Chapter 4 The The Age of Tom Sawyer 8 Tom Sawyer postage stamp and wood pattern If you tell the truth, you don t have to remember anything. Mark Twain 92
Gallery Read a comic book adaptation of a great American classic. Learn about the English language spoken in Midland, USA. Improve your writing by revising. Create a short adventure story set in the Caribbean. Appreciate Mark Twain s quotes. 93
Literature Rendezvous The Night of the Seventeenth of June Mark Twain (1835-1910) is the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens. Twain grew up with his parents and siblings in Hannibal, a small port town on the Mississippi River, in Missouri, a slave state in the Union. He drew his inspiration and literary material from the people and places that colored his surroundings. Twain s fascination with his environment allowed him to create and develop the characters that successfully represent the United States s spirit of his era. Twain worked as a typesetter, steamboat pilot, miner, and travel writer. With The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Twain launched his literary career, and cemented his legacy in American literature. Details and Curiosities 94 You can find in a text whatever you bring, if you will stand between it and the mirror of your imagination. Mark Twain 1 warts [wawrts] n. hard rough lumps that grow on the skin, caused by an infection usually on the hands or feet 2 half-breed [haf-breed] offensive n. a person of mixed racial descent, esp. of Native American and white
Threading the Storyline A. Discuss with your classmates: 1. What were Huck and Tom doing at the cemetery? 2. Why does Injun Joe resent the doctor? B. Predict: Now that Injun Joe has grabbed the knife what do you suppose will happen? 3 specimen [spes-uh-muh n] n. a sample of a substance or material for examination or study 4 pard [pahrd] informal n. partner, companion 95
Literature Threading the Storyline A. Fill in the blanks: 1. kills Dr. Robinson. 2. and run from the cemetery after witnessing the murder. B. Analyze: Why do you think Injun Joe puts the knife in Old Muff Potter s hand? 96 5 lick [lik] informal n. a blow 6 fuddled [fuhd-ld] adj. confused, intoxicated
Threading the Storyline A. Defend your opinion. What would you have done in Huck s and Tom s situation? B. Predict: Will the boys be able to keep their promise? 7 tannery [tan-uh-ree] n. a place where hides are converted into leather 8 mum [muhm] adj. silent 97
Literature Threading the Storyline Reflect: Why do Huck and Tom write down their agreement? What purpose does it serve? 98
Threading the Storyline A. Answer the following question: Why does Old Muff believe he may have murdered Dr. Robinson? B. Choose the correct response. Who does Huck call a half-breed devil? a. Injun Joe b. Dr. Robinson c. Old Muff Potter 99
Literature Threading the Storyline Answer the following questions: 1. Why do the townspeople believe that Old Muff s lawyer is not trying? 2. Who is the surprise defense witness? 100 9 counselor [koun-suh-ler] n. a lawyer, esp. a trial lawyer 10 adjourned [uh-jurnd] v. suspended or postponed
Threading the Storyline Fill in the blanks. 1. On June 17, around midnight, Tom was at. 2. When Tom tells the truth, breaks a window and escapes the court room. 101
Literature Threading the Storyline Choose the correct answer. 1. After telling the truth, Tom s anxiety. a. subsided b. intensified c. disappeared 2. decides to go treasure hunting. a. Tom b. Huck c. Injun Joe 3. According to Tom, ghosts. a. sleep at night b. never sleep c. sleep during the day from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer 102 11 subsided [suh b-sahyd-ed] v. became less active or less violent
Literary Tea Literary Tea A. Read Mark Twain s biography in www.marktwainhouse.org and answer the following questions in complete sentences. 1. What elements of Mark Twain s childhood are evident in this fragment of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer? 2. What events in American history influenced Twain to create the character of Injun Joe? B. Find references from the text that reveal superstitions of the early 1800s. Do you think people are still superstitious today? Give examples to support your point of view. C. State your opinion in complete sentences. 1. Should Tom have broken his oath to keep mum? Would you be angry with Tom if you were Huck? 2. Who would you prefer: a friend who keeps your secrets at all cost, or a friend that reveals your secret to someone who can help you? 103
