repliedwhisperedspokeinquiredansweredagreedcriedexplainedaskedexclaimedshoutedremarkedquestionedrepeatedcontinuedsuggestedpromisedmaintainedobjectedrejoinedinterruptedquotedreturnedadded
Exercise 137
Far too many boys and girls pay but little regard to the matter of choosing the word that will give the exactmeaning that they wish to convey. In order to lend force to their words they have formed the habit of speaking in superlatives; like the girl who said, "We had a perfectly grand time, but I'm so beastly tired now that I'm nearly dead," and yet she showed no evidence of suffering.
Isn't it a pity that our beautiful English language should be so degraded in common usage that it loses all its force and meaning? Instead of convincing people that she really was tired, the girl quoted above made herself ridiculous by her exaggeration. Yet isn't the quotation a fair example of the speech of many boys and girls? Surely everything about us is not either grand or beastly. The habit thus formed is difficult to break, but it must be broken if we wish to speak our language correctly.
Make a list of the slang phrases that you have acquired. For each one substitute a good English expression.
The reason we must watch our oral English closely is that it is in our conversation that our habits of speech are formed. The expressions we use then we unconsciously employ when we are writing or talking to the class. If we are accustomed to use considerable slang when we speak, we shall have difficulty in eliminating it from our writing or in finding a good word to express the idea for which we usually use slang. As a rule, slang and extravagant expressions of all kinds are used to serve such a variety of meanings that the use of them tends to limit the vocabulary to these expressions. Consider slang something undesirable and stop using it.
Exercise 138
Look up the words in each of the following groups. You will notice that there is a resemblance of meaning between all the words of each group, but that there is also a shade of difference in meaning that distinguishes each word from itscompanions. Discover that shade of difference. Use each word in a sentence.
1. Lovely, beautiful, pretty, handsome.2. Awful, terrible, horrible, dreadful, fearful.3. Nice, pleasant, delightful, dainty, fine, agreeable.4. Grand, imposing, splendid, impressive.5. Love, like, adore, admire, revere.6. Smart, clever, bright, quick-witted.7. Fierce, ferocious, wild.8. Guess, think, suppose, imagine.9. Hate, dislike, despise, abhor, detest.10. Scholar, student, pupil.
1. Lovely, beautiful, pretty, handsome.
2. Awful, terrible, horrible, dreadful, fearful.
3. Nice, pleasant, delightful, dainty, fine, agreeable.
4. Grand, imposing, splendid, impressive.
5. Love, like, adore, admire, revere.
6. Smart, clever, bright, quick-witted.
7. Fierce, ferocious, wild.
8. Guess, think, suppose, imagine.
9. Hate, dislike, despise, abhor, detest.
10. Scholar, student, pupil.
Exercise 139
Carelessness in speaking frequently results in wordiness, since the speaker in an effort to be clear or forceful repeats the idea two or three times. Such speech is tiresome. In each of the following sentences there are too many words to express the idea. See how many you can omit and yet preserve the meaning. Sometimes the sentence needs revision.
1. I haven't got any time.2. Where does he live at?3. Don't stand up; there's a chair.4. The woman she had an accident.5. You had ought to take more exercise.6. I was just going to go.7. I excuse you because you are a new beginner.8. I can finish the work in three days' time.9. The offices are both alike in all respects.10. He engaged the both of us.11. We applied to Mr. Abbot, he being the manager.12. My mind often reverts back to the time when I began in business.13. That high building that is going up on Twelfth Street is going to be twenty stories high when it is finished.14. From his appearance he looked to be in very poor circumstances.15. He is afraid of the results that will ensue if he follows the course that he has planned.16. The present state of affairs that is now confronting the public has become what it now is because the citizens are not public spirited.17. The reason why I was not at work yesterday was because I was not feeling as well as I might.18. I shall never forget the terrible sights that I saw the time that I witnessed the street car collision.19. I have been debating in my mind whether I ought to accept the offer.20. He was a mere little child when he first began to work in the mine.21. Mix together both the butter and the sugar, and rub the two of them to a cream.22. The two pieces of cloth are just exactly the same in every way.23. You will find this chair equally as comfortable as the other.24. He said that when he started in his business that he had almost no capital at all.25. It was the office of Morgan & Son where I got my experience.26. China is undergoing a vast change at the present time.27. At about the age of fourteen years he left his home town.28. They did it gladly and willingly.29. He always shows great deference and respect when he speaks to those who are in authority.30. He is the proprietor and owner of the News.31. You can easily get the training that will make you a competent and efficient high-salaried trained man.32. For sale, a large, commodious house, arranged with every convenience to make it comfortable.33. We are making all the necessary improvements that are needed.34. I went to high school to take up stenography.
