FICTION READING WORKSHOP
WELCOME TO MY BOOK REVIEW INTERVIEWS
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INTERVIEW: PART-1
Topic: Reading for pleasure
Interview with Ms. Kukua Woodridge
Place: Tasic Healthcare Publishing House
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PRESENTATION
HLK: I recently interviewed Ms. Kukua Woodridge at The African Scientists Institute Centre (TASIC) in Atlanta , Georgia USA
HLK: Good morning Ms. Kukua Woodridge and welcome to the programme. Members of the African Scientists Institute have invited you here because of their keen interest in the role that medical thrillers are playing in educating the public, health-wise and erm well...
Ms. Woodridge:
Well, good morning and thank you for inviting me. It’s my pleasure to be here.
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1-HLK: Well, what is a book review? Is it the summary of the book?
1- Ms. Woodridge:
A review of a book is not a summary. Rather, it analyses, comments on and evaluates the book. As a cognitive tool, it situates the novel in the light of specific issues and environment which hugely interest the reader because it speeds and deepens the reading process.
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2-HLK: What is the difference between critical reading and reading merely for pleasure?
2- Ms. Woodridge:
Reading a book for pleasure and reading a book with the view toward making a review are two different processes. Many readers (including librarians, universities, hospitals etc.) depend on a critical evaluation of a book to help them decide to buy it or read it. Due to the subjective nature of book reviews, professional critics can be easily praised or discredited. It’s important therefore to tread carefully if you are writing a review.
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3-HLK: Who are the professional reviewers?
3- Ms. Woodridge:
Obviously, we all read books, articles, papers and have opinions about them. As a result of this, many Publishing Houses have professional reviewers who read, synthesize the material and then grade it based on a certain set of established guidelines. So whereas every reviewer carries out reviews in a different way, there is a definite path to approach it.
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4 HLK: Is it necessary to include a thorough research about the author in your review?
4- Ms. Woodridge:
That would depend if you are reading for pleasure or for academic purposes. Sometimes understanding where the author comes from and what they usually write about will give you a unique insight into the story or change your interpretations of that particular work. It would be advisable to do some online research on the author. You know, this might really help you to understand the author’s mind.
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5-HLK: What if my review is for an online website or publisher?
5- Ms. Woodridge:
If the book is already published, then you could read the jacket review copy first. It’s usually very short, mostly to attract potential buyers attention. All the same, you could analyse the cover design, the layout, photo etc.
This is not to endorse the book but actually to help you reach an informed judgement about the book. After all, you might disagree and rate the book poorly; still this additional step might have helped you in the grading.
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6-HLK: Would it be necessary to read the book several times?
6- Ms. Woodridge:
It would be advisable, especially for academic purposes. First of all, read the novel without jotting down anything, just for pleasure. Then read it again and take notes as you go along. This would also give you the chance to answer some of the set questions you posed before starting your reading adventure. Use post-it with questions to force you to pay attention to certain key elements you need answers to. For example: Does the language of the characters fit their roles and the novel as a whole? On which page did I find specific quotes to support my point?
This should do the trick.
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PART-2: DRILLS
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SELF-TEST: Fill the gaps with the most appropriate preposition or particle. You need only one word.
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1-HLK: Well, what is a book review? Is it the summary of the book?
1- Ms. Woodridge:
A review 1……..a book is not a summary. Rather, it analyses, comments 2………and evaluates the book. As a cognitive tool, it situates the novel 3………the light of specific issues and environment which hugely interest the reader because it speeds and deepens the reading process.
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2-HLK: What is the difference between critical reading and reading merely 4…….pleasure?
2- Ms. Woodridge:
Reading a book 5……..pleasure and reading a book 6……the view toward making a review are two different processes. Many readers (including librarians, universities, hospitals etc.) depend 7……….a critical evaluation 8……….a book to help them decide 9……….buy it or read it. Due 10………the subjective nature 11……..book reviews, professional critics can be easily praised or discredited. It’s important therefore 12……..tread carefully if you are writing a review.
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3-HLK: Who are the professional reviewers?
3- Ms. Woodridge:
Obviously, we all read books, articles, papers and have opinions 13…………them. As a result of this, many Publishing Houses have professional reviewers who read, synthesize the material and then grade it based 14………..a certain set 15…………established guidelines. So whereas every reviewer carries 16……..reviews in a different way, there is a definite path 17………approach it.
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4 HLK: Is it necessary 18………..include a thorough research 19………….the author in your review?
4-Ms. Woodridge :
That would depend if you are reading 20………pleasure or for academic purposes. Sometimes understanding where the author comes 21……..and what they usually write 22…….. will give you a unique insight 23……….the story or change your interpretations 24………that particular work. It would be advisable to do some online research 25……..the author. You know, this might really help you 26…….understand the author’s mind.
