Chapter I:
expounding, recondite, incandescent, paradox, fecundity, controvert, infirmity, intermittently, accession, spasmodic
Chapter II:
ingenuity, lucid, scepticism, deportment, plausibility, speculation, jocular, ingenious, articulation, exclamatory
Chapter III:
imminent, scaffolding, palpitation, luminous, fluctuating, poignant, exhilaration, rudimentary, fluctuated, attenuated
Chapter IV:
futurity, exquisite, singularly, vivid, melodious, sphinx, edifice, portal, variegated, dingy
Chapter V:
gibbous, complacency, leprous, stanching, dread, folly, mockery, intervention, inarticulate, monomania
Chapter VI:
manifestly, pallid, perplexity, lemur, clambering, aperture, impenetrable, abysmal, incontinently, grotesque
Chapter VII:
anguish, impeded, malign, loathed, incomprehensible, wane, villainy, sufferance, commended, pinnacles
Chapter VIII:
corroded, estuary, miscellaneous, oblique, preoccupation, transversely, saltpetre (saltpeter), deliquesced, vestige, diminution
Chapter IX:
impending, insidious, camphor, atrocious, fermentation, decadence, adjacent, bole, slumbrous, succulent
Chapter X:
cupola, steadfast, versatility, disjointed, stave, tranquil, meek, inclination, contrivance, abominable
Chapter XI:
indefinite, prodigious, extinction, lichen, perpetual, incrustation, lurid, palp, apparition, undulating
Chapter XII:
succession, fluctuating, decadent, wholesome, speculating, translucent, gaudy, substantial, reminiscence, meddle
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Literary Vocabulary
Allegory: an extended metaphor - the whole poem or story is representative of another idea. Animal Farm is literally about an animal rebellion against their human oppressors on a farm. Allegorically, it is about the Russian Revolution and the rise of Communism in the USSR. An allegory is intended to teach a moral or lesson.
Alliteration: forming word patterns by repeating initial consonant sounds. It depends on sound, not spelling.
Allusion: a brief reference to a person, event or thing religious or historical.
Ambiguity: This is the quality in a piece of writing that makes it possible to interpret it in more than one way.
Analogy: where you explain a complex situation by relating it to a simpler idea.
Antagonist: a character, or characters, in a short story, novel, or play, that gives the Protagonist a challenge.
Apostrophe: directly addressing a person or thing as if it/s/he were really there. (Romeo & Juliet, where Juliet speaks, “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?).
Assonance: the repetition of a stressed vowel sounds (ex: Three/beach; say/played; flame/pain).
Autobiography: literature about a real person and is written by the person the story is about. Example: John wrote a book about his own life.
Biography: a factual piece of literature that is about someone and was written by another person. Example: Janet wrote a book about John's life.
Climax: the high point of a story... when the Protagonist makes his/her decision or faces their challenge
Consonance: the repetition of consonant sounds at the end of words. Ex. Thick stuck gunk, first and last.
Fiction: literature that is not factually true, but may be based on true events.
Hyperbole: exaggeration, either for comic or serious effect. Ex. I cried a river of tears.
Imagery: creating vivid mental pictures through using words that appeal to the senses and emotions.
Inference: making conclusions about a piece of literature when the connection is not provided in a piece of literature.
Metaphor: a comparison that doesn’t use comparison words such as like or as.
Mood: the dominant feeling or atmosphere of a work. Dark, light, happy, sad, are simple moods.
Narrator: the voice that is telling the story in a novel or short story. There are two popular forms of narration:
• First person narrator--the story is told through the eyes of a character.
• Third person--the story is told by a person outside of the story.
Non-Fiction: literature that is true or is based on factual events
Ode: a form of lyric poetry using elaborate vocabulary. It usually focuses on a single object or person.
Onomatopoeia: words that sound like the sound they are describing. Ex. BANG, buzz,
pop.
Oxymoron: two opposite or conflicting words, side by side. Example:, Dark day, white night
Parody: using comedy or satire when imitating a well-known, serious work. It is much like re-writing a story with foolish characters and actions similar to the original. Parodies often make fun of the original author’s style, or criticize the authors’ views.
Personification: giving human qualities to a non-human thing or idea. Ex. The angry sky...
Protagonist: the main character of a short story, novel, or play, who is faced with a challenge or a decision to make.
Repetition: the repeating of lines, words, or phrases for emphasis
Rhyme: similar sounding words in the end or within a line.