1. I haven't got any time.
2. Where does he live at?
3. Don't stand up; there's a chair.
4. The woman she had an accident.
5. You had ought to take more exercise.
6. I was just going to go.
7. I excuse you because you are a new beginner.
8. I can finish the work in three days' time.
9. The offices are both alike in all respects.
10. He engaged the both of us.
11. We applied to Mr. Abbot, he being the manager.
12. My mind often reverts back to the time when I began in business.
13. That high building that is going up on Twelfth Street is going to be twenty stories high when it is finished.
14. From his appearance he looked to be in very poor circumstances.
15. He is afraid of the results that will ensue if he follows the course that he has planned.
16. The present state of affairs that is now confronting the public has become what it now is because the citizens are not public spirited.
17. The reason why I was not at work yesterday was because I was not feeling as well as I might.
18. I shall never forget the terrible sights that I saw the time that I witnessed the street car collision.
19. I have been debating in my mind whether I ought to accept the offer.
20. He was a mere little child when he first began to work in the mine.
21. Mix together both the butter and the sugar, and rub the two of them to a cream.
22. The two pieces of cloth are just exactly the same in every way.
23. You will find this chair equally as comfortable as the other.
24. He said that when he started in his business that he had almost no capital at all.
25. It was the office of Morgan & Son where I got my experience.
26. China is undergoing a vast change at the present time.
27. At about the age of fourteen years he left his home town.
28. They did it gladly and willingly.
29. He always shows great deference and respect when he speaks to those who are in authority.
30. He is the proprietor and owner of the News.
31. You can easily get the training that will make you a competent and efficient high-salaried trained man.
32. For sale, a large, commodious house, arranged with every convenience to make it comfortable.
33. We are making all the necessary improvements that are needed.
34. I went to high school to take up stenography.
Exercise 140—Making a Speech
One of the most profitable exercises to cultivate clear thinking and consequent clear expression is the making of speeches, usually spoken of as oral themes. In this exercise a pupil stands before the class to talk upon a subjectabout which he has thought, but upon which he has written nothing. He has two objects in view. First, he must choose those facts that will make his subject clear and interesting to his audience. Second, he must deliver them well; that is, he must stand in a good position before the class, use good grammar, no slang, and enunciate so that every one in the room can understand him. If his speech is to be longer than one paragraph, he should have an outline prepared, in which each division is clearly indicated, as well as the important details within each division.
In making a speech, the best way is to start with a clear statement of the subject. Suppose you take (9) below. You might begin, "I am going to talk of a street car transfer. First, I shall tell you how it looks; and second, how it is used. Then first, a street car transfer—(describe it fully). In the second place, it is used—(give details)." After you have explained fully, to show that you have said all you intend to say, finish with a sentence of conclusion.Therefore,consequently,for these reasons,thus we may see, are instances of words which may be used to begin a sentence of conclusion.
Use each of the following questions as the subject for a speech. Answer each question clearly and completely. Use illustrations to show exactly what you mean.
1. What does it mean to be a hero?2. What does it mean to be successful?3. What does it mean to be unfortunate?4. What does it mean to be generous?5. What does it mean to be lenient?6. What does it mean to be mercenary?7. What does it mean to be diffident?8. What does it mean to be penurious?9. What is a street car transfer? How does it look and how is it used?10. What occupation do you wish to follow, and why? What preparations are you making?11. Why do we have a smoke ordinance?12. Why must buildings have fire escapes?13. Why do the farmers of Kansas insure their barns against cyclones?14. What is fire insurance?15. Why is ventilation important?16. Why do so many immigrants come to this country?17. Why do cities grow?18. Why was the steam engine an important invention?19. Why was the telephone an important invention?20. What is the principle of vaccination?21. What is the principle of anti-toxin?22. Of what good is the trade union to the laborer?23. Why does the employer object to the union?24. What is a monopoly?25. What is meant by a corner in wheat?
1. What does it mean to be a hero?
2. What does it mean to be successful?
3. What does it mean to be unfortunate?
4. What does it mean to be generous?
5. What does it mean to be lenient?
6. What does it mean to be mercenary?
7. What does it mean to be diffident?
8. What does it mean to be penurious?
9. What is a street car transfer? How does it look and how is it used?
10. What occupation do you wish to follow, and why? What preparations are you making?
11. Why do we have a smoke ordinance?
12. Why must buildings have fire escapes?
13. Why do the farmers of Kansas insure their barns against cyclones?
14. What is fire insurance?
15. Why is ventilation important?
16. Why do so many immigrants come to this country?
17. Why do cities grow?
18. Why was the steam engine an important invention?
19. Why was the telephone an important invention?
20. What is the principle of vaccination?
21. What is the principle of anti-toxin?
22. Of what good is the trade union to the laborer?
23. Why does the employer object to the union?
24. What is a monopoly?
25. What is meant by a corner in wheat?
Exercise 141
In your neighborhood you have frequently noticed a lawn and a garden that are very poorly kept, the garden needing weeding and the lawn both weeding and mowing. Imagine that you go to the owner to make him a proposition. You know the man slightly, and you have heard that he has a quick temper. Know exactly what work you will offer to do and how often you will do it. Be careful of your first sentences. Let them be especially courteous, so that you may not offend the gentleman by suggesting that he does not take care of his property. Tell him frankly that you would like to earn some money.