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5-HLK: What if my review is 27……..an online website or publisher?
5- Ms. Woodridge:
If the book is already published, then you could read the jacket review copy first. It’s usually very short, mostly 28………attract potential buyers attention. All the same, you could analyse the cover design, the layout, photo etc.
This is not 29………..endorse the book but actually 30………..help you reach an informed judgement 31………. the book. After all, you might disagree and rate the book poorly; still this additional step might have helped you 32……the grading.
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6-HLK: Would it be necessary to read the book several times?
6- Ms. Woodridge:
It would be advisable, especially 33……….academic purposes. First of all, read the novel 34………..jotting down anything, just 35…………pleasure. Then read it again and take notes as you go along. This would also give you the chance 36……..answer some of the set questions you posed 37………….starting your reading adventure. Use post-it 38…….questions to force you 39………pay attention to certain key elements you need answers to. For example: Does the language 40……..the characters fit their roles and the novel as a whole? On which page did I find specific quotes to support my point? This should do the trick.
THE ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE DEPENDS ON
THE ACQUISITION OF LANGUAGE
HECTOR LAWRANCE KUOFIE
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MEDICAL THRILLERS THE ACQUISITION OF LANGUAGE
HECTOR LAWRANCE KUOFIE
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INTRODUCTION: BECOMING A KNOWLEDGE ACQUSITION READER
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BECOMING A CRITICAL READER
Basic questions you might ask yourself:
Before reading
1-As a Healthcare professional I usually read a lot of technical journals, so the question is: How can medical thrillers benefit me?
2-Why should I read novels at all?
3-What sort of novels should I read?
4-How can I get the most out of a novel, if I’m primarily interested in reading for entertainment?
6-Is it necessary to apply critical approach to reach a better understanding of the novel?
7-How can I become a competent, critical reader?
8-What is the profile of a critical reader?
9-What are the key elements I should look out for while reading?
10-What does the cover design and the synopsis say about the book?
11-Who is the author of the book?
12-Have I read any of his previous books?
While reading
13-Believability: Are the characters realistic?
14-Do I feel comfortable with the characterization?
15-Do they come alive for me or are they cardboard characters?
16-Does the setting of the book really exist?
17-Does the book take you to many geographical places?
18-What are the geographical locations of the novel?
29-Is it a page turner? (Once started, is it hard to put it down?)
After reading
20-What is the theme of the book?
21-What is the strength of the writer?
22-What is the weakness of the writer?
23-How does the book make you feel while reading it?
24-Is the plot plausible? Is it believable?
25-Would you recommend it?
26-How does this particular book compare to other medical thrillers you know of or you may have read?
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THE ORIGIN OF MEDICAL THRILLERS
Briefly, we can trace the origin of medical thrillers to Mary Shelley and Arthur Conan Doyle’s characters. Victor Frankenstein, Doctor Watson and Sherlock Holmes set the foundations for today’s medical thrillers. It’s quite obvious that the TV series: House MD is somehow based on Watson and Holmes’s characters.
We know that there is a whole world of drama within the Healthcare industry and as such every doctor has his own unique story which could easily translate into a medical thriller.
In the Healthcare environment, one comes across conflicts between doctors and their patients as well as the pharmaceutical industries everyday. Hence, it's important that the public gets to know the sort of problems that each generation of healthcare professionals face in this rapidly changing medical environment. One of the channels to present this to the public is through novels.
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Why do people read medical novels?
The answer, of course, depends partially on the reader and the content of the book itself. It would also depend on the writer: one of the most important reasons is entertainment or reading for pleasure.
Personal adventure
For some people, reading becomes some sort of a personal adventure which provides them with an excellent way of escape. Medical thrillers, Hospital Romance novels, Science Fiction, Legal Thrillers and Spy Thrillers appeal to people precisely because they depict the life of a main character whose life differs a lot from their own boring lives. Although many of these novels follow a simple structure and a formula; readers tend to ignore this and appreciate the comfort that comes in knowing that the hero will prevail in the end and there will be a happy ending as in most thrillers.
Somehow, medical thrillers are like mystery novels which present the reader with a challenging puzzle to be solved. A case in point is in Chromosome-6 where Robin Cook introduces a puzzling problem right at the beginning. A dead body is known to have had an organ transplant. The problem is, the deceased is not on the list of previous recipients. Where did he have his organ transplant? And above all who killed him and why?
These types of novels that serve primarily to entertain readers belong to the category of medical thrillers that I am going to develop all along this Blog.