Seeds of Expression Enrich Match the vocabulary terms with its definition. 1. adjourn a. a blow 2. counselor b. to become less active or less violent 3. fuddled c. hard rough lumps that grow on the skin 4. half-breed d. silent 5. lick e. a place where hides are converted into leather 6. mum f. a person of mixed racial descent 7. pard g. a trial lawyer 8. specimen h. to suspend or postpone 9. subside i. confused, intoxicated 10. tannery j. a sample of a substance for examination 11. warts k. companion Choose five words from the matching exercise, and write a sentence for each. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Expand Refer to the vocabulary and reading to complete the following news report based on the events surrounding Old Muff Potter s trial. 104 This is Samuel Clemens reporting live from the steps of the St. Petersburg courthouse, where has been accused of murdering. Allegedly, the scene turned into a bloody dispute at the nearby. The prosecution claims that Dr. Robinson looked to acquire his next for research. The circumstances regarding the outburst still remain unclear. Rumors are circulating that two eye- have decided to keep for fear of being hurt. Sadly enough, it seems that Old Muff Potter s life depends on the accounts of these star witnesses, who up until this moment are nowhere to be found. The court has been for 10 minutes at the request of the defense. Stay tuned to the most extensive live coverage surrounding the death of Dr. Robinson.
Cultivate In second language vocabulary acquisition, it is better to directly associate words with mental images rather than translating the terms into Spanish. It is best to try to learn and understand the English language within its own realm. Becoming dependant on in our case Spanish prevents you from completely feeling comfortable with the language your trying to learn. Index cards or flash cards are a very effective tool. Write the word on one side, and draw/paste an image of the term on the other side. Try to figure out the word by studying the image. By using this method, you will soon realize that you don t need to return to Spanish to understand English. In addition, you will begin to think in the new language, which is a very important step towards acquiring fluency. Harvest Work with images to further develop your vocabulary, and to help you stop using Spanish as a crutch. 1. Browse through your textbook and choose eight words that remain unclear. 2. Complete the word bank with the terms you have chosen. 3. Scan magazines, newspapers, catalogs, and shoppers for images that represent each word. Cut out the images, and place them in a folder. For example, for the word luminous you may use a picture of a well-lighted ballroom or a photo of the morning Sun. luminous 4. Paste each image on the back of an index card, and write the word to which the photo corresponds on the front of the card. 5. Review your flash cards. Try to get at the meaning of the image without flipping the card over and reading the word. Do this until you feel comfortable with your terms. 6. Exchange with a classmate and have him or her test your proficiency. 7. Cross out each term from your word bank as you prove to your classmate (and yourself) that you have learned its meaning. 8. Feel free to use this resource in other subjects. 105
English Language Garden Flowers The English of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn The Adventures of Tom Sawyer are set in Missouri, a state that belongs to a region generally referred to as Midland, USA. English language expressions and pronunciation in the Midland are unique to its environs. A regionalism is a local appropriation of a phrase, a pronunciation, or a meaning mainly used in a specific area. As you may already be aware, something similar occurs with the Spanish language. Read and review the tables below. Become acquainted with some of the terms and expressions from Tom Sawyer s setting. Respect and appreciate how each area has its own special relationship with language. billfold: man s wallet buggy: shopping cart car tag: license plate MIDLAND TERMS driving lights (or brights): car high-beam headlights pop: soft drink rack: dozen; on a barbecue rub: a mix of herbs, spices, and seasonings used in barbecue recipes taters: cooked or prepared potatoes sucker: lollypop yonder: over there MIDLAND EXPRESSIONS Ark City: another way to refer to Arkansas City Ar Kansas or Arkansaw: a way to refer to Arkansas City and/or Arkansas River lemme: contraction for let me pert near: a term derived from pretty near; very close; almost at rah-cheer: slang for right here reckon: to guess, bet, or gamble on; to speculate or reason to: used instead of at. For example: I have to be to school by eight o clock. where all, who all, and what all: usually begins a question. For example: Who all went to the movies?; What all did you do? This expression is one step away from y all. y all: a contraction of you all in the plural form 106
