ONLINE TASK 4

ONLINE TASK 4

Question:
1. Think of at least 3 benefits of using speeches by famous figures, in the classroom.

·         Normally speeches used by famous figures are usually persuasive speeches and have minimum or no grammatical errors because they are proof read before being delivered. The speeches are well written and sequenced.

·         Students have to use higher CCTS in order to understand these types of speech and the speeches will be very challenging.

·         Students can learn how to write their own persuasive speech by using these speeches as guidelines.

2. Go to www.youtube.com and find the audio-visual on the speech. In not less than 50 words, state would the audio-visual be of any use in helping understand the speech better? State your reasons.

The audio – visual can be used in class as an example of a powerful persuasive speech. Since most students are visual learners, so it is suitable to show them this speech. Will I use the speech in my lesson; I may not use it because of the content and the message in the speech. Students might misinterpret the content because the message of the speech is about freedom of the black people in America and nothing to do with Malaysia.

3. Who is Martin Luther King?

Martin Luther King, Jr., (January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968) was born Michael Luther King, Jr. in 1954 he became a minister and became a social activist. He promoted non-violent campaign to end the segregation of the black in America. He organised the massive March on Washington in 1963 to achieve civil rights for the blacks.  

4. Based on the questions below, analyse the features of the given written speech:

a. What is the purpose of the speech?

Martin Luther king’s most famous speech carried one very powerful message; the key message, that all  human beings are  created equal and have equal rights, irrespective of race, colour or religion, especially in America. King wanted to make a change in the future.

 b. What is the tone of the speech?

If you listen to his speech, you will notice that Martin Luther King raises and lowers his voice. He modulates the tone of his voice. By using the correct pitch or inflection he successfully places emphasis on the words being said. In the key areas, King raises his voice to show the importance of his words. This is to ensure that the audience takes greater notice of such words.  A very visible example of this technique can be seen in the climatic ending of the speech in which he raises the volume of his voice “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
c. What interesting major feature(s) can you see from the speech? (i.e.Repetition of phrases, emphasis on certain things said etc)

Martin Luther King used verbal techniques throughout his persuasive speech to achieve his goals. He uses creative dramatic pauses on purpose on a regular basis to emphasize what he is saying.  This is done to keep the audience’ attention and arouse curiosity about  what he is going to say next. The audiences hang on to every word he says.  Although he is deliberate, he continues with his speech quickly enough as not to allow the audience’s attention to wane. An example of his use of the dramatic pause can be seen in the section which he repeatedly states “Now is the time…”

Martin Luther King also uses repetition of ideas throughout his speech. Through the use of repetition, he encourages the audience to accept the idea that he is presenting.  The words” I have a dream” and “Now is the time” are repeated often in his speech to create a sense of necessity about the current situation and encouraging people to act.

d. Any interesting facts that you can gather based on the background of the speech?

Throughout his speech, King makes references to a number of widely respected sources such as the Bible, The United States Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution and to Abraham Lincoln. He wants the audience standing in front of him to understand his points so he makes reference to the things, people or events that the audience is already familiar with.

5. Suggest a while-reading activity that can be derived from this particular speech.

The students can read a  part of the speech and fill in the blanks with the missing words or they can answer simple comprehension questions.

ONLINE TASK 3

ONLINE TASK 3

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born in Transkei, South Africa on July 18, 1918. His father was Chief Henry Mandela of the Tembu Tribe. Mandela himself was educated at University College of Fort Hare and the University of Witwatersrand and qualified in law in 1942.  He became involved in politics in 1944. He was against the ruling National Party's apartheid policies after 1948 (Apartheid was a system of racial segregation enforced through legislation by the National Party governments, who were the ruling party from 1948 to 1994, of South Africa, under which the rights of the majority black inhabitants of South Africa were curtailed and white supremacy and Afrikaner minority rule was maintained). During the ruling of National Party, many innocent people were killed or tortured. Many residential areas were segregated and many people were removed with force. Nelson Mandela resisted against the NP but he was charged for treason and Mandela was arrested in 1962 and sentenced to five years' imprisonment with hard labour. In 1963 when many fellow leaders of the ANC and the Umkhonto we Sizwe were arrested, Mandela was brought to stand trial with them for plotting to overthrow the government by violence. His statement from the dock received considerable international publicity. On June 12, 1964, eight of the accused, including Mandela, were sentenced to life imprisonment. From 1964 to 1982, he was incarcerated at Robben Island Prison, off Cape Town; thereafter, he was at Pollsmoor Prison, nearby on the mainland. Nelson Mandela never once bowed down to the NP. He stood tall and faced his adversity with all the strength he could muster. During his years in prison, Nelson Mandela's reputation grew gradually. He was widely accepted as the most significant black leader in South Africa and became an important symbol of resistance as the anti-apartheid movement gathered strength in Africa. He consistently refused to compromise his political position to obtain his freedom. He believed in truth and justice.