Other novels, appeal to readers on a level above mere entertainment. For example, Biographies and Historical novels contain some of the fictional devices used in medical thrillers (passion, humour, revenge, suspense, adventure) but may also have been written for serious literary entertainment. (Gone With The Wind, Margaret Mitchell) (Out of Africa, Karen Von Blixen: in which the protagonist gives an account of her life’s journey from Denmark to Kenya). (The Audacity Of Hope, Barack Obama)
In any case, readers of medical thrillers are not only looking for enjoyment, but also enrichment, and they do find it in these books’ skilfully crafted plots of reality, complex and fascinating characters (An example is Doctor Thomas Kinsley in Robin Cook’s Godplayer), and provocative questions by such writers like: Michael Palmer, Michael Crichton, Peter Clement, Leonard Goldberg, Tess Gerritson, Frank G Slaughter and others.
Many novels address themes of social significance such as: religion, social class, race, gender, politics and even economics. Some of these books (notably Robin Cook’s: Coma or Outbreak), are clearly didactic, while others may simply explore social issues without exhibiting any obvious agenda. We can find a good example in the psychological novels (Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck) which seek to explore human relationships, conflicts, desires, and fears.
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Conclusion
On balance, I honestly believe that medical thrillers can reveal a lot about how doctors think, the commitment of nurses, the role of hospital administrators, the medical technology, the pharmaceutical industry and finally what could possible go wrong or right with the patient.
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SOCIAL PROGRESS DEPENDS ON THE
CAPACITY TO GENERATE KNOWLEDGE
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SOCIAL PROGRESS DEPENDS ON THE
CAPACITY TO GENERATE KNOWLEDGE
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REVIEW STRATEGIES
TO INSPIRE INTELLECTUAL GROWTH
ACADEMIC BOOK REVIEW:
Interview with Ms. Kukua Woodridge
She works at the: TASK-INSTITUTE PUBLISHING HOUSE
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PRESENTATION
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17-HLK: What sort of language style is the most appropriate for reviewing a novel?
17-Ms. Woodridge :
I would use a semi-formal or formal language to review a serious academic work. For medical thrillers and any popular fiction semi-formal, lighted hearted and straightforward language would do the trick. Well, to prove what I am saying let me read a few of the eye-catching phrases from the cover of four novels I have with me to your audience:
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They are all by Robin Cook and let’s start with:
1-CRITICAL
“A lively new thriller …… an entertaining mix of suspense, action and education about medical issues.”
By the Publishers Weekly
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2-MARKER
“A gripping medical thriller……..the denouement crackles to an electric edge-of-the seat finale.”
By the Publishers Weekly
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3-CRISIS
“Mixes relevant social issues with murder and mayhem…
A completely unexpected ending.”
By USA
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4-CURE
A fascinating tale that never slows down and will appeal to the author’s fans and other readers who enjoy such medical and/or crime thrillers.”
By Library Journal
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These short phrases usually intrigue and encourage the person to read more. So just use precise language to convey what the writer did to impress the fans.
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18-HLK: Do reviewers sometimes feel intimidated by the fame of the author?
18-Ms. Woodridge :
You should never be threatened by a famous writer, imagine you have to review Dan Brown’s Digital Fortress. If his work is mediocre then you should say so but justify your point. To be honest, I wouldn’t advise you to review books by people within your family or friends circle. You might put your foot in it if you don’t tread carefully.
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19-HLK: Could one give away the story just to make the review much more exciting for the buyers?
19- Ms. Woodridge:
Actually, if you reveal certain vital elements in the story this would intrigue the reader even more; but there is a limit to what you can expose the reader to. Whatever you do, don’t give away the story. (Don’t be a spoiler of the novel). On the flip side, if you are writing a “Detailed Review” especially for Academic Institutions where you are required to analyse the characters, the theme, the plot, the subplots, the setting, etc then inevitably you would have to reveal most of the story to carry out this type of critical review.
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20-HLK: Finally, how do I go about the recommendation?
20- Ms. Woodridge:
Make a brief summary about the book and state whether you would recommend it as a good read, a superb read, a must-have or a total disappointment. You may choose to compare the book to others in the same field as in the following case: Foreign Body by Robin Cook
“ Cook does for hypochondriacs what Ludlum does for paranoiacs… Cook is a master of pacing.”
By The Raleigh
Sometimes, despite the poor editing and writing, if you really like the book you can point out those flaws provided you support it with some concrete details or quotations from the book. For example you can write “The book is gripping. It holds you page after page and leads the readers to an enjoyable finish. The characters are poorly developed though.” This contrasting information renders the recommendation more meaningful and sounds much more convincing.
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21-HLK: Well, it’s been quite a pleasure to have you on this programme Ms. Kukua Woodridge. Hopefully, we shall see you again very soon, many thanks.
