RHETORIC

According to Aristotle, a good speech moves an audience where a speaker wants it to go. What is a good speech? For me, a good speech should have the idea and the results. Style is not so important compare to them. A speech is like a conversation to the audience where one can see the reaction of the audience, whether they are moved by your speech, or whether they feel bored after hearing your speech.A speech could be a literature. One of the example will be ‘I Have a Dream’ by Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King has used a lot of metaphor in the speech. For example, bank of justice is bankrupt may refer to there is no justice for the nations in the country. Besides that he also uses contrast words as to show the injustice and the need to have equal rights. For instance, light of hope is contrasted with flames of withering injustice and a joyous of daybreak is contrasted with the long night of captivity.

LETTERS

Letters used to be the most powerful way of communication when other ways of communication had not been found. People used to write letters to inform their family about their situation, to exchange information, to share their opinions, to express their love, to give encouragement and so on. With the development of modern technology, people seldom write letters nowadays. We can see these phenomena especially among teenagers. They will just send a short message using a mobile phone or just make a call to the person they want to talk to. It seems that most people nowadays like things which are fast. They go from one place to another by cars or by LRT, so that they can save their time; they like fast food too, Mc Donald, KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino; they talk to each other using internet or phone; they can even ‘see’ each other by using 3G or internet, without visiting each other. So, should we ask students to read and write letters? How are we going to convince them that writing letter is actually very interesting? Would they think that writing letter is too time consuming and it might be too late when they got the letter? Perhaps writing on a blog, or what the teenagers call now as ‘blogging’ and email are much more ‘natural’ for them. I believe the purpose of reading and writing a letter can still be achieved when the students write on a blog or send email, it is just the change of medium. As teachers, we need to improve our skills on modern technology too, so as to keep the same pace as our students.

RESEARCH PAPER REFLECTION

Well, the first thing that crosses my mind when reflecting on doing my research paper is short and sweet! This does not mean that the length of my research paper is short, but it refers to the whole process including meeting with my supervisor.Initially, I thought doing research paper would be a troubling task which needs a lot of reading, researching and critical thinking. Perhaps, it would be a much more formal style of written work which requires lots of critics and reviews to support my points. However, after doing on my research paper, I find that actually it is a paper which requires us to combine all the skills we have learned throughout the course and come out with a written task. The skills include brainstorming skill, decision making skill to choose which texts to examine on, critical thinking skill to look deep into the texts to find the issue raised from the texts and also soft skill like speaking skill. This is especially important when we approach our supervisor and even sending masages to ask for the suitable time for meeting. Apart from that, research paper too causes me to go online and search books in the library more often. This no doubt has become a very good habit of mine.In short, I do enjoy throughout the process of doing this research paper. I do not only gain knowledge academically, but also communication skill with the supervisor and my group members. Lastly, I do hope that I can score well in this research paper and have more interest in doing research especially in literature. Thanks for my supervisor, Miss Dzeelfa who has helped and taught me a lot throughout this process.

RESERACH PAPER

I have divided my research paper into five parts; Introduction, author’s biography, analysis of characters,analysis of both texts and implication in classroom. As for my outline, I just briefly write out the main points I want to write in my research paperActually, I find that if a teacher really utilizes any literature text well, it will be useful to the students. This is because I believe every literature has its own value, as literature is about life and experience. Besides, selecting different genres to show the similar issue raised in the texts would attract students’ interest and motivation towards literature. Either from a long text, a novel, or a short text like a poem, both are able to convey similar massage through different ways and passages.
Apart from that, teacher also can adapt several approaches in the classroom depends on what type of texts she chooses. For example, cultural model, human development model or language development model.In short, getting involved in this research paper, gradually make me feel that literature is an interesting and self-reflection class. It is not about scientific fact, but the truth of life. Attending a literature class is like taking a lesson of looking into one’s life and how to make ourselves better.