In this exercise the class will represent the owner. Moreover, they will watch carefully so that they may point out to the speaker wherein his speech was not quite courteous or not quite clear.
Exercise 142
From one of the newspapers cut an advertisement of a position for which you think you can apply. Bring theadvertisement with you and convince the class that you are fitted for the position.
In this exercise you must be exact. Choose an advertisement for a kind of work about which you know something. If you have ever had any experience that would fit you for the position, do not fail to tell of it, since experience counts for much in the employer's estimate of an applicant.
Let the class judge whether the speaker has been convincing and whether he has shown the properly courteous attitude toward an employer. Let them ask themselves such questions as: Is he alert in his manner? Does he make one feel that he is capable? Does he stand and talk as if he has confidence in himself? Is he too meek? Does he seem over-confident? Let each be able to offer suggestions for improvement.
Exercise 143
Imagine that you are an agent. Choose an article that is especially useful to housekeepers. Try to sell it to the class, or choose an individual member to whom you wish to sell it. Bring a sample with you for the purpose of demonstrating its usefulness.
As in the preceding exercise the speaker must strive to be convincing. He must know all there is to be known about the article that he is demonstrating. If it is at all possible, he should have used it in order that he may explain exactly how it is operated and why it is better than a similar article that the housekeeper probably is at present using.
Exercise 144
You wish to start a business and need a certain amount of money. Try to convince the instructor or a selected pupil that you need it.
Be sure that you are able to tell definitely the kind of business for which you wish the money, where you will start thebusiness, why you think that this particular location is good, when you will be able to return the money, and what security you can give.
Don't make the mistake of choosing something too big for a boy or a girl to carry through. Perhaps the following will be suggestive:
1. A newspaper stand.2. A miniature truck farm in the empty lot next door.3. A pop corn wagon.4. A fruit cart or stand.5. A shoe shining stand.6. Raising ferns or flowers for sale.7. Buying vegetables from a farmer and selling them to housewives.8. Printing business cards and blotters on a small press.9. Making place cards.10. Making valentines.11. Painting holiday postal cards or fancy cards for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and the like.12. Printing on postal cards pretty scenes that you have photographed perhaps in your town or at a summer resort.13. Making and selling cakes, doughnuts, and the like.14. Selling crocheted or embroidered articles.
1. A newspaper stand.
2. A miniature truck farm in the empty lot next door.
3. A pop corn wagon.
4. A fruit cart or stand.
5. A shoe shining stand.
6. Raising ferns or flowers for sale.
7. Buying vegetables from a farmer and selling them to housewives.
8. Printing business cards and blotters on a small press.
9. Making place cards.
10. Making valentines.
11. Painting holiday postal cards or fancy cards for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and the like.
12. Printing on postal cards pretty scenes that you have photographed perhaps in your town or at a summer resort.
13. Making and selling cakes, doughnuts, and the like.
14. Selling crocheted or embroidered articles.
Exercise 145—Elements of Success
Prepare a short speech on each of the following. Wherever possible make your statements clear and forceful by using illustrations or examples.
1. Cheerfulness helps to bring success.2. The habit of neatness is an asset.3. The habit of punctuality is a necessity.4. He was not promoted because he watched the clock.5. He was not promoted because his excuse was always, "I forgot."6. He was not promoted because he learned nothing from his mistakes.7. He was not promoted because he was always grumbling.8. He was not promoted because he was content to be a second-rate man.9. He was not promoted because he ruined his ability by half-doing things.10. He was not promoted because he did not learn to act on his own judgment.11. One to-day is worth two to-morrows.12. Experience is an expensive teacher.13. Be not simply good—be good for something.14. Not failure, but low aim, is crime.15. To be successful one must have confidence in himself.
1. Cheerfulness helps to bring success.
2. The habit of neatness is an asset.
3. The habit of punctuality is a necessity.
4. He was not promoted because he watched the clock.
5. He was not promoted because his excuse was always, "I forgot."
6. He was not promoted because he learned nothing from his mistakes.
7. He was not promoted because he was always grumbling.
8. He was not promoted because he was content to be a second-rate man.
9. He was not promoted because he ruined his ability by half-doing things.
10. He was not promoted because he did not learn to act on his own judgment.
11. One to-day is worth two to-morrows.
12. Experience is an expensive teacher.
13. Be not simply good—be good for something.
14. Not failure, but low aim, is crime.
15. To be successful one must have confidence in himself.
Exercise 146
As in the preceding exercise prepare a speech on each of the following:
1. A dishonest person cannot succeed.2. There is no excuse for discouragement.3. You may secure a position through another's influence, but you keep it through your own merit.4. There is always room at the top.5. There is no such thing as luck.6. The proper attitude toward an employer is one of deference.7. A business woman should dress simply.8. Perseverance is the key to success.9. To accomplish much one must work systematically.10. It is possible to cultivate a good memory.11. The ability to converse is a business asset.12. The habit of exaggeration is dangerous.