21- Ms. Woodridge: The pleasure is mine, and it’s been deeply rewarding to share my thoughts with your audience.
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PART-2: DRILLS
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PART-2: DRILLS
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SELF-TEST
Fill the gaps with the correct form of the verb or verb part. You need only one word
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17-HLK: What sort of language style is the most appropriate for 1 ………….. a novel?
17-Ms. Woodridge :
I would 2……….. a semi-formal or formal language to review a serious academic work. For medical thrillers and any popular fiction semi-formal, lighted hearted and straightforward language 3…………. do the trick. Well, to prove what I am 4…………. let me read a few of the eye-catching phrases from the cover of four novels I 5………….. with me to your audience:
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They are all by Robin Cook and let’s 6………… with:
1-CRITICAL
“A lively new thriller …… an entertaining mix of suspense, action and education about medical issues.”
By the Publishers Weekly
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2-MARKER
“A gripping medical thriller……..the denouement 6………… to an electric edge-of-the seat finale.”
By the Publishers Weekly
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3-CRISIS
“Mixes relevant social issues with murder and mayhem…
A completely unexpected ending.”
By USA
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4-CURE
A fascinating tale that never 7………….. down and will appeal to the author’s fans and other readers who 8……….. such medical and/or crime thrillers.”
By Library Journal
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These short phrases usually 9…………… and encourage the person to read more. So just 10…………… precise language to convey what the writer did to impress the fans.
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18-HLK: Do reviewers sometimes 1…………… intimidated by the fame of the author?
18-Ms. Woodridge :
You 2…………… never be threatened by a famous writer, 3………… you have to review Dan Brown’s Digital Fortress. If his work is mediocre then you 4……………… say so but justify your point. To be honest, I wouldn’t 5……………. you to review books by people within your family or friends circle. You 6…………….. put your foot in it if you don’t tread carefully.
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19-HLK: Could one 1……………. away the story just to make the review much more exciting for the buyers?
19- Ms. Woodridge:
Actually, if you 2………………. certain vital elements in the story this would 3………… the reader even more; but there is a limit to what you 4……………. expose the reader to. Whatever you 5……………, don’t give away the story. (Don’t be a spoiler of the novel). On the flip side, if you are 6…………………. a “Detailed Review” especially for Academic Institutions where you 7……………..required to analyse the characters, the theme, the plot, the subplots, the setting, etc then inevitably you would 8………….. to reveal most of the story to 9------------ out this type of critical review.
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20-HLK: Finally, how do I 1)……….. about the recommendation?
20- Ms. Woodridge:
Make a brief summary about the book and 2……….. whether you 3…………….. recommend it as a good read, a superb read, a must-have or a total disappointment. You 4…………. choose to 5…………….. the book to others in the same field as in the following case: Foreign Body by Robin Cook
“ Cook does for hypochondriacs what Ludlum does for paranoiacs… Cook 6……….. a master of pacing.”
By The Raleigh
Sometimes, despite the poor editing and writing, if you really 7……………. the book you 8………….. point out those flaws provided you 9……………. it with some concrete details or quotations from the book. For example you 10………………. write “The book is gripping. It holds you page after page and 11………… the readers to an enjoyable finish. The characters 12……….. poorly developed though.” This contrasting information 13…………… the recommendation more meaningful and sounds much more convincing.
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21-HLK: Well, it’s 1…………….. quite a pleasure to have you on this programme Ms. Kukua Woodridge. Hopefully, we shall 2…………… you again very soon, many thanks.
21- Ms. Woodridge: The pleasure is mine, and it’s been deeply rewarding to 3………….. my thoughts with your audience.
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BECOMING A CRITICAL READER
PART-3
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INSPIRING COGNITIVE GROWTH
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PART-3
ACADEMIC BOOK REVIEW: Interview with Ms. Kukua Woodridge
She works at the: TASIC PUBLISHING HOUSE
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11-HLK: What is the theme of the book and how do we detect it?
11-Ms. Woodridge :
In Acceptable Risk (by Robin Cook), drugs and their possible harmful side effects constituted the main argument of the book. The theme of any novel tends to surface right at the beginning and remains on the surface all along the novel.
The theme can be detected because they usually follow a structure: The hero versus the villain, the hero versus nature, the hero versus society, the hero versus technology the hero versus the Mafia, etc. To detect the theme, we need to answer the following questions: Is it a single idea or are there multiple ideas tied together? Does one of these ideas have a strong thread that gives the story cohesive meaning? Is it the hero against an evil villain, or any of the structures above? We can point this out as a flaw or an asset in our reviews.
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12-HLK: All right, let’s go back to believability. Sometimes the plot is too far-fetched and I keep asking myself: is this plot really plausible?