Nelson Mandela was released on February 11, 1990. After his release, he plunged himself wholeheartedly into his life's work, determined to attain the goals he and others had set out almost four decades earlier. His tireless efforts paid off finally when he was elected as the President of South Africa in 1994 and he put the end to the apartheid.  His dedication and determination to free his people did not go unnoticed, in 1993, Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

POEM

Freedom Fighter,

Freedom Fighter,

The name that befits you,

You stood tall in the eyes of adversity,

Your strength never waived in the presence of the enemy,

You seek justices; but wrongly accused,

Traitor was the name given to you,

Yet, you smiled without fear,

You had faith,

Even when all hope seemed lost,

Your courage was your aura,

Your spoke; but none for yourself,

You were the beacon of hope for many,

Yet you never shone with arrogance,

Your tireless efforts were paid off,

When you stood in the eyes of the world,

You bestowed the greatest gift to your people,

FREEDOM! FREEDOM! FREEDOM!

Your faith did not desert you,

You are the greatest man,

 South Africa will ever know,

You are, none other than,

NELSON MANDELA.

ONLINE TASK 2

ONLINE TASK 2

Do we have a canon for Malaysian literary works? Let's say we do, who do you think are in it? Consider the fact that their works are well-known and most importantly included as part of the school syllabus- (both in BM and English).

Yes we do have a canon for Malaysian literary works. Definitely the Education Ministry and university professors from the literature departments. Writers like Ali Majod, Heidi Munan and Che Husna Azhari have their shorts stories used in the form I component.
 

 

 Do you think they are suitable to teach at the secondary school level? Explain.

Personally, I think nothing wrong in using Erica Jong’s poems in class, but the teacher has to make sure she understands the poems before using them as literary materials.  Students should be exposed to feminist issues not only by local writers but also by foreign writers. 
They can compare and contrast two poets and their style of writing.

Is Hillary Tham's poem more suitable?

Hillary Tham’s poems/ works can be used together with Erica Jong’s.

The short tale from the Native American group is about a girl who is unsatisfied with her life. How is this a universal experience? Can it teach our students anything?

This short tale can teach our students about self-value the importance of listening to our elders.  Respecting our elders is a universal code and one must always be content with what we have is something which is understood universally.

From internet sources find out more about Langston Hughes.

From your findings about his background, tell me about the dilemma he conveys through the poem CROSS.

 In this poem, Langston Hughes( both his parents were blacks; but he understood what people felt with mix heritage)  tries to convey his turmoil of having mixed parents and his heritage. He is neither black nor white. His is angry with his parents but forgives them. Forgiving them has not solved his dilemma or that him being persecuted for no reasons.

I find "Dinner Guest: Me" laden with irony and sarcasm. Briefly state if you feel the same.

The poem is definitely oozing with sarcasm and irony. The irony part is where the white man is dining with a Negro in a fancy restaurant, eating food which has fancy names. Even though the white man is talking, but it clearly that he is uncomfortable and embarrassed to be seen dining with a Negro. To the poet, all these fancy frills have no impact on him because he is still seen as a slave in the eyes of many.

The experience in the poem Harlem is one that is true for many people. Do you agree?

Yes I totally agree. It was very had for the blacks even after the Civil War. Even though they were free, but they still mistreated and looked down upon by the whites. The segregation between the whites and blacks were evident in many public places as schools, public toilets and even public transportations. They black were given menial jobs and were not treated with respect. I read the book The Help by Kathryn Stockett which is based on true events in Mississippi.

Langston Hughes fights for the voice of his people. What is the movement called?

Langston Hughes, 1902-1967: The Poet Voice of African-Americans