1. A dishonest person cannot succeed.
2. There is no excuse for discouragement.
3. You may secure a position through another's influence, but you keep it through your own merit.
4. There is always room at the top.
5. There is no such thing as luck.
6. The proper attitude toward an employer is one of deference.
7. A business woman should dress simply.
8. Perseverance is the key to success.
9. To accomplish much one must work systematically.
10. It is possible to cultivate a good memory.
11. The ability to converse is a business asset.
12. The habit of exaggeration is dangerous.
Exercise 147—Successful Men and Women
How can one measure the success of men or women? Is it by the money they make? the land they acquire? the fame they win? the good they do? By what means have they won success? Was it through favorable circumstances? strength of character? favoritism? physical strength? mental energy? daring? doing what they thought was right in spite of opposition? or simply doing nothing and waiting for success to come?
Study the life and character of one or more of the following. Have they gained what you consider success? What qualitiesof character do you recognize in them? Would you care to be like any of them?
Make a list of the habits that you recognize in their life and in the way they worked.
Make a list of the characteristics of the ones that you study.
Florence NightingaleFrances WillardBismarckDavid MaydoleElla Flagg YoungGladstoneR. L. StevensonHelen Gould ShepardMarshall FieldBooker T. WashingtonJane AddamsCarnegieCaptain ScottNapoleonJ. Pierpont MorganMary AntinFranklinEdisonDaniel BooneLincolnRooseveltMary LyonNathan HaleGoethals
Exercise 148—Debating
A very great asset in business is the ability to see the truth or the falsity of a statement, and to advance proofs for or against it. This ability we shall try to acquire through the practice of debating; that is, through the making of speeches in which students take opposite sides of the same subject, trying by the presentation of facts and illustrations to prove that the side which they represent is the correct one. The statement that is thus argued is called aproposition.
Debating is excellent practice because it teaches not only clear-cut reasoning, but also forceful expression. If a debater fails to make any of his several arguments convincing, if he introduces irrelevant matter, or, though he has prepared strong proofs, if he expresses them in incorrect English, the result will be poor. In working out a debate, therefore, observe the following carefully:
1. Know your subject thoroughly. If you have insufficient knowledge, you cannot be convincing.2. Understand your point of view exactly and explain it clearly. If you and your opponent have different ideas of the wordtrust, for example, you can never argue on asubject that concerns the trusts. Define your position first of all.3. After you have gathered your facts, study them as a whole. What three arguments, let us say, stand out clearly in your mind as being irrefutable because of the strong proofs you have to back them? These are the ones that you should use; the rest will probably be of little value. Plan to give the weakest of the three first, so that your argument will gain force as you advance.4. Work out the details of each argument. A mere statement of each is not enough. It must be supported by many facts and illustrations.5. Prepare an outline. It will show you whether your arguments follow each other clearly, whether you have so arranged them as to secure climax. (SeeExercise 152.)6. In talking, follow the plan explained inExercise 140, being especially careful in conclusion to summarize the proofs that you have presented.
1. Know your subject thoroughly. If you have insufficient knowledge, you cannot be convincing.
2. Understand your point of view exactly and explain it clearly. If you and your opponent have different ideas of the wordtrust, for example, you can never argue on asubject that concerns the trusts. Define your position first of all.
3. After you have gathered your facts, study them as a whole. What three arguments, let us say, stand out clearly in your mind as being irrefutable because of the strong proofs you have to back them? These are the ones that you should use; the rest will probably be of little value. Plan to give the weakest of the three first, so that your argument will gain force as you advance.
4. Work out the details of each argument. A mere statement of each is not enough. It must be supported by many facts and illustrations.
5. Prepare an outline. It will show you whether your arguments follow each other clearly, whether you have so arranged them as to secure climax. (SeeExercise 152.)
6. In talking, follow the plan explained inExercise 140, being especially careful in conclusion to summarize the proofs that you have presented.
The conclusions that you reach in your arguments must be based upon statements that are true. In the following, some of the statements are false, and therefore the conclusions based upon them are false. Point out wherein the falsity consists. In others of the following, irrelevant matter has been introduced. Point it out, explaining why it is irrelevant.