Position paper presentation

For this assignment, it has taken a long time for me to work on it. From the hard time in choosing the text, getting the right thesis statement to listing out the three supporting details, undoubtedly it is a challenging task. After all these stages, we have to present out argument to our lecturer. However, from those presentations, they really give me a clearer picture on what a position paper means. When the lecturer questions on our points, we must be able to explain and view out our own stand regarding the thesis statement we have made. Failure to do this means we fail to have a strong stand on our argument.The most important is that we have to explain our points well so that others could agree with our stand. This task makes me understand that we have to stay strong with our own stand. We could accept others’ opinions but not easily being influenced by them.

POSITION PAPER?

After the long process doing on our position paper, what is actually a position paper? From my understanding, it is about our stand on the particular text we have chosen to work on. It is about our own feelings and opinion on the whole story. Also, it is arguable as not everyone will agree with your stand and thus, you have to argue by giving points and support it with textual evidences.Well, after our lecturer has explained on the definition of position paper, only then I understand it more deeply. Yes, obviously we have to make our own stand. We could do this by saying that "I believe in a text that….".This means that the something or some points or views in the text which we agree or believe in. Besides, a position paper must have argument and is supported by textual evidences from the text.Apart from that, it is actually quite hard for us to make a strong stand or argument. This is because almost all of us take adult texts which deal with adult issues. For examples, feminism, adultery, social issues and others. Due to our immaturity in thinking and lack of self- experience towards those matters, it is a challenge for us to have our strong stand. It is very arguable and we might lose out stand if there are not enough textual evidences to support our points. Furthermore, to produce a good position paper, one must be a critical thinker. We should not merely look at the surface meaning of a piece of literature. On the other hand, analyzing skill is very important to see things from different perspectives and view it as a whole.In short, I do think that it is the process of doing the position paper is challenging yet suffering. When I am stuck or mind- blank, well, that’s the time where I got to stay calm and most importantly, stay strong with my own stand. Position paper teaches me to have own stand but not always and merely dependent on other people. Everybody is different, thus everybody might have different thinking, feeling and understanding.

Autobiography for classroom

After reading the autobiography by Nelson Mandela, I realize there are lots of advantages of writing an autobiography. Personally, I do write diary when I have something to express. Through autobiography, the author is able to share and express his or her feelings and experience to other people. Perhaps, although the autobiography is not meant for public reading, it helps the author to release his or her tension through words. This is because there are quite a lot of people who express themselves better in words and language than in speech. Furthermore, it can reduce the conflict between people during communication. Apart from that, there are also people who would like to influence others by writing autobiography. Also, autobiography can be meant be entertainment as well. Learning sometimes can be done through humor and laughter.On the other hand, I do think that autobiography can be used as the teaching material in English classroom. It can either act as the literature as resource or literature for study. Although the language used in an autobiography does not promise to be error free, yet, somehow the language used is closer to our real-life. Students might get attracted to the author’s experience. Also, as a literature for study, an autobiography can be used for students to analyze the elements in it. For example, elements like plot, setting, characters and point of view can be analyzed in a autobiography.In short, I think that autobiography is no longer just a piece of individual reflection work. It is also a classroom material for teaching and learning.

Mandela

Mandela’s Autobiography made me realize that fact that we humans are equal no one is greater than the other; not even the colour of your skin and my skin is not primary distinct of who is greatest except God of his eternal immortal power that sanction man to live on earth not to discriminate but to learn and understand one another. The autobiography tells the story of Mandela himself being in imprisonement and even in a condition that will test man dignity, pride and truth would have leave everything of morality in nature and took sin as he is desparate and sacrifice does not come easy. But, Mandela did oppose the nature of man in depression. He stood up for equality anywhere he is. His ideology of human equality must have burned his passion of creating a peaceful world where equality is the key of harmonious and strength of a nation. Mandela was able to stood up for the rights of others by sacrificing his own privilage.His story made me reflects on Malaysia first prime minister TunkU Abdul Rahman. He sacrified his life for a nation . He was raised to the position as a leader with nothing and he died with nothing. The great story of Mandela is an experience worth to be a guide for leaders as example. Sacrifice takes a mile of self worth and giving by will. But if one can get to sacrifice it worth a mile of praise and pride. Mandela worth of sacrifice is his acknowledgement, he built his legacy in through out the world. His autobiography should be read by everone to realize the fact that humans are of equal quality.