12-Ms. Woodridge :
Well, we shouldn’t forget that medical thrillers are in fact fictions; so whatever resemblance to reality would be imaginary. All the same, somehow we need to know if the plot seems plausible or if it flutters like a fish out of a pond.
The plot usually revolves around a conflict. This is what keeps the readers reading: After the first few chapters, we know how the character got into that terrible mess, but we keep reading because we want to know exactly how the character is going to get out of that mess. How would the writer proceed? Would he use mystery or suspense? Does the goal of the characters drive the story, or do the characters seem too artificial and manipulated? And does the dialogue between the characters feel imposed on them? On balance, if the storyline is faulty we need to inform the readers.
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13-HLK: In my reviews, would it be necessary to compare the book with any other medical thrillers I’ve read?
13-Ms. Woodridge :
Actually, that would depend if you are reviewing for an Academic Institution or for the general public. It’s obvious that comparing: The Last Surgeon (Michael Palmer) with Godplayer (Robin Cook) would give weight and additional dimension to your review; however a potential buyer would most likely ignore this element in deciding whether to take the book or not.
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14-HLK: We know that Medical Romance Novels usually evoke strong feelings but not as much as in Medical thrillers, what’s your take on this?
14-Ms. Woodridge :
That’s quite right, there’s a significant difference between the two. Romance novels openly manipulate your feelings for you to identify with the heroine whereas Robin Cook drives you towards reasonable facts and believability. Actually, in all book reviews you need to inform the potential reader how the book made you feel in the end. Did you appreciate the stylistic devices such as the metaphors, symbolism, and did the writer make these elements clear to the reader? Share your thoughts about the atmosphere of the book: was it too obscure? Was it too gory? Was it too scary? Was it too funny?
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15-HLK: Can one be objective in their commentary?
15-Ms. Woodridge :
Well, we should bear in mind that the reviewer’s position would ultimately be subjective. However, if we stick to certain laid out guidelines we could come up with a more compromised review. Both bad and good novels take a long time to put together. As Robin Cook said in his interviews, “The Year of the Intern”, did not do well on the best seller list. Despite his inexperience, “Coma” followed and it was a huge success and Hollywood
A reviewer should make critical judgments, and would obviously fail if they do not meet expectations.
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16-HLK: Which is the best approach to review Chromosome-6 by Robin Cook or Digital Fortress by Dan Brown?
16-Ms. Woodridge :
It might sound a bit stupid, but a lot depend on the publishers demands. Some of them want to see plot summaries at your discretion; others insist on them. Some want you to recommend the book, others want you to be vague or not issue any recommendation at all. Ultimately, as a professional you need to follow your own guidelines to reach a satisfactory conclusion.
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DRILLS: PART-3
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SELF-TEST
Fill the gaps with the correct form of the verb or verb part. You need only one word
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11-HLK: What is the theme of the book and how do we detect it?
11-Ms. Woodridge :
In Acceptable Risk (by Robin Cook), drugs and their possible harmful side effects 1 ………….. the main argument of the book. The theme of any novel tends to 2 ……………… right at the beginning and remains on the surface all along the novel.
The theme can 3 …….. detected because they usually follow a structure: The hero versus the villain, the hero versus nature, the hero versus society, the hero versus technology the hero versus the Mafia, etc. To detect the theme, we need to 4 ………………. the following questions: Is it a single idea or are there multiple ideas 5 …………… together? Does one of these ideas 6 ………………….. a strong thread that 7 ……………. the story cohesive meaning? Is it the hero against an evil villain, or any of the structures above? We can 8 ……………. this out as a flaw or an asset in our reviews.
------------------------------------------------------------
12-HLK: All right, let’s go back to believability. Sometimes the plot is too far-fetched and I keep 1 ……….. myself: is this plot really plausible?
12-Ms. Woodridge :
Well, we shouldn’t 2 …………….. that medical thrillers are in fact fictions; so whatever resemblance to reality would 3 ………… imaginary. All the same, somehow we 4 …………… to know if the plot 5 ……………. plausible or if it 6 ………… like a fish out of a pond.
The plot usually 7 …………….. around a conflict. This is what 8 …………… the readers reading: After the first few chapters, we know how the character 9 ………… into that terrible mess, but we keep reading because we want to 10 …………. exactly how the character is going to 11 ………… out of that mess. How 12 ………… the writer proceed? Would he use mystery or suspense? Does the goal of the characters 13 ………… the story, or do the characters 14 ………. too artificial and manipulated? And does the dialogue between the characters 15 …………… imposed on them? On balance, if the storyline is faulty we 16 …………… to inform the readers.