1. We shall forget a great many facts that we learn at school. Therefore it is useless to learn them.2. Oil should be used instead of water in sprinkling our streets, because oil does not evaporate so quickly as water, and so does not allow the dust to rise. Moreover, as the street must be cleaned before the oil is laid, there is less dust to rise. When the oil lies on the streets, it is very sticky, and clings to everyone's shoes. In this way it is tracked into the houses and stores, making everything dirty. Therefore I think the streets should be oiled instead of being watered.3. Half of the keys would not work on the typewriter that I used yesterday. This machine will work no better, as it is made by the same company.4. Last year September was very warm, and the winter was extreme. This year September has been very warm, and therefore the winter will be extreme.5. My cousin never went to high school, and when he went to work he earned eight dollars a week. I have gone to high school for one year. Therefore I shall receive more than eight dollars a week when I go to work.6. When you are working, your employer will never ask you the definition of a noun. Therefore it is unnecessary to know any grammar.7. Every one should be punctual in doing his work. If he is punctual, he will be promoted and earn a larger salary. Money is a very important item in this world, but it is not everything. A person must be satisfied with his work so that he can do it cheerfully; otherwise he will not succeed. Therefore I think every one ought to be on time.8. The day is either sunny or it is not sunny. To-day is not sunny; therefore it is sunny.9. It always rains when I wear new shoes. I am wearing new shoes; therefore it will rain to-day.
1. We shall forget a great many facts that we learn at school. Therefore it is useless to learn them.
2. Oil should be used instead of water in sprinkling our streets, because oil does not evaporate so quickly as water, and so does not allow the dust to rise. Moreover, as the street must be cleaned before the oil is laid, there is less dust to rise. When the oil lies on the streets, it is very sticky, and clings to everyone's shoes. In this way it is tracked into the houses and stores, making everything dirty. Therefore I think the streets should be oiled instead of being watered.
3. Half of the keys would not work on the typewriter that I used yesterday. This machine will work no better, as it is made by the same company.
4. Last year September was very warm, and the winter was extreme. This year September has been very warm, and therefore the winter will be extreme.
5. My cousin never went to high school, and when he went to work he earned eight dollars a week. I have gone to high school for one year. Therefore I shall receive more than eight dollars a week when I go to work.
6. When you are working, your employer will never ask you the definition of a noun. Therefore it is unnecessary to know any grammar.
7. Every one should be punctual in doing his work. If he is punctual, he will be promoted and earn a larger salary. Money is a very important item in this world, but it is not everything. A person must be satisfied with his work so that he can do it cheerfully; otherwise he will not succeed. Therefore I think every one ought to be on time.
8. The day is either sunny or it is not sunny. To-day is not sunny; therefore it is sunny.
9. It always rains when I wear new shoes. I am wearing new shoes; therefore it will rain to-day.
Exercise 149
Find three reasons for each of the following propositions. State them concisely, reserving the strongest for the last.
As above, find three reasons against each of the following.
Expand one of the reasons that you advanced for one of the propositions given below. Using your statement as the opening sentence, develop it into a paragraph by explanations and illustrations.
1. The high school should have the same session as the grades.2. The high school session should begin at eight o'clock and close at one, with no recess for luncheon.3. Final examinations shall be abolished.4. Every high school should teach manual training.5. Every high school should offer business courses.6. Every high school pupil should receive a business training.7. Stenography (or bookkeeping) is a more important study than wood-working.8. If a pupil fails in the first semester of a subject, he should be allowed to try the second without repeating the first.9. A pupil should not be expected to learn a lesson that he does not enjoy.10. Moving picture shows do more harm than good.
1. The high school should have the same session as the grades.
2. The high school session should begin at eight o'clock and close at one, with no recess for luncheon.
3. Final examinations shall be abolished.
4. Every high school should teach manual training.
5. Every high school should offer business courses.
6. Every high school pupil should receive a business training.
7. Stenography (or bookkeeping) is a more important study than wood-working.
8. If a pupil fails in the first semester of a subject, he should be allowed to try the second without repeating the first.
9. A pupil should not be expected to learn a lesson that he does not enjoy.
10. Moving picture shows do more harm than good.
Exercise 150
Let three or four pupils write upon the blackboard three arguments in support of the same one of the following propositions. Then let the class choose from all the arguments given those three or four that they think are best, giving in each case reasons for their choice.
In the same way let them work out the negative of the same proposition.
1. Every city should have a public park in the business district.2. The large department stores should be abolished and smaller stores, selling only one kind of commodity, established.3. The mail order house should be abolished.4. It is bad business policy to conduct cut-price sales.5. The newspapers are the greatest educators of the time.6. Billboard advertisements destroy the beauty of a city.7. Women should be allowed to vote.8. Labor unions are a benefit to the public.9. All government should be conducted on the civil service plan.10. Underselling a competitor ruins trade.