Autobiography and Diary

Well, I myself do write diary. For me, diary is a way to release my tension, to express my feelings and to share my experience. Diary will be my faithful friend as it definitely will not betray me. Diary is always there for me whenever I feel words can assist me to express myself better than speech. However, as we know, autobiography is also about oneself. An autobiography talks about a person’s life. Perhaps, it is a famous person’s life? His or her experience? Or his or her sacrifices? Or maybe his or her unusual contribution to others? What is the difference actually?

Well, after my lecturer has explained to us, only then I come to the realization that diary is written to be kept by ourselves. Whereas, an autobiography is written to be published. It sounds more formal right? Thus, we can see that some autobiography is also used as teaching material, either as literature as resource or for appreciation. No matter is diary or autobiography, I do think that they are good way for one to jot down their life experience or feelings. So friends, lets us write our own diary. Perhaps, one day it can be an autobiography!

THE FALL

The fall of Icarus!!!!!!!!The heat of the Sun may warmth you but Sky is the limit and watch below as you might fall dead but drown. The heat of the sun melts the wax weakening the wings that flutters. The sky is too high for reach as the heat catches on you and the thrill and eagerness of going against the odd of flying is the mistake to belief that the open sky is meant for Daedalus’ invention. Icarus was too thrilled with the flight and he has left the plight he made to his father to stay on the course midway between earth and heaven and yet he went beyond heaven and fall below earth.Perhaps, we might question if Daedalus’ idea is right or worth that he lost his son to his invention though to bring him venture to new places beyond land. Who should be blame then? Death occurs under circumstances. Icarus’ death can be considered a tragedy for the mistakes of his own thrill and Daedalus’ belief has made God diminutive that human can fly.

MYTH

Daedalus and Icarus.Interesting! This Greek mythology really attracts my interest and curiosity to know more about the history behind it. Basically, the main idea is on how Daedalus alters the law of nature to escape from Crete. However, the story that engages me to further reading is the stories of how he has gone to Crete. Different books or sources tell different stories. Some says, Daedalus is asked by Minos to build a maze to hide a monster. It is the child of the queen and her love affair. Thus, Minos wants to hide his shame. Yet after that, Minos does not give Daedalus any passage to go back to his country. The other says, Daedalus is invited to build a palace for Minos, where he can hide his treasures from his enemies. However, being afraid that Daedalus might reveal his secret, Minos imprisons him. In addition, the monster which is a half man and half bull lives there to look after the treasures. So, which one is the truth? Love affair or treasures? Anyhow, it is just a myth. Don’t worry.Overall, this story exposes me to the intelligence and skills of the Athenians. Also, at that period, people do believe that unusual or extraordinary creatures are Gods. In fact, from this story I learn about impermanence and nothingness. Nothing can last. Nothing is forever. No matter how great or powerful one thing is, it will eventually fade and become empty, or nothing. In short, this myth “Daedalus and Icarus” is inviting, exciting and aspiring. Well done.

TALES FOR LESSON

I would suggest tales to be used as part of the lesson in literature. It will be best suited when you wanted to teach moral values. I would consider tales as authentic and parallel to other literature works as it contains dimensions of a literary work such as characters and plot. For example, you may be teaching poem. You may indirectly present the values through tales selected best matching the values in the poem. Students get the best of both works from two different genres. Teacher may just have to provide little to trigger students critical and creative thinking to actually enable them to relate the similar values contain in both genre. However, the story may be different. Besides, literature classes, even for language proficiency classes it may be effective in presenting something different to students. You may want your students to be creative and critical therefore, you have to present something unique and creative for them to explore that there is not only one way of saying, writing and thinking. Interesting tales will help to create a jovial classroom not a dull and silent language classroom. However, you must be creative in presenting the materials.

For the purpose of writing, perhaps the uniqueness of the tales may be an inspiration for students to actually write something of their own imagination. Students will be able to actually express themselves. They will definitely crack their head but it gets them to think creatively and critically rather than just reading. The point is students will be able to improve their writing skills and styles as their creative thought flows in their writing.

TALES

Tales can be referred to an imaginary writing. Tales are mostly created to present values that underlies within its writing. It was written during its days to teach as there was no formal education in those days, therefore, such message of values most conveniently spread through writings and it proves as most of the tales still being read today in the 21st century. Today, tales may be considered as a child’s reading but the fact that tales that were created suits everyone. Personally, what is interesting about tales; it actually reflect life some actually present ‘universal’ cultures and norms. ‘Universal’ because most tales are created and involve imagination, but the values they present are universal; applied even today.Another value of tales in education purposes will be its own value in writing. Some tales may be out of the world but still make sense and the issues or values are visible. Tales are special for the ideas of creating such writing by combining imagination and at the same time appears to be realistic. The values are realistic but the tales may be about fairies from imagined world or more on the extraterrestrial. It is unique. I would say that tales may seem to be unrealistic but the creativity in the way of presenting ideas or messages should be given credits. For education it would not only be for its values but also its aesthetic writing that would allow students to creatively apply the language not only in writing. In terms of reading proficiency, tales allow students to actually experience something else that could mesmerize their minds rather than reading the text book.

My favaurite fable

The crow was at her luck for the piece of cheese. But, she is rather naïve to fall for praises, the kind words by the wolf. She was known as ‘Queen of Birds’ and she boasted. She opens her mouth and the piece of cheese fell on to the ground. Now, the wolf with his brilliant idea caught him a piece of cheese. I guess the bird cannot even open her mouth because she must be shocked that she was cheated and astonished that the wolf was able to get away with her cheese though he cannot fly either climb the tree.The moral lies will be not to fall or trust strangers easily. We must not fall for temptation which may cause us fail to be alert and rationalize the situations. We must also be careful with words. Words may be beautiful when arranged by the con but you may be swindled by them. Man will try to do all they can to achieve their aims even though the stakes may be high and risk their effort.We must also not easily to trust because trustworthy is not required but acquired as one deserve trust that we have confident in. "Do not trust flatterer". It may sound funny but the fact is truth.

READING FABLES

I am used to fables since I was a kid. My aunty is a teacher, she had taught me to read till it became a habit till now. I could not sleep till I read something because I am used to reading. Fables are my favourite; they are not lengthy but rich in content pertaining to moral values. However, as I grew up, fables fade away because there were so much of other reading resources. After a certain period of time, I totally forgot my favourite fables because I had enough of serious reading so I began craving for something lighter like magazines, and newspaper columns.I have never come across any teachers who uses fables in their lesson . After learning about fables, I agree to the fact that fables are good resources of knowledge. Teachers should move from the old way of newspaper cuttings and passages from workbooks. Fables suggest an authentic teacher generated material. At least, the students have not come across the questions provided somewhere and the text does not have to be simplified; so we can stick to the original version and preserve the personal touch from the author.Teachers nowadays have access to the Internet easily. They will not face the difficulties to get materials from the net. So, frequent library visits are not required and they can surf for the fables through Internet with other additional information about it. (such as historical background and possible activities) When there is a will, there will always be a way.

AESOP FABLE

Aesop fable,"The Jay and the Peacock" made me to believe in myself. "It is not only feathers that make fine birds." One may have materials to cover or hide his weaknesses but that does not make any different. You are just cheating yourself, your esteem. It is about you being yourself, not being exactly like others as the changes that you may make are just superficial. You may have beautiful ‘feathers’ to hide your ‘impairment’ (weakness) but it does not mean that you are someone else or someone new a total different that who you really are. What is ‘fine’ depends on your capabilities and abilities. To be someone else is not impossible, though, but you may feel odd trying and if you fail as the feathers fall one by the truth will be unveiled.My next interpretation will be in term of value. What is beautiful (fine) does not mean presents the true value. Most of us tend to value something from the appearance whereas to judge by appearance may not be genuine because quality requires one to value from different perspective. Therefore, value is a broad term because one may define it differently, but in evaluating you should not only look at appearance, at one aspect.