Satire: makes fun of some part of human nature, customs, or attitudes in order to make a positive change.
Simile: comparison using like or as. Ex. Her hair was like spun gold.
Stress: saying certain syllables or words in a line with more emphasis or volume.
Symbolism: using an image to represent an idea.
• Ex. Storms often symbolize impending disaster
• red rose=love
• dove=peace
• black cat=bad luck
Alliteration: forming word patterns by repeating initial consonant sounds. It depends on sound, not spelling.
Allusion: a brief reference to a person, event or thing religious or historical.
Ambiguity: This is the quality in a piece of writing that makes it possible to interpret it in more than one way.
Analogy: where you explain a complex situation by relating it to a simpler idea.
Antagonist: a character, or characters, in a short story, novel, or play, that gives the Protagonist a challenge.
Apostrophe: directly addressing a person or thing as if it/s/he were really there. (Romeo & Juliet, where Juliet speaks, “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?).
Assonance: the repetition of a stressed vowel sounds (ex: Three/beach; say/played; flame/pain).
Autobiography: literature about a real person and is written by the person the story is about. Example: John wrote a book about his own life.
Biography: a factual piece of literature that is about someone and was written by another person. Example: Janet wrote a book about John's life.
Climax: the high point of a story... when the Protagonist makes his/her decision or faces their challenge
Consonance: the repetition of consonant sounds at the end of words. Ex. Thick stuck gunk, first and last.
Fiction: literature that is not factually true, but may be based on true events.
Hyperbole: exaggeration, either for comic or serious effect. Ex. I cried a river of tears.
Imagery: creating vivid mental pictures through using words that appeal to the senses and emotions.
Inference: making conclusions about a piece of literature when the connection is not provided in a piece of literature.
Metaphor: a comparison that doesn’t use comparison words such as like or as.
Mood: the dominant feeling or atmosphere of a work. Dark, light, happy, sad, are simple moods.
Narrator: the voice that is telling the story in a novel or short story. There are two popular forms of narration:
• First person narrator--the story is told through the eyes of a character.
• Third person--the story is told by a person outside of the story.
Non-Fiction: literature that is true or is based on factual events
Ode: a form of lyric poetry using elaborate vocabulary. It usually focuses on a single object or person.
Onomatopoeia: words that sound like the sound they are describing. Ex. BANG, buzz,
pop.
Oxymoron: two opposite or conflicting words, side by side. Example:, Dark day, white night
Parody: using comedy or satire when imitating a well-known, serious work. It is much like re-writing a story with foolish characters and actions similar to the original. Parodies often make fun of the original author’s style, or criticize the authors’ views.
Personification: giving human qualities to a non-human thing or idea. Ex. The angry sky...
Protagonist: the main character of a short story, novel, or play, who is faced with a challenge or a decision to make.
Repetition: the repeating of lines, words, or phrases for emphasis
Rhyme: similar sounding words in the end or within a line.
Satire: makes fun of some part of human nature, customs, or attitudes in order to make a positive change.
Simile: comparison using like or as. Ex. Her hair was like spun gold.
Stress: saying certain syllables or words in a line with more emphasis or volume.
Symbolism: using an image to represent an idea.
• Ex. Storms often symbolize impending disaster
• red rose=love
• dove=peace
• black cat=bad luck
Monday, August 23, 2010
Presentation Tips
Hello all,
This is some advice on presenting I put together for another class, since you will be presenting on Wednesday I think it is important that we talk about what a good presentation is.
Tips
The material of your presentation should be concise, to the point and tell an interesting story. In addition to the obvious things like content and visual aids, the following are just as important as the audience will be subconsciously taking them in:
• Your voice - how you say it is as important as what you say
• Body language - a subject in its own right and something about which much has been written and said. In essence, your body movements express what your attitudes and thoughts really are.
• Appearance - first impressions influence the audience's attitudes to you. Dress appropriately for the occasion.
As with most personal skills oral communication cannot be taught. Instructors can only point the way. So as always, practice is essential, both to improve your skills generally and also to make the best of each individual presentation you make.
Preparation
Prepare the structure of the talk carefully and logically, just as you would for a written report. What are:
• the objectives of the talk?
• the main points you want to make?
Make a list of these two things as your starting point
Write out the presentation in rough, just like a first draft of a written report. Review the draft. You will find things that are irrelevant or superfluous - delete them. Check the story is consistent and flows smoothly. If there are things you cannot easily express, possibly because of doubt about your understanding, it is better to leave them unsaid.