1. Every city should have a public park in the business district.
2. The large department stores should be abolished and smaller stores, selling only one kind of commodity, established.
3. The mail order house should be abolished.
4. It is bad business policy to conduct cut-price sales.
5. The newspapers are the greatest educators of the time.
6. Billboard advertisements destroy the beauty of a city.
7. Women should be allowed to vote.
8. Labor unions are a benefit to the public.
9. All government should be conducted on the civil service plan.
10. Underselling a competitor ruins trade.
Exercise 151
One or two weeks in advance let the class choose three members for each side of one of the following propositions. On the day of the debate let the rest of the class act as judges to decide which side has presented the most convincing arguments in the best English.
1. It is better to be a farm hand than a factory employee.2. Every girl should prepare herself to earn her own living.3. Trusts should be regulated, not abolished.4. Strikes should be considered illegal.5. Advertising has increased the cost of living. (SeeExercise 152.)6. Communism would lower the cost of living.7. The business of a city should not be centralized.8. Labor troubles are brought about because the poor ape the rich.9. Contentment is better than wealth.10. Tariff increases the cost of living.
1. It is better to be a farm hand than a factory employee.
2. Every girl should prepare herself to earn her own living.
3. Trusts should be regulated, not abolished.
4. Strikes should be considered illegal.
5. Advertising has increased the cost of living. (SeeExercise 152.)
6. Communism would lower the cost of living.
7. The business of a city should not be centralized.
8. Labor troubles are brought about because the poor ape the rich.
9. Contentment is better than wealth.
10. Tariff increases the cost of living.
Exercise 152—Outline for a Debate
Choose two or four members of the class to develop each side of the following debate. Wherever possible, definite figures should be used.
Resolved,That Advertising has Increased the Cost of Living.
Affirmative
I. Modern advertising is world-wide in extent.(a) Practically all classes of articles are now extensively advertised.(1) Food stuffs; e.g., breakfast foods.(2) Clothing; e.g., men's suits.(3) Luxuries; e.g., automobiles.(4) Investments; e.g., real estate.(b) Every possible medium is used.(1) Newspapers.(2) Magazines.(3) Billboards and street cars.(4) Circulars and booklets.II. An enormous amount of money is spent in advertising.(a) The use of advertising agencies is growing more widespread.(1) One agency has made the statement that it has nine men whose salaries amount to $227,000 annually.(b) More and more companies are engaging advertising managers.(1) They draw large salaries.(x) In many cases, $10,000 annually.(c) Advertising rates are very high; for example,(1) The rate for a certain magazine is $1000 a page per issue.(2) Metropolitan newspapers charge as high a rate as $500 a page per issue.(d) Many advertisers use each issue of a number of mediums, making the cost run to an enormous total; for example,(1)Cream of Wheatis advertised in every issue of almost every magazine.III. The consumer pays for the advertising.(a) The price that the consumer pays for an article must cover the cost of production and the expense of distribution, leavingfair margins of profit, since(1) The manufacturer will no longer produce if his profit ceases.(2) He is not willing to take the cost of advertising from his profit in manufacturing.(3) The dealer will not take the advertising cost from his own profit.IV. Advertising increases prices.(a) The cost of manufacture and the expense of distribution have been steadily lowered, and yet prices of articles have steadilyadvanced; therefore(1) The rise is not due to the cost of manufacture.(2) Nor to the expense of distribution.(b) Competition necessitates an increased amount of advertising.(1) If one firm begins to advertise, its competitors, for self-protection, must follow suit.(c) Competitive advertising raises expenses above the point where there is a fair profit at the old price.(1) For a given kind of goods there is usually a certain volume of business, which grows with population.(2) If all the firms competing in those goods increase their expenses by advertising, they must raise prices to make the sameprofit as previously.(d) Advertised articles cost more than the unadvertised.(1) Bulk rolled oats vs. package rolled oats.(2) Bulk pickles and relishes vs. advertised brands.(3) Bulk macaroni vs. package goods.
Negative
I. The present increased advertising is the result of normal growth.(a) Multiplied manufactures necessarily multiply advertisements.(1) Every day new products are being put on the market.(2) No product has the chance of a sale until it is known.(3) In the present scope of community life the advertisement is the most convenient means of acquainting consumers withnew products.(b) Any unusual increase in advertising has a reasonable explanation.(1) Automobile advertising has increased as the automobile has replaced the wagon and carriage, because of(x) Greater convenience.(y) Lower operating cost.(2) Prepared breakfast food advertising has increased as these foods have replaced cooked foods, because of(x) Greater convenience.II. Increased advertising is done on the scale of old prices.(a) Merchants dare not raise prices to make the consumer pay for the advertising, since(1) They must compete with manufacturers who do not advertise and who have no overhead advertising expense.(b) The most widely advertised articles are the inexpensive necessary accessories.(1) Food products.(2) Soaps and soap powders.(3) Toilet articles.(c) They have not advanced in price.(1) Quaker Oats.(2) Ivory Soap; Sapolio.(3) Mennen's Talcum Powder.III. Widespread advertising works to the advantage, not the disadvantage, of the consumer.(a) It gives new opportunities(1) To compare values.(2) To buy to the best advantage; for example,(x) In advertised bargain sales.(b) It reduces the cost of production and the selling expense, thu tending to lower the price.(1) By increasing sales, it reduces the cost per article.(x) Maximum purchasing power means minimum cost to the manufacturer.(2) In taking the place of salesmen, it reduces expenses, thus lowering the price; for example,(x) In mail order firms.(3) Therefore the advertising expense is unimportant in influencing a higher price.IV. The most marked price advances have been in the unadvertised necessaries of life.(a) In breadstuffs.(1) Less in quantity for higher prices than formerly.(b) In meats and poultry.(1) An advance of from 25 per cent to 100 per cent and more.(c) In butter and eggs.(1) An advance similar to that shown in meats and poultry.