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13-HLK: In my reviews, would it be necessary to 1 …………… the book with any other medical thrillers I’ve read?
13-Ms. Woodridge :
Actually, that would 2 …………… if you are reviewing for an Academic Institution or for the general public. It’s obvious that comparing: The Last Surgeon (Michael Palmer) with Godplayer (Robin Cook) would 3 ……….. weight and additional dimension to your review; however a potential buyer 4 ………….. most likely ignore this element in deciding whether to 5 …………….. the book or not.
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14-HLK: We know that Medical Romance Novels usually 1 …………………. strong feelings but not as much as in Medical thrillers, what’s your 2 ………….. on this?
14-Ms. Woodridge :
That’s quite right, there’s a significant difference between the two. Romance novels openly 3 ………………. your feelings for you to 4 ………………. with the heroine whereas Robin Cook 5 …………….. you towards reasonable facts and believability. Actually, in all book reviews you need to 6 ……………. the potential reader how the book made you feel in the end. Did you 7 …………… the stylistic devices such as the metaphors, symbolism, and did the writer 8 …………. these elements clear to the reader? Share your thoughts about the atmosphere of the book: was it too obscure? Was it too gory? Was it too scary? Was it too funny?
----------------------------------------------------------
15-HLK: Can one be objective in their commentary?
15-Ms. Woodridge :
Well, we 1 ……………. bear in mind that the reviewer’s position 2 ……………. ultimately be subjective. However, if we 3 …………… to certain laid out guidelines we 4 ……………. come up with a more compromised review. Both bad and good novels 5 ………………. a long time to put together. As Robin Cook 6 ……………. in his interviews, “The Year of the Intern”, did not 7……… well on the best seller list. Despite his inexperience, “Coma” followed and it 8 ………… a huge success and Hollywood
A reviewer 10 ……………. make critical judgments, and 11 …………… obviously fail if they do not meet expectations.
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16-HLK: Which is the best approach to 1 …………………………… Chromosome-6 by Robin Cook or Digital Fortress by Dan Brown?
16-Ms. Woodridge :
It 2 …………. sound a bit stupid, but a lot 3 ………….. on the publishers demands. Some of them 4 …………… to see plot summaries at your discretion; others 5 ………….. on them. Some want you to 6 …………………….. the book, others want you to 7 ………… vague or not issue any recommendation at all. Ultimately, as a professional you need to 8 ……………. your own guidelines to 9 ……………… a satisfactory conclusion.
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THE ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE DEPENDS
ON THE ACQUISITION OF LANGUAGE
ON THE ACQUISITION OF LANGUAGE
--------------------------------------------------
INSPIRING COGNITIVE GROWTH
-------------------------------------------------------------
She works at the:TASK-INSTITUTE PUBLISHING HOUSE
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7-HLK: Do I also have to make a short summary of each chapter while I am reading?
7-Ms. Woodridge :
Make a list of all the points you want to express and address. Next, write a short summary (or dictate it onto your PC, voice recorder or an MP3 recorder) of the book as you read it. Sometimes the provided synopsis has a different point of view and the review needs to come from your own perspective. Write your review based on this new information.
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8-HLK: What should I focus on most, the weaknesses?
8- Ms. Woodridge:
Well the truth is, you should focus on the shortcomings or failures, especially those which do not meet your expectations. What do you expect from any medical thriller? If certain key elements are missing any reader would be dissatisfied. However, don’t criticize a medical thriller (Outbreak, Robin Cook for example) for not being rigorous with medical facts. It wasn’t intended to be a text book.
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9-HLK: Fair enough, that’s about the weaknesses; what about the strengths of the book?
9- Ms. Woodridge:
In another reading, you could write down ideas about the strengths of the book. Obviously a novel is fiction and not based on real life, that means the reader will have to suspend his disbelief in order to enter into this imagined world. So ask yourself while reading: Do I believe the characterizations? In other words, what is my level of believability on a scale of 1 to 10?
Do you feel comfortable with the characterization? Do they come alive for me or are they too rigid? Could the setting be a real place? Does it feel like a page-turner, (a book that's hard to put down)? The believability factor is one of the key elements to guarantee reader satisfaction.
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10-HLK: What is the usual pace of a medical thriller?
Would it compel me to read fast or slow?
10- Ms. Woodridge:
Well, most thrillers are designed by the authors to evoke strong feelings right at the beginning; therefore the reader is instantly hooked and would like to know what follows next. A good thriller would have a powerful plot with sufficient conflict or tension. You must keep asking yourself these questions:
Are there unanswered questions that make you want to read on?
Are the characters developing the story or is it being told to us?
Does the book feel familiar (a deja-vue plot) or is the author exploring new territory here?
