Drummond?
14. How does Drummond win over the support of the audience in the courtroom in his
examination of Brady?
15. What is it that Drummond says about progress? How is this significant to the play’s
main message?
16. How does Brady react to the courtroom’s support of Drummond instead of him?
17. What is the significance of Drummond’s story about Golden Dancer?
18. What is the difference in the way the two lawyers, Brady and Drummond respond to
the radio?
19. Why is Cates sentenced the way he is?
20. What is Cates’ statement after the verdict?
21. What happens to Brady after the trial? Was this a surprise?
22. What does Rachel decide at the end of the play? How does this tie into Drummond’s
message as well as the main theme of the play?
23. What does Drummond say Brady had the right to do or have?
24. What is the significance of the two books Drummond holds at the end of the play?
25. What do you think the main message of the play is?
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