Exercise 153—Additional Subjects for Debates
1. The wages of women should be the same as those of men in the same occupation.2. The government should grant old age pensions.3. Employers should be liable for the life and health of employees.4. The boycott is a legitimate method of obtaining employees' demands.5. National expositions do not benefit the cities in which they are held.6. Railroad combination lowers rates.7. Piece-work should be prohibited by law.8. National party lines should be discarded in municipal elections.9. City governments should be allowed to decide their problems without intervention of the state legislature.10. Municipal offices should be appointive and not elective.11. The commission form of government is best for large cities.12. Immigration is the cause of municipal evils.13. A personal property tax cannot be levied with fairness.14. The United States should not further extend its colonial dependencies.15. The President should be elected by a direct vote of the people.16. Ex-presidents of the United States should become life members of the Senate.17. The President and the Vice-President should be prohibited from taking part in political campaigns.18. The United States should subsidize a merchant marine.19. Foreign-built ships, owned by Americans, should be granted the privilege of American register.20. The governors of states should not have the power to pardon.21. A three-fourths vote of a jury should be sufficient to render a verdict in criminal cases.22. The coast defenses of the United States should be increased.23. The farmer is to blame for the high prices.24. The results of Arctic explorations have not justified the cost.
1. The wages of women should be the same as those of men in the same occupation.
2. The government should grant old age pensions.
3. Employers should be liable for the life and health of employees.
4. The boycott is a legitimate method of obtaining employees' demands.
5. National expositions do not benefit the cities in which they are held.
6. Railroad combination lowers rates.
7. Piece-work should be prohibited by law.
8. National party lines should be discarded in municipal elections.
9. City governments should be allowed to decide their problems without intervention of the state legislature.
10. Municipal offices should be appointive and not elective.
11. The commission form of government is best for large cities.
12. Immigration is the cause of municipal evils.
13. A personal property tax cannot be levied with fairness.
14. The United States should not further extend its colonial dependencies.
15. The President should be elected by a direct vote of the people.
16. Ex-presidents of the United States should become life members of the Senate.
17. The President and the Vice-President should be prohibited from taking part in political campaigns.
18. The United States should subsidize a merchant marine.
19. Foreign-built ships, owned by Americans, should be granted the privilege of American register.
20. The governors of states should not have the power to pardon.
21. A three-fourths vote of a jury should be sufficient to render a verdict in criminal cases.
22. The coast defenses of the United States should be increased.
23. The farmer is to blame for the high prices.
24. The results of Arctic explorations have not justified the cost.
CHOOSING SUBJECTS
InChapter Xdefinite subjects were assigned for talks. Getting a subject for yourself sometimes seems difficult; you are likely to think that there is no topic upon which you can say more than a few sentences. Isn't it true that when you are talking to your friends you seldom are at a loss for something to say? Of course, what your companion says often suggests an idea on which you give your opinion. You speak about things that interest you, and the words come fairly easily. Why not apply the same principle to more formal composition, whether oral or written? Unless a subject interests you, do not use it. But be careful that you do not reject it as uninteresting until you have thought about it carefully, considering it from all sides. Often one subject will suggest another akin to it, but more interesting to you because you know more about it. For this reason choose very simple subjects, and become thoroughly familiar with them by thinking or reading about them, before you attempt to explain them.
Sometimes, again, you will find that the subject you have chosen is not good because it is not definite enough. You hardly know where or how to begin to explain it, because it suggests no definite ideas. Perhaps, for instance, you have decided to write on the automobile and can think of nothing to say until you remember that you once saw an automobile race about which you can tell several interesting details; or you have seen an automobile accident and can write on the topicA Runaway Electric. Ifyou can speak or write on a topic taken from your own observation, your composition will probably be good. You know the facts, you have an interest in the subject, and you will very likely say something of interest to others. Subjects taken from school life or neighborhood happenings, especially such things as you yourself have seen, are excellent. Perhaps on your way to school you noticed that several old houses are being torn down. You remember that you heard that a candy factory is to be erected. At once several suggestions for themes will come to you; as,Why the Factory is Being Erected in this Neighborhood,How Neighborhoods Change in a Large City,The Work the Wrecking Company Carries on. Perhaps your father owns property in the neighborhood, and you could write onHow Real Estate Values have Changed in this Neighborhood.