Most editors in the publishing houses can tell right away if a novel will sell within the first couple of chapters. So the writer need to be able to convey to the reader whether it is a slow-starter and requires a lot of patience, or fast-paced based on intriguing questions which need answers.
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PART-2 DRILLS
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SELF-TEST: Fill the gaps with the correct form of the verb. You need only one word.
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7-HLK: Do I also have to 1……….a short summary of each chapter while I 2………..reading?
7-Ms. Woodridge :
Make a list of all the points you 3…………..to express and address. Next, 4…………….a short summary (or dictate it onto your PC, voice recorder or an MP3 recorder) of the book as you read it. Sometimes the provided synopsis 5…………a different point of view and the review 6…………to come from your own perspective. Write your review based on this new information.
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8-HLK: What 7………..I focus on most, the weaknesses?
8- Ms. Woodridge:
Well the truth is, you 8…………..focus on the shortcomings or failures, especially those which 9……………not meet your expectations. What do you 10……………from any medical thriller? If certain key elements 11…………..missing any reader would be dissatisfied. However, don’t 12…………….a medical thriller (Outbreak, Robin Cook for example) for not being rigorous with medical facts. It 13…………intended to be a text book.
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9-HLK: Fair enough, that’s about the weaknesses; what about the strengths of the book?
9- Ms. Woodridge:
In another reading, you 14………….write down ideas about strengths of the book. Obviously a novel 15………..fiction and not based on real life, that means the reader 16……… have to suspend his disbelief in order to 17………into this imagined world. So ask yourself while reading: Do I 18……….the characterizations? In other words, what is my level of believability on a scale of 1 to 10?
Do you 19………….comfortable with the characterization? Do they 20…………alive for me or are they too rigid? Could the setting 21…….a real place? Does it 22……….like a page-turner, (a book that's hard to put down)? The believability factor 23……. one of the key elements to guarantee reader satisfaction.
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10-HLK: What 24…….the usual pace of a medical thriller?
Would it 25…………..me to read fast or slow?
10- Ms. Woodridge:
Well, most thrillers are designed by the authors to 26…………..strong feelings right at the beginning; therefore the reader 27…………..instantly hooked and 28………….like to know what 29…………next. A good thriller 30………..have a powerful plot with sufficient conflict or tension. You 31…….. keep asking yourself these questions:
Are there unanswered questions that 32………..you want to read on?
Are the characters 33………………the story or is it being told to us?
Does the book 34………familiar (a deja-vue plot) or is the author 35………..new territory here?
Most editors in the publishing houses 36………….tell right away if a novel 37……..sell within the first couple of chapters. So the writer 38………..to be able to 39…………….to the reader whether it is a slow-starter and 40…………a lot of patience, or fast-paced based on intriguing questions which need answers.
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READING STRATEGIES
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KA-READING:
THE IMPORTANCE OF FIXED PHRASES
PART-5: INTERVIEW.
1-HLK: What is the importance of “Fixed Phrases” in fiction and non-fiction reading Mr. Godley?
Kodjo Godley
Fixed phrases are common expressions which we have inherited linguistically from the past generations. Although they are worn out expressions we still use them to convey our thoughts because of convenience.
It's crucial to know fixed phrases to understand almost all the novels in English. In every few pages of fiction as in Robin Cook's novels, you are bound to encounter fixed phrases. For example in “CONTAGION BY ROBIN COOK, I came across the following common phrases in the first few chapters:
1-My lips are sealed forever. Now chill out and relax.” (Fixed phrase)
2-But then she looked ahead and her heart leaped into her throat. The earth was rushing up at them at breakneck speed! They were flying straight down…(Jack's ex-wife)
3-Terese Hagen tried to swallow, but it was difficult; her mouth was bone dry. (Fixed phrase for comparison)
4-Anyone else would have found the trip nerve-racking.
Jack loved it. (Fixed phrase)
5-“I’m probably speaking out of turn,” Laurie said.
“Quite the contrary,” Jack said. “I honor your opinion.
What’s on your mind?” (Fixed phrase)
6-I have utmost respect for the deputy chief. Our only disagreement is that he believes rules to be carved in stone while I see them as guidelines- Jack said. (Fixed phrase)
7-“Hey, why read when I can get it from the horse’s mouth?”
Jack said with a laugh. (Fixed phrase)
-------------------------------------------------------------
2-HLK: So the term fixed phrases is a sort of umbrella term that encompasses other common expressions, am I right?
Kodjo Godley
Yes, you're quite right there! The term Fixed Phrases is actually an umbrella term to cover many literary terms that writers use to express more or less the same idea such as:
Figurative speech, Idiomatic speech, Proverbs,
Discourse markers, Aphorisms, Slogans, Metaphors, Similes, etc.