Poetic License Prepare a literary performance, and engage in a friendly competition with your classmates. 1. Divide the class in half and form two teams. Together you will brainstorm and come up with rich ideas for a script. Look to Twain s Tom Sawyer for inspiration. Remember to use the pre-writing technique that best suits the project. Consider the bubble format, outline, free writing, etc. 2. Discuss all the ideas and jointly choose the one that has the most promise. 3. Consider the traits and peculiarities of Midland, USA English. Refer to the comic book adaptation, if necessary. 4. Develop the characters that will form part of the literary performance. 5. Take your script idea, your reflections on Midland, USA English, and the characters you ve conceptualized and conceive a fitting and appropriate setting. 6. Write a script using Midland, USA English. Include the following elements in your plot: a. a crisis b. a declaration of love (romantic, paternal, friendly, etc.) c. a lie d. a joke e. a song with original lyrics 7. Evaluate your setting, characters, and plot development so that you may prepare, construct, and/or design the props and costumes you will need. Use materials found in your homeroom or Art class, if possible. Depending on your resources you may have to find other means of acquiring your materials. Creating your props after writing your script will give you enough time away from the text so that later you may proofread and edit your work. 8. Proofread and edit your script. Make sure the dialogue makes sense and includes the list of plot developments detailed above. 9. Relax and perform your script before your peers. Make sure to lend support to your team at all times. 10. Have your audience identify the required plot elements during your performance. (Use the space below to list them.) 11. Observe the opposing team s play with respect and interest. Value your classmates work and effort. This type of attitude helps you grow as an individual and as an artist. 12. Have an impartial judge select the winner. 107
English Garden English Garden Plant Improving Sentence Composition I A strong sentence always carries a clear, concise message. You can improve your writing by using proper grammar and developing the art of revision. Revising is the process of proofreading and correcting work. A key element to revising is editing empty words or sentences. An empty word or sentence is repetitive and often lacks supporting details. Writers who haven t extensively researched their topic usually compose empty statements. These sentences merely fill space; their content is weak. Example 1 Empty Sentence: Tom and Huck see Injun Joe kill the doctor, and they witness to the murder. The idea is repeated. The sentence can be modified by eliminating and rearranging the verbs: see, kill, witness. Revised Sentence: Tom and Huck witness Injun Joe kill the doctor. Example 2 Empty Sentence: Tom and Huck run away from the graveyard. Although this sentence is easy to understand and grammatically correct, it can be considered empty. It doesn t provide a reason or specific details and, therefore, has no important information for the reader. Revised Sentence: Frightened by the brutal murder, Tom and Huck run away from the graveyard. To improve empty sentences, read the entire paragraph or essay. The context will help you to identify details that must be added or omitted. Do not be in a hurry. You should revise carefully, so that no errors are overlooked. If possible, step away from the written work and return to it later. This will allow you to spot errors and find fresh solutions to problems. Flourish A. Revise each sentence. 1. Tom and Huck want to search for hidden buried treasure. 2. The town believes Becky and Tom are lost in the cave and can t find their way out. 3. Muff was imprisoned in jail when accused of murder. 108
4. When Tom and Huck witness the murder, they vow to never tell and promise not to inform the townspeople. 5. The boys sneak goods to Muff without anyone noticing. 6. Huck goes with Tom to the cave to accompany him. 7. The town gathered as a congregation at the mouth of the cave for Injun Joe s funeral. 8. The town blamed Muff for the murder and found him as the suspect. 9. Tom and Huck searched for a remedy to cure, rid, and overall alleviate warts. 10. The townspeople inspect the cave in search of the missing bodies. B. Add supporting details to make each statement more interesting. 1. The townspeople turned their heads. 2. Becky cries on Tom s shoulder. 3. Injun Joe s companion digs out a box. 4. The boys escape to a tannery. 5. Tom is filled with anxiety. 6. Injun Joe dies. In Full Bloom Consider that you were lost in a cave with a fugitive of the law. How would you feel? What would you do? Write a six-sentence descriptive paragraph. Avoid empty sentences. 109
English Garden English Garden Plant Improving Sentence Composition II Parsimonious writing expresses organized ideas. To be parsimonious is to eliminate words or phrases that distract the reader and that clutter the sentence structure. Cluttered sentences contain unnecessary words that hinder understanding. Example 1 Cluttered Sentence: When Tom and Becky play hide-and-seek in the cave, they get lost because they hide deep in the cave where no one can seek them. Observe the repetition of the words hide, seek, and care. The same thought can be expressed more clearly and concisely. Simplified Sentence: While playing hide-and-seek, Tom and Becky get lost in the cave. In order to be parsimonious, a writer must have a clear understanding of the ideas he or she would like to communicate. After completing the first draft, a writer should edit his or her work and eliminate anything that does not contribute new information. To achieve parsimonious wrtiting, value quality over quantity. Don t add words to meet the required word count of an assigment. Instead, express your thoughts directly and concisely. Flourish A. Read carefully the following cluttered paragraph. Simplify each sentence. Rewrite the paragraph in the lines provided. Strive to be parsimonious. Tom made his own personal decision to testify. He knew Huck would understand. It was wrong and not right to let an innocent man die hanged. So Tom told Muff s attorney that he was there and witnessed the murder. The attorney sighed in relief and was so relieved. He returned back to the courtroom and announced his next witness to testify. Tom walked into the courtroom and down the court aisle. The people were surprised and looked at him with a surprised expression. Injun Joe looked at Tom with a glance of hatred. When Tom finally declared that Injun Joe was the murderer, Injun Joe escaped and ran away. In spite of being afraid, Tom was pleased to be the town hero of St. Petersburg. 110
B. Write a sentence with each group of words and phrases. Add or eliminate words if necessary. Express the main idea clearly. 1. graveyard, dark, eerie, Tom and Huck, notice, hear, voices 2. whisper, in the dark, the gray sky, before, the murder 3. fear, the silence, boys, disturb, tombstone, hide, behind 4. to remain quiet, try, not to speak, afraid, unsure, approach 5. beating, hearts, voices, faster, slow, steps, familiar 6. shovels, in their hands, Injun Joe, carry, open, grave, Muff In Full Bloom Work with a partner to write an adventure set in the Caribbean. Discuss all the possible elements your setting offers: pirates, wars, explorations, native inhabitants, aquatic life, etc. Agree on a theme. Jot down ideas. Establish a clear outline of the story, then write a one-page narrative. Work with another pair of classmates to revise each other s work. Remember that there is always room for improvement, so consider your classmates suggestions. After proofreading, present your story to the class. 111
Spoken Petals Spoken Petals You ve been mighty good to me, boys, better n anybody else in this town. Appreciate A eulogy [yoo-luh-jee] is a speech about someone who has passed away. They are given at funerals and comprise the last farewell to the deceased. Eulogies are generally given by the person closest to the deceased, who speaks about the accomplishments and virtues. This is the last formal presentation of the loved one, so the speaker should dedicate time to think of the precise words. Recall and Reflect One of Tom Sawyer s adventures occurs when Tom, Huck, and their friend Joe run away from home to become pirates. They camp out on a tiny island on the river and have the time of their lives fishing, swimming, playing, and doing as they please. Meanwhile, the people of the town believe the boys drowned in the river. They make funeral arrangements for the three boys. On the day of the funerals, the people assemble at the town church. Suddenly, Tom, Huck, and Joe walk into the church. They are at their own funeral! The boys observe how much they were loved by the people and how distraught their family members are. None could remember when the little church had been so full before. Mark Twain demonstrates how much the boys were missed: There was another communing silence, broken at intervals by muffled sobs. The depth of their sadness is further understood by the effervescent reaction of the congregation as the dead pirates enter the church. The people are overwhelmed with happiness as they celebrate the return of the boys. Create Write your own eulogy. While this may seem like a morbid task, it has been a long used practice for people to write their own eulogies as a means of plotting out their goals in life. Use this activity as a different way of telling the class what you want to achieve in life. Consider the following guidelines as you organize your thoughts. A. Select a profession, a career that fills you with joy and enthusiasm. Something that you would love to do as a job. B. State if you have a big family, a smaller one perhaps. Mention if you found the love of your life and who it is. C. Describe the voluntary activity in which you would like to participate in as a service to your community and/or the world. Maybe you became a public official or a peace activist. D. Name the places you visited and the people you met all over the world. E. List the qualities and virtues you want to cultivate throughout your life. State what kind of person you want to be. F. Use the following as an example: 112
Example When the Saints Come I desire to be remembered not only for the things I achieved, but also for the style with which I did them. First, I want to be remembered as someone who served both his country and his home through military service, diplomacy, and politics. I want to be considered a renaissance man who proficiently dabbled in different fields, especially the arts such as; photography, writing, architecture, and cooking. In fact, my successful career and economic well-being will be due to a profession in an artistic field. I would also like to be the editor of a magazine that would allow me to exhibit my professional photographs. My magazine would not compete with the trendy magazines of the time, for I would like focus on serious issues. At the same time, I would like to publish two great pieces of literature. My love for the written word will be one of my trademark qualities. I d also like to be remembered for the homes and buildings that I designed and constructed. These homes would not be in any way similar to the cookie-cutter images that are all too common today. Instead, my designs would be customized, each uniquely planned for the individual buyer. Though these homes would be luxurious and expensive, they would be worth the investment. I would also like to design and open restaurants. I would never franchise. Each restaurant would have its own menu that celebrate foods from a variety of cultures. Of even more importance, I would like to be remembered for my character. I would be thankful to all who helped me along the way, and I would never forget my humble beginnings. I want to be remembered as a person who never put himself above others. As busy as this life may be, I d always want my family to remember the time I took out for them and the adventures we went on. I want my colleagues and competitors to remember how I achieved greatness while conserving my values. I never betrayed my morals for money or took dishonest shortcuts to reach my objectives. I want to be remembered as a thorough person who never needed to cut corners to achieve greatness. Most importantly, I want to be seen as a person who made a difference on a global scale, not just because it was trendy, but because my heart motivated me to do it. 113
Inkwell Blossoms Inkwell Blossoms We re gonna find us a treasure. Appreciate The adventure novel is a category of fiction that features hazardous and risky events. These events tend to come up unexpectedly. Generally, there is, at least, one good main character, referred to as the hero or heroine, and one bad guy, known as the villain. The hero or heroine may not always be perfect, but he or she eventually does the right thing, while the villain tries to stop him or her. In adventure novels, the hero or heroine usually overcomes adversity and beats the villain. Recall and Reflect In Mark Twain s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Tom and Huck are the heroes. At the graveyard, the boys unexpectedly witness Injun Joe murder Dr. Robinson out of revenge. And in the same instant the half-breed saw his chance and drove the knife to the hilt in the young man s breast. Later, Injun Joe accuses Muff Potter of the crime. Hence, it is quite obvious that Injun Joe is the villain. From the onset, he shows a lack of morality. In the novel, the boys write: Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn swears they will keep mum about this and they wish they may drop down dead in their tracks if they ever tell and rot. Both take a blood oath to never speak of the murder because they fear that Injun Joe will kill them too. However, after Injun Joe accuses Muff Potter, Tom and Huck feel guilty for their silence. As the trial draws near, the reader is left to wonder how the heroes can let an innocent man hang to save their own life. But then, Tom rises to the occasion. His decision to defend the truth, even when his life is at risk, makes him the hero. Create Write your own one-page short adventure story. Just as Twain placed his characters in adventures that revolve around his home, the Mississippi River setting, your setting will be your city. A. Choose your characters. Make sure you have a villain and a hero. Keep in mind that the hero does not have to be flawless. B. Decide the adventures that your characters are going to undertake. Draw ideas from your own life experiences. C. Let your imagination take over and go on the adventure you ve always dreamed. 114
THE VINE THE VINE Listen Listen to an excerpt from Chapter 25 of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. In this chapter, Tom Sawyer goes on a treasure hunting expedition. As you listen, pay attention to the story elements that reveal the spirit of American life in the late 1800s. Try to imagine the characters talking. Notice the boys way of speaking and and appreciate their points of view. Record Describe Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, two of the most beloved characters in American literature. Take into consideration what the characters say for themselves and what the narrator mentions. Use the outline below to guide your descriptions. Complete the exercises. 1. Tom Sawyer a. Physical description b. Personality traits c. Goals in life 2. Huck Finn a. Physical description b. Personality traits c. Goals in life 115