Next to your own experience, the best source from which to draw subjects is your reading. This may be divided into (1) books, (2) magazines and newspapers. Recall one of the books that you read in the grammar grades, perhapsThe Courtship of Miles Standish. Drawing your material from this source, you can writeA Picture of Early Plymouth Days, or a sketch of Miles Standish's character, using the titlePractice What You Preach. But to try to tell the whole story to any one in two or three minutes would result in failure, for it would be a subject entirely too big to treat in so short a time. All the interesting details would have to be omitted, and, if the details are omitted, the story loses its vitality.
It is the newspaper or the magazine, however, that offers us the most available source of subjects. Practically all that we know of the modern world and of the wonderful progress being made in invention and discovery, as well as of the accidents and disasters that take place, we have learned first from the newspaper and have verified later by the articles in magazines. Every issue of a newspaper orof a magazine contains suggestions for many subjects. Such magazines asThe World's Work,System,The Outlook,The Technical World, and other magazines that deal with technical subjects in a popular way are excellent for this work.
A third important source of subjects is the studies that you are now pursuing. Every new study affords a new point of view, which should suggest many topics for oral and written themes. Sometimes a good subject is the comparison of two of your studies by which you try to show, perhaps, how the one depends on the other.
The subject, of course, is but the beginning of the composition. Developing the subject is fully as important as having a subject to develop. The ability to develop a subject clearly is very important in the business world. A business man sells his goods either by talking or by writing; by the salesman or by the letter and the advertisement. Unless the salesman talks in a convincing way, he probably will sell few goods. He must know not only what to say, but how to say it.
Exercise 154—The Subject as a Whole
First, you must see your subject in its entirety, as one thing. Ask yourself, "Just what does my title mean?" and if you have not as yet selected a title, study your subject from all sides until you can see how to narrow it to certain definite dimensions. Now you have set a sort of fence around your subject. Nothing outside must enter, but nothing inside must escape. The length of the composition you are to write usually helps you decide on the limits of your subject. If you are writing a book on Africa, you might include all that the title suggests to you of exploration, colonization, civilization, and Christianization. But if you are writing a very short theme—not over three pages—it is evident that the subject must be narrowed. WouldThe Transvaalbe good?The Jungles of Africa?Roosevelt in Africa?African Mission Stations?When I think of Africa I think of Stanley?
Which of the following subjects would be good for short compositions, either oral or written? The oral theme should occupy two or three minutes, the written perhaps three pages. What is the objection to a one word subject?
1. Manufacturing.11. The dead letter office.2. Household uses of electricity.12. The clearing house.3. The Constitution of the United States.13. Business.4. Why we celebrate the Fourth of July.14. Honesty in business.5. The destruction of our forests.15. Physicians should advertise.6. Europe.16. Paper.7. The westernizing of China.17. How an electric bell works.8. How railroads build cities.18. Electrifying the railroads.9. The fire drill at school.19. How to make candy.10. Education.20. Vocational education in Germany.
Exercise 155—The Divisions of the Subject
After you have selected your subject, decide into what divisions it naturally falls. If it is of the proper length, it probably will divide itself into two or three divisions. Each of these will constitute one-half or one-third of your composition, and within each division illustrations, reasons, and explanatory details will appear. Arrange the divisions in the order in which they naturally come, according to their relative time of happening or according to their relative importance, reserving the most important for the last.
Sometimes this sort of division is difficult to make, because a subject can frequently be treated from different points of view, the point of view deciding the divisions. Sometimes you will find that you have made a number of small divisions, in each of which you can say only one or two sentences. This will at once suggest that you have not found the main parts of the subject, but have made unimportant divisions.Again, it may seem that you cannot divide your subject into satisfactory parts. In that case, you probably do not know enough about it. Think about it again, and, if you find that you really cannot divide it, choose another.
Choose one of the following subjects. Is the title definite and clear? If it is not, change it so that it will be. For example,Photography(5) is not a definite title. No one could attempt to explain the entire subject of photography in a few minutes. A better title for a theme would be one of the following:How to Develop a Negative;How to Intensify [orreduce] a Negative;Our Camera Club;The Photography Exhibit at the Art Museum;Kinematography;Flash Light Pictures without Smoke or Odor;The Conditions Necessary for a Good Snap Shot Picture;The Advantages of Using a Developing Machine;How My Camera Helped Pay for My Vacation. Can you suggest still others?
After having selected your title, decide into what divisions the subject naturally falls. For example, let us take (2) below.A Ball Gameis not a definite title. Instead, let us chooseLast Saturday's Football Game. As stated above, a subject may be treated from different points of view, the point of view deciding the divisions. Thus, in treatingLast Saturday's Football Game, we may divide: