AIS

Australian International School

Kung Fu-tzu

Confucius, the Latinized form of the name of Kung Fu-tzu, was bom in 551 B.C. and died in 479 B.C. The philosophy that is known as Confucianism comes mainly from the speeches and writings of Confucius. Disciples (followers) of Confucius, such as Mencius, made important contributions to Confucianism as well. The ideas of Confucianism are found in nine works: the “Four Books” and the “Five Classics.”

Confucianism is an ethical system rather than a religion. (Ethics deals with human behavior and conduct.) Confucius was mainly concerned with how human beings behaved toward each other and paid little attention to such matters as sin, salvation, and the soul. He developed a system of government, society, and justice which we call Confucianism.

The Five Basic Relationships
According to Confucius, each person had a specific place in society and certain duties to fulfill. Confucius hoped that if people knew what was expected of them they would behave correctly. Therefore, he set up five principal relationships in which most people are involved. These relationships were (1) ruler and subject; (2) father and son; (3) elder brother and younger brother; (4) husband and wife; and (5) friend and friend. All, except the last, involve the authority of one person over another.

The Family and the State
Confucius placed great importance on the family. Family fife was seen as a training ground for life in society. It is at home in the family that the child learns to deal with problems that he or she will face later in the world. The family is responsible for educating the child to be a good member of society. Confucius emphasized the importance of education, the aim of which is to turn people into good family members, responsible members of society, and good subjects of the emperor.

The Importance of Confucianism
For 2,000 years Confucianism was the official philosophy of China. The only way a person could achieve an important position in the government or in society was by having a good knowledge of Confucianism. To become a government official it was necessary to pass a difficult civil service examination based on the ideas of Confucius. Since it was Confucianism that kept the leaders in power, they were opposed to any changes. The Confucianists believed that they were the only civilized community in the world and they looked down on the beliefs and cultures of other people. This attitude made the Chinese unwilling to change their way of life when they were first exposed to Western culture.

Effective Writing

We have discussed the importance of the idea of “show don’t tell” and the use of sensory language to improve the quality of our narrative writing.

Sensory language references and stimulates the senses and helps engage the reader with the story and characters:

SHOWING:

The cool morning sun cast long fingers of shadow and light across the green field as our visitors tramped across rough and the dewy grass.

TELLING:

Morning came and the people arrived.

TASK:

Explain in your own words what “show don’t tell” and sensory language are.

How they can be used to write more effective stories?

WRITE TWO PARAGRAPHS WITH EXAMPLES.

The Shelter

Banyan Tree

 

 1. Was this a good story? Why? Why not? 

2. Comment on each of the six traits – does the story fulfill them? 

3. Except for the rain the couple would not have met under the banyan tree. How else do you think the rain and tree link with the story – with the couple’s relationship?

 4. Discuss whether you think the wife should have returned the night she left, or was it best that they went their separate ways? Argue both sides and then offer your conclusion.

 5. The author does not name his characters. How do you think this is significant? Why do you think he may have chosen to leave out the names?

 6. Near the end of the story, the husband says, ‘I am changed now’ and his wife replies, ‘So I am’. Imagine he locates her address and writes to her. Write the letter you think he may write.  

 7. In what style is the narrative told? What effect does this have? Do you think the story would change if told from the husband or wife’s point of view?

Who is Roald Dahl?

Roald Dahl

Go to the website http://www.roalddahl.com

Open a word document and answer the following questions:  upload your answers here ont he blog  into the ‘comment section’

1.    Who is Roald Dahl?

2.   Do you think you would like to read his short stories?  why?

3.    Why do you think his writing is so popular with students?

Activity

1. Read the short story the-landlady2
2. Answer the questions: . landlady_context1

Both of these documents are uploaded onto the Community Portal.  This is due on Wednesday.  Please upload the answers onto the Coummunity Portal.

The Art of Short Story Writing

In this unit of work Term 3, we shall be investigating:

Unit: Tales from Around the World
Significant Concept: All humans tell stories.

MYP Unit Question: Why is storytelling an integral part of all cultures?

Types of texts used: Short stories, films

Unit Description: Short stories and composition

Assessment of Learning: Short story analysis and creative writing (6 Traits)

Yolngu Boy Essay

‘First and foremost Yolngu Boy is a film about the challenges and difficulties of adolescence’. Discuss.

Weir by Killing Heidi

WATCH the THEME song from the MOVIE LOOKING FOR ALIBRANDI and READ the Lyrics below.

1. What does Weir mean?

2.  Why does she ask the question “will you make it in the end”?  What is she refering to?

3. What does she mean by “twist and bends”

4.  Why do you think they selected this for the theme song for the MOVIE?

Weir

By Killing Heidi

Old friend of mine,
we will never lose the time,
that we shared all these years,
these years.

will you……

Will you make it in the end?
Through all the twists and bends,
will you full fill your dreams?
Not as easy as it seems.

Lover friend of mine,
we will never lose the time,
that we, covered in our tears in our tears.

Will you:.

Will you make it in the end?
Through all the twists and bends,
will you full fill your dreams?
Not as easy as it seems.

Floating in the weir, and you
think you’ll never sink,
so you, forget all your fears,
your fears.

Will you…..

Will you make it in the end?
Through all the twists and bends,
will you full fill your dreams?
Not as easy as it seems.

Yolgnu Boy Issues and themes

What issues do you think the film explores that are particularly relevant to teenagers?

What experiences and issues do you and your friends share with Lorrpu, Milika and Botj?

Explain some of the experiences they have that are different from yours.

What factors account for these differences?

What emotions did you experience at various stages as you watched the film? Comment particularly on how you felt at the end.

Looking for Alibrandi

What types of cultural pressure have you experienced before? Are there traditions your parents have that they have tried to pass on to you?