Chapter Potpourri Bouquet The Rural Post Office, Thomas Rossiter Review A. Define: 1. adventure novel 2. American literature 3. eulogy B. Answer: 1. What is Midland English? 3. Injun Joe was a murderous killer. D. Make the following sentences more concise: 1. Contemporary American life today is represented in art and literature. 2. What are the characteristics of a eulogy? 2. Mark Twain wrote about his childhood town when he was a boy. C. Rewrite the sentences to avoid repetition. 1. Tom and Huck found and discovered the buried treasure. 2. Muff was accused and blamed. E. Identify the elements of American life in the painting above, and write a seven-sentence paragraph. Apply what you learned about parsimonious writing. 116
Quintessential Twain Mark Twain was an ordinary boy who grew up along the banks of the Mississippi River in the late 1800s. His love for the river inspired him to pursue a career as a steamboat pilot. It was a dangerous occupation. Because steamboat explosions were a possibility, lamps were not allowed aboard at night. The pilot had to navigate in the dark. For over two years he carefully studied 2,000 miles of the ever-changing Mississippi, with its hundreds of ports and wood-lots. He received his steamboat license and made $250 per month, which would amount to approximately $155,000 a year in today s economy. On the job, he often used the maritime expression, by the mark twain, which means that there are twelve feet of water, so it is safe to pass. The expression gave rise to his famous pen name. Mark Twain is revered as a great American novelist. He is also known as a humorist, humanist, satirist, and lecturer. Although he died almost a century ago, his words live on. Many seek his wisdom in the books and quotes he left behind for the world to enjoy. For example: Always acknowledge a fault. This will throw those in authority off their guard and give you an opportunity to commit more. The foundation of this quote is a universal flaw of mankind: the tendency to pass blame unto others, instead of humbly admitting a wrong. Twain encourages us to go against our unfortunate nature by admitting our faults. As a result, we may receive the benefit of the doubt. Mark Twain facing right Boys fishing in a bayou In a similar quote, Twain said, Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest. Other quotes reveal Twain s ventures into the realms of satire and sarcasm. A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain. Here, Twain exposes bankers as being the exact opposite of what they seem. He also stated: Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint. Two of Twain s most inspirational quotes are: Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear not absence of fear and Don t part with your illusions. When they are gone, you may still exist, but you have ceased to live. The first quote is a study of human nature. Fear is inevitable, but it does not have to defeat the individual. Many are under the wrong impression that one is not courageous if one is scared, but Twain explains that courage is being scared and still persevering. Any young person who has successfully withstood peer pressure should understand this. In the second quote, Twain encourages the act of dreaming. Dreams keep one alive because they offer hope and make life worthwhile. Once that light fades, so does one s belief in tomorrow. For further information on Mark Twain and his quotes, log on to: www.quotationspage.com/quotes/mark_twain www.marktwainhouse.org 117Branching Out
My Artistic Science #2 STEALING BEAUTY Silent Essay Photography is the art and practice of taking and processing pictures. A photographer aims Each to painting preserve in your a special textbook moment. is like The a silent significance essay, and of this each instance was carefully may be chosen attributed to comple- to ment a variety the chapter s of factors literary such themes as curiosity, and concepts. mystery, awe, There etc. exists Something a deep, makes intimate the relationship photographetween the believe text and in the beauty, visual and references, ultimately without is the which, photographer s the page would perception not be of complete. beau- The ty images th are not merely decorative, but essentially, complementary of the ideas and subjects pre- besented. These works of art speak through their hues, shadows, spaces of light, and/or absence INSTRUCTIONS of color, in the same manner that a text uses words. The painter, much like an essayist, discloses his A. Look point at of the view world on a through topic through the eye the of glides a photographer. and strokes With of the a disposable brush. camera (or any camera that is most convenient) find and capture images that appeal to you because of their uniqueness, unusual nature, or their curious appearance. B. A. Challenge Skim through the perspective. the pages of Think your of book ways and to observe make ordinary the paintings objects and seem other exception- images. List your al. For example, capture the view as you stare up from beneath a tree and through INSTRUCTIONS favorites. Then, choose one from your list. Explain why you find it appealing. Put your notes its branches. How does your perception of the tree change? What do you see within in a folder. and beyond the canopy of branches? C. B. Pick Go to your the five library (5) favorite and research pictures, to understand once you ve the developed work of art your you photos selected. and Read have about the peri- been od in able which to it artistically was created consider and about your the options. artist s life, style, works, and influences. Find out if the work belongs to an artistic movement, and if so, mention its purpose and other artists that con- D. Take notes of your process and decisions for reference and future explanations: Why did tributed you choose to this movement. to photograph Make that photocopies particular image? or printouts What of precisely your research captured materials. your Condense eye? the information What did you into find an easy-to-read beautiful and outline. captivating? Place the copies and your notes in your folder. E. C. Prepare Pretend an that oral you presentation are the creator describing of the and painting explaining or artwork your choices. you chose. Use your Write outline an essay in as the a guideline. first-person Have to express the audience what the understand work of your art means concept or of why beauty. you created it. D. Complete the stages of the writing process: prewriting, rough draft, editing, revising, BRIGHT and POINTS proofreading. Place your work in your folder. E. Allow Make your a clean photos final to draft be creative of your and essay. original. Type it, if possible. Hand it in with your folder. F. Allow Present your your notes project to be to precise. the class. Remember Use your to essay check to your give spelling a three-minute and grammar. oral presentation Allow on your yourself findings. to incorporate new vocabulary words in both your oral and written work. BRIGHT Allow POINTS yourself to remain confident and poised during your presentation. Allow Spend yourself an adequate to establish amount and of maintain time doing eye research. contact with Ample your knowledge audience. of Remember your topic will it make is fine your to consult essay interesting. your notes throughout your presentation, but DO NOT READ. Allow Take yourself good notes. time Your to answer notes questions serve as a and bridge encourage from the your research classmates materials to get and involved. to the drafting of your your ideas essay. Create an agenda. If you break down the project into stages, you ll find yourself completing it at a comfortable pace, rather than hurrying at the last minute. Make your writing interesting. A painting, or other work of art, is by no means boring. So make sure that your essay about the artwork is just as captivating. 118
ZERO IN An essay is a brief literary composition that presents the author s point of view on a topic. To write a successful essay you must first research the topic. Next, you must analyze the product of your research in order to form an intelligent opinion or develop an informed point of view. Finally, you must carefully weave and support your stance with the data you ve gathered. A clearly organized structure distinguishes the essay from other types of writing. Use the following guidelines to prepare an outline for your essay. The blank spaces below allow you to take notes on the ideas that may come to mind as you study the information. Title: Refers to a topic that you have narrowed down considerably and researched extensively. Paragraph 1: Introduction This paragraph presents the thesis statement a sentence that clearly expresses the idea you will develop. The introduction also serves to capture the reader s attention. Many techniques may accomplish this. For example, you may use an experience, a question, a quote, an analogy, etc. The introduction should leave the reader wanting more. Paragraphs 2 4: Body In this section, you will present supporting facts or details. This is where you will include the product of your research. It takes creativity to present the material in a unique way. Don t just imitate the writing style of your sources. Use your own ideas, words, and expressions Paragraph 5: Conclusion This paragraph presents the clincher: a restatement of your thesis. In this section, you may also include a brief summary of the main points. The purpose of the conclusion is to convince the reader and close your argument and/or idea. 119