a reading of them. After they have been read and you have determined whether or not they are interesting, consider the grammar in the following particulars: a. Are there any incomplete sentences? If so, complete them. b. Do any of the sentences contain subordinate clauses? If so, do these contain subordinate ideas and are they properly punctuated? c. Do any of the sentences begin with phrases long enough to require commas after them? d. What do the connective words connect? This is very important, and should be considered carefully. SUBJECTS FOR ORAL COMPOSITIONS 184. Put yourselves in the place of a teacher who is instructing a class, and give a lecture or a demonstration. In some schools the girls in the domesticscience work demonstrate the making of a cake, or the boys demonstrate the making of a chair much as a teacher would do, and the demonstration is made a lesson in English. The speaker in such cases has at hand some of the articles that are used in doing the thing under discussion, such as the gas stove, the pans, and the food to be cooked; or perhaps, in the case of boys, the planes, saws, and wood. After the lecture, or demonstration, the class should consider whether or not the thing was done clearly and effectively. Some subjects, accompanied by hints, are given below. If they are such subjects as you can use, take them; if not, choose some of your own. You can do it, for you have done things yourselves and have seen your parents do things which can be explained. Or perhaps you have visited a factory and have seen something made, or a farm and have seen the sowing and harvesting of grain or the preparation of milk for the city market; or perhaps you have read in a book or a magazine an interesting account of something that has been done in science. or mechanics. Perhaps, again, you have actually done some farm work, or scientific or mechanical work yourselves, and can give your own experience. In some cases you may not find it possible to have any sort of implements in the schoolroom, but you can probably draw pictures on the blackboard. No matter what subject you choose, you should make an outline before you begin to speak, so that you will be more likely to speak fully and in an orderly manner. a. The Purposes of Different Planes. To demonstrate this matter, you should have a smoothing plane, a jack plane, and a jointer to show to the class, as well as pieces of wood, and should explain the purpose of each plane. It would be interesting, too, to take one of the planes apart and explain its mechanism. If you have a manualtraining department, it would be well to take the class to it, and do a piece of work before them. b. How to Sharpen Tools. In this case you would need several tools, say a chisel, a plane, and a saw, as well as whetstone and file. The grindstone could not very well be displayed unless you have a manual-training department. c. How to Make a Mortise. This requires the use of plane, knife or pencil, square, chisel, and mallet. d. How Aëroplanes are Made. If you have made a small aeroplane (pronounced (a'er o plane), you can use it for demonstrations; if not, you will have to use pictures. e. From Home to Panama in an Airship. Probably a good map, a picture of an airship, your knowledge of geography, and your imagination would be your sole aids here. f. The Making of an Apron. The cutting of the apron and the finishing might all be illustrated on the blackboard; but it would be well to have at hand the piece of cloth, the pattern, tailor's chalk, scissors, pins, and needle and thread. g. Cake Making. Have a mixing bowl, a measuring cup for liquids and one for dry ingredients, a sieve, and two spoons. h. Making Beds. Bring a doll bed to the class i. Making Fudge. Have a saucepan, two spoons, two cups, and another pan. STUDY OF A PICTURE 185. What story is told by the picture on the opposite page? Answer the following questions about it: a. What kind of little girl is the one you see in the picture? Has she a good disposition or a bad one? Do you know any little girls like her? |