If you were to talk for ten minutes to thirty younger boys and girls, you would probably spend most of your time on what you considered the most important or most interesting topic. In the same way, to give proper emphasis to the most important details of a paragraph, you must give them sufficient space.

Exercises

338. In the following extract from a journal, what detail did the pupil wish to emphasize most? Did he secure the emphasis by giving this suggestion the most space, or the best position, or both ?

Timely Suggestions On Bird Study

If one is going to study birds this year, he should begin at once [February 23], so as to know all the species that are now here, for within two weeks new birds will begin to arrive, and in six weeks we shall have thirty more species. There are many important things which are much easier to learn now than later in the season. Get between the sun and your bird; otherwise you will not be able to tell a scarlet tanager from a robin. Do not puzzle over shy, small, sober-colored birds at first; confine yourself to those having marked characteristics. Learn the songs of as many birds as you can. Make notes on everything you observe; you cannot make too many, provided they are accurate. Above all things never hurry. Identify your birds with caution; be sure you are right. Never raise even your glasses hurriedly, for many shy birds will be frightened away by the flash of the sun upon the lens. When in search of birds, pause frequently and you will see and hear much that would otherwise escape you. Therefore the motto of the successful ornithologist should be, "Slow and sure."

889. Write a paragraph in which you try to secure emphasis both by proportion and by position. First make a list of topics. You may give suggestions in regard to doing something which you know well how to do.

340. Write a paragraph on a subject taken from a book which you have read recently. First make a list of topics. These subjects from "The Last of the Mohicans" may be suggestive:

1. The Night in the Cave. 2. A Character Sketch of Hawkeye. 3. The Basest Character. 4. The Weakest Character. (Compare at least two characters.) 5. David Gamut's Good Qualities.

341. Exchange papers, and write in a single sentence the thought which you consider the most important in each paragraph you examine.

342. Write a theme on one of the following subjects: Caring for Plants; Setting the Table for Dinner; Managing a Canoe; Enjoying a Boat; Learning to Swim.

343. In class, write out and hand in with the theme just written a statement of the following points:

1. What is the main thought of each paragraph and of the theme as a whole ?

2. Point out any good connectives, and any lack of connection.

3. How, if at all, is emphasis secured?

344. Give an account of one of your recent experiences. Write in a simple, straightforward way as rapidly as you can. In revising, test the unity, coherence, and emphasis of the paragraph or paragraphs.

345. Exchange themes and criticize (1) form, (2) sentence structure, (3) punctuation, (4) spelling, (5) emphasis (as in Ex. 343), (6) interest.

346. Write a theme on any subject you please.

347. Exchange papers and, as examiner, answer these questions:

1. Is it interesting? Point out what you like best in the work.

2. Is it adequate ? Make a note of any topics which in your opinion should be included.

3. Is it to the point? Make an 0 in the margin against any sentence which had better be omitted.

4. Can you suggest any improvements in (1) form, (2) sentence structure, (3) punctuation, (4) spelling, (5) unity, (6) coherence, (7) emphasis, or (8) interest?

348. Write an account of to-day's recitation in history. See that your report is (1) adequate and (2) to the point. Make it a valuable record to any pupil who is absent to-day, or to a pupil who may enter the school after to-day.

349. Exchange papers and, as examiner, answer the questions given in Exercise 347.

350. In class, give the substance of what you have learned about writing themes.