In order to understand fixed phrases, we must first define what a fixed phrase is. Most dictionaries define the word as “a common, stereotyped expression; a sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular idea that has lost its originality and impact by long , repeated overuse.”
Quite often, script writers play around with fixed phrases to convey a sense of humour and empathy and only those who know these fixed expressions would comprehend the hidden intention of the writer and capture the humour.
-----------------------------------------------------------
3-HLK: Do they play any role in generating empathy between the reader and the characters?
Kodjo Godley
Yes indeed! Doctor Jack Stapleton is perceived as flippant and sarcastic yet very, very witty character because of his generous use of fixed phrases especially in answering questions as in the following example:
7-“Hey, why read when I can get it from the horse’s mouth?” Jack said with a laugh. (Fixed phrase)
As in the case above, most of the empathetic reactions of the readers to -Jack and Laurie series of Robin Cook's books are based on the fixed phrases the two characters constantly use to convey a sense of humour, or other emotional ideas. If TEFL or TESL students could use them correctly in their writing, then they can gain empathy in their interactions with their readers as well.
Unfortunately, because most regular readers are desensitized to fixed phrases, they can become counter productive if you over do it. Let's suppose that you are on the verge of becoming a professional writer, then I would advise you to develop your own library of expressions, so that others can recognize your uniqueness.
------------------------------------------------------------
4-HLK. What type of fixed phrase is a cliche?
Kodjo Godley
Cliches are traditional popular forms of expression which may have a literal or figurative meaning.
For example:
1-Rome was not built in a day
2-There's no smoke without fire
3-Birds of a feather flock together.
4-Blood is thicker than water
----------------------------------------------------
5-HLK: What is the origin of cliches?
Kodjo Godley
Many English cliches come from other languages and the word cliche itself comes from the French word stereotype
meaning fixed phrases.
Further examples of typical cliches are:
1-To err is human, to forgive divine
2-What's done can't be undone
3-Two heads are better than one
4-Home is where the heart is
As a matter of fact, there are thousands of cliches in the world. As I pointed out, many of them have literal meanings whereas others have hidden meanings that are only clear if you know the context. As a result, some cliches can be interpreted differently based on the context. For example:
Vinnie Amendola left the boss's office with his tail between his legs.
(Very humiliated or humbled)
-------------------------------------------------------
6-HLK: What's your advise for TEFL and TESL students?
Kodjo Godley
A quick guide for TEFL and TESL students is to understand and build their own library of fixed phrases, but not necessarily to overuse them.
Quite often the use of a fixed phrase shows fluency, but also their inappropriate usage might create misunderstanding and lack of resources.
PART-2: DRILLS
PART-5: INTERVIEW. ACADEMIC READING
INSTRUCTIONS: FILL THE BLANK SPACES WITH A PREPOSITION OR PARTICLE. YOU NEED ONLY ONE WORD
---------------------------------------------------------------
1-HLK: What is the importance of “Fixed Phrases” 1........fiction and non-fiction reading Mr. Godley?
Kodjo Godley
Fixed phrases are common expressions which we have inherited linguistically 2..............the past generations. Although they are worn 3.............expressions we still use them 4.............convey our thoughts because 5.............convenience.
It's crucial to know fixed phrases 6............understand almost all the novels in English. In every few pages of fiction as in Robin Cook's novels, you are bound 7..............encounter fixed phrases. For example in “CONTAGION BY ROBIN COOK, I came 8.................the following common phrases in the first few chapters:
1) My lips are sealed forever. Now chill 9............and relax.” (Fixed phrase)
2) But then she looked ahead and her heart leaped 10............. her throat. The earth was rushing up at them at breakneck speed! They were flying straight 11.............…(Jack's ex-wife)
3) Terese Hagen tried 12............swallow, but it was difficult; her mouth was bone dry. (Fixed phrase for comparison)
4) Anyone else would have found the trip nerve-racking.
Jack loved it. (Fixed phrase)
5) “I’m probably speaking 13..............of turn,” Laurie said.
“Quite the contrary,” Jack said. “I honor your opinion.
What’s 14..................your mind?” (Fixed phrase)
6) I have utmost respect for the deputy chief. Our only disagreement is that he believes rules 15.................be carved in stone while I see them as guidelines- Jack said. (Fixed phrase)
7) “Hey, why read when I can get it 16.............the horse’s mouth?”
Jack said with a laugh. (Fixed phrase)
-------------------------------------------------------------
2-HLK: So the term fixed phrases is a sort 1............umbrella term that encompasses other common expressions, am I right?
Kodjo Godley
Yes, you're quite right there! The term Fixed Phrases is actually an umbrella term