Never read from a script. It is also unwise to have the talk written out in detail as a prompt sheet - the chances are you will not locate the thing you want to say amongst all the other text. You should know most of what you want to say - if you don't then you should not be giving the talk! So prepare cue cards which have key words and phrases (and possibly sketches) on them. Postcards are ideal for this. Don't forget to number the cards in case you drop them.
Rehearse your presentation - to yourself at first and then in front of some colleagues. The initial rehearsal should consider how the words and the sequence of events go together. How will you make effective use of your materials?
Making the presentation
Greet the audience (for example, 'Good morning, ladies and gentlemen'), and tell them who you are. Good presentations then follow this formula:
• tell the audience what you are going to tell them,
• then tell them,
• at the end tell them what you have told them.
Keep to the time allowed. If you can, keep it short. It's better to under-run than over-run.
Be prepared and keep your presentation moving. Do not have long pauses of dead air, you will eat up time and lose everyone’s attention.
At the end of your presentation ask if there are any questions - If questions are slow in coming, you can start things off by asking questions of the audience - so have some prepared.
Delivery
Speak clearly. Don't shout or whisper - judge the acoustics of the room. If you have a soft voice use a microphone.
Don't rush, or talk deliberately slowly. Be natural - although not conversational.
Deliberately pause at key points - this has the effect of emphasizing the importance of a particular point you are making.
Avoid jokes - always disastrous unless you are a natural expert
To make the presentation interesting, change your delivery, but not to obviously
• speed
• pitch of voice
Use your hands to emphasize points but don't indulge in too much hand waving. People can, over time, develop irritating habits. Ask colleagues occasionally what they think of your style.
Look at the audience as much as possible, but don't fix on an individual - it can be intimidating. Pitch your presentation towards the back of the audience, especially in larger rooms.
Don't face the white board behind you and talk to it.
Avoid moving about too much. Pacing up and down can unnerve the audience, although some animation is desirable.
Keep an eye on the audience's body language. Know when to stop and refocus their attention.
Aids
Aids can significantly improve the interest of a presentation. However, they must be relevant to what you want to say. What you use depends on the type of talk you are giving.
Keep it simple though - a complex set of materials can often cause you to get lost in your presentation and then lose control of the other students.
Finally ...,
Enjoy yourself. The audience will be on your side and want to hear what you have to say!
This is some advice on presenting I put together for another class, since you will be presenting on Wednesday I think it is important that we talk about what a good presentation is.
Tips
The material of your presentation should be concise, to the point and tell an interesting story. In addition to the obvious things like content and visual aids, the following are just as important as the audience will be subconsciously taking them in:
• Your voice - how you say it is as important as what you say
• Body language - a subject in its own right and something about which much has been written and said. In essence, your body movements express what your attitudes and thoughts really are.
• Appearance - first impressions influence the audience's attitudes to you. Dress appropriately for the occasion.
As with most personal skills oral communication cannot be taught. Instructors can only point the way. So as always, practice is essential, both to improve your skills generally and also to make the best of each individual presentation you make.
Preparation
Prepare the structure of the talk carefully and logically, just as you would for a written report. What are:
• the objectives of the talk?
• the main points you want to make?
Make a list of these two things as your starting point
Write out the presentation in rough, just like a first draft of a written report. Review the draft. You will find things that are irrelevant or superfluous - delete them. Check the story is consistent and flows smoothly. If there are things you cannot easily express, possibly because of doubt about your understanding, it is better to leave them unsaid.
Never read from a script. It is also unwise to have the talk written out in detail as a prompt sheet - the chances are you will not locate the thing you want to say amongst all the other text. You should know most of what you want to say - if you don't then you should not be giving the talk! So prepare cue cards which have key words and phrases (and possibly sketches) on them. Postcards are ideal for this. Don't forget to number the cards in case you drop them.
Rehearse your presentation - to yourself at first and then in front of some colleagues. The initial rehearsal should consider how the words and the sequence of events go together. How will you make effective use of your materials?
Making the presentation
Greet the audience (for example, 'Good morning, ladies and gentlemen'), and tell them who you are. Good presentations then follow this formula:
• tell the audience what you are going to tell them,
• then tell them,
• at the end tell them what you have told them.
Keep to the time allowed. If you can, keep it short. It's better to under-run than over-run.
Be prepared and keep your presentation moving. Do not have long pauses of dead air, you will eat up time and lose everyone’s attention.
At the end of your presentation ask if there are any questions - If questions are slow in coming, you can start things off by asking questions of the audience - so have some prepared.
Delivery
Speak clearly. Don't shout or whisper - judge the acoustics of the room. If you have a soft voice use a microphone.
Don't rush, or talk deliberately slowly. Be natural - although not conversational.
Deliberately pause at key points - this has the effect of emphasizing the importance of a particular point you are making.
Avoid jokes - always disastrous unless you are a natural expert
To make the presentation interesting, change your delivery, but not to obviously
• speed
• pitch of voice
Use your hands to emphasize points but don't indulge in too much hand waving. People can, over time, develop irritating habits. Ask colleagues occasionally what they think of your style.
Look at the audience as much as possible, but don't fix on an individual - it can be intimidating. Pitch your presentation towards the back of the audience, especially in larger rooms.
Don't face the white board behind you and talk to it.
Avoid moving about too much. Pacing up and down can unnerve the audience, although some animation is desirable.
Keep an eye on the audience's body language. Know when to stop and refocus their attention.
Aids
Aids can significantly improve the interest of a presentation. However, they must be relevant to what you want to say. What you use depends on the type of talk you are giving.
Keep it simple though - a complex set of materials can often cause you to get lost in your presentation and then lose control of the other students.
Finally ...,
Enjoy yourself. The audience will be on your side and want to hear what you have to say!
Some Advertising Vocabulary
AVANTE GARDE
The suggestion that using this product puts the user ahead of the times e.g. a toy manufacturer encourages kids to be the first on their block to have a new toy.
FACTS AND FIGURES
Statistics and objective factual information is used to prove the superiority of the product e.g. a car manufacturer quotes the amount of time it takes their car to get from 0 to 100 k.p.h.
WEASEL WORDS
“Weasel words" are used to suggest a positive meaning without actually really making any guarantee e.g. a scientist says that a diet product might help you to lose weight the way it helped him to lose weight.
MAGIC INGREDIENTS
The suggestion that some almost miraculous discovery makes the product exceptionally effective e.g. a pharmaceutical manufacturer describes a special coating that makes their pain reliever less irritating to the stomach than a competitor`s.
PATRIOTISM
The suggestion that purchasing this product shows your love of your country e.g. a company brags about its product being made in America and employing American workers.
DIVERSION
Diversion seems to tackle a problem or issue, but then throws in an emotional non-sequitor or distraction. e.g. a tobacco company talks about health and smoking, but then shows a cowboy smoking a rugged cigarette after a long day of hard work.
TRANSFER
Words and ideas with positive connotations are used to suggest that the positive qualities should be associated with the product and the user e.g. a textile manufacturer wanting people to wear their product to stay cool during the summer shows people wearing fashions made from their cloth at a sunny seaside setting where there is a cool breeze.
PLAIN FOLKS
The suggestion that the product is a practical product of good value for ordinary people e.g. a cereal manufacturer shows an ordinary family sitting down to breakfast and enjoying their product.
SNOB APPEAL
The suggestion that the use of the product makes the customer part of an elite group with a luxurious and glamorous life style e.g. a coffee manufacturer shows people dressed in formal gowns and tuxedos drinking their brand at an art gallery.
BRIBERY
Bribery seems to give a desirable extra something. We humans tend to be greedy. e.g. Buy a burger; get free fries.
TESTIMONIAL
A famous personality is used to endorse the product e.g. a famous basketball player (Michael Jordan) recommends a particular brand of skates.
WIT AND HUMOR
Customers are attracted to products that divert the audience by giving viewers a reason to laugh or to be entertained by clever use of visuals or language.
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
Avoid complexities, and attack many problems to one solutions. e.g. Buy this makeup and you will be attractive, popular, and happy.
CARD STACKING
The propaganda technique of Card-Stacking is so widespread that we may not always be aware of its presence in a commercial. Basically, Card-Stacking means stacking the cards in favor of the product; advertisers stress is positive qualities and ignore negative. For example, if a brand of snack food is loaded with sugar (and calories), the commercial may boast that the product is low in fat, which implies that it is also low in calories. Card-Stacking is such a prevalent rational propaganda technique that gives us only part of the picture.
GLITTERING GENERALITIES
The glittering generalities technique uses appealing words and images to sell the product. The message this commercial gives, through indirectly, is that if you buy the item, you will be using a wonderful product, and it will change your life. This cosmetic will make you look younger, this car will give you status, this magazine will make you a leader-all these commercials are using Glittering Generalities to enhance product appeal.
BANDWAGON
Bandwagon is a form of propaganda that exploits the desire of most people to join the crowd or be on the winning side, and avoid winding up the losing side. Few of us would want to wear nerdy cloths, smell differently from everyone else, or be unpopular.
The popularity of a product is important to many people. Even if most of us say we make out own choice when buying something we often choose well-advertised items- the popular ones. Advertising copywriters must be careful with the bandwagon propaganda technique because most of us see ourselves as individuals who think for themselves. If Bandwagon commercial is to obvious, viewers may reject the product outright.
The suggestion that using this product puts the user ahead of the times e.g. a toy manufacturer encourages kids to be the first on their block to have a new toy.
FACTS AND FIGURES
Statistics and objective factual information is used to prove the superiority of the product e.g. a car manufacturer quotes the amount of time it takes their car to get from 0 to 100 k.p.h.
WEASEL WORDS
“Weasel words" are used to suggest a positive meaning without actually really making any guarantee e.g. a scientist says that a diet product might help you to lose weight the way it helped him to lose weight.
MAGIC INGREDIENTS
The suggestion that some almost miraculous discovery makes the product exceptionally effective e.g. a pharmaceutical manufacturer describes a special coating that makes their pain reliever less irritating to the stomach than a competitor`s.
PATRIOTISM
The suggestion that purchasing this product shows your love of your country e.g. a company brags about its product being made in America and employing American workers.
DIVERSION
Diversion seems to tackle a problem or issue, but then throws in an emotional non-sequitor or distraction. e.g. a tobacco company talks about health and smoking, but then shows a cowboy smoking a rugged cigarette after a long day of hard work.
TRANSFER
Words and ideas with positive connotations are used to suggest that the positive qualities should be associated with the product and the user e.g. a textile manufacturer wanting people to wear their product to stay cool during the summer shows people wearing fashions made from their cloth at a sunny seaside setting where there is a cool breeze.
PLAIN FOLKS
The suggestion that the product is a practical product of good value for ordinary people e.g. a cereal manufacturer shows an ordinary family sitting down to breakfast and enjoying their product.
SNOB APPEAL
The suggestion that the use of the product makes the customer part of an elite group with a luxurious and glamorous life style e.g. a coffee manufacturer shows people dressed in formal gowns and tuxedos drinking their brand at an art gallery.
BRIBERY
Bribery seems to give a desirable extra something. We humans tend to be greedy. e.g. Buy a burger; get free fries.
TESTIMONIAL
A famous personality is used to endorse the product e.g. a famous basketball player (Michael Jordan) recommends a particular brand of skates.
WIT AND HUMOR
Customers are attracted to products that divert the audience by giving viewers a reason to laugh or to be entertained by clever use of visuals or language.
SIMPLE SOLUTIONS
Avoid complexities, and attack many problems to one solutions. e.g. Buy this makeup and you will be attractive, popular, and happy.
CARD STACKING
The propaganda technique of Card-Stacking is so widespread that we may not always be aware of its presence in a commercial. Basically, Card-Stacking means stacking the cards in favor of the product; advertisers stress is positive qualities and ignore negative. For example, if a brand of snack food is loaded with sugar (and calories), the commercial may boast that the product is low in fat, which implies that it is also low in calories. Card-Stacking is such a prevalent rational propaganda technique that gives us only part of the picture.
GLITTERING GENERALITIES
The glittering generalities technique uses appealing words and images to sell the product. The message this commercial gives, through indirectly, is that if you buy the item, you will be using a wonderful product, and it will change your life. This cosmetic will make you look younger, this car will give you status, this magazine will make you a leader-all these commercials are using Glittering Generalities to enhance product appeal.
BANDWAGON
Bandwagon is a form of propaganda that exploits the desire of most people to join the crowd or be on the winning side, and avoid winding up the losing side. Few of us would want to wear nerdy cloths, smell differently from everyone else, or be unpopular.
The popularity of a product is important to many people. Even if most of us say we make out own choice when buying something we often choose well-advertised items- the popular ones. Advertising copywriters must be careful with the bandwagon propaganda technique because most of us see ourselves as individuals who think for themselves. If Bandwagon commercial is to obvious, viewers may reject the product outright.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
A Poem I like
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others
—Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others
—Marianne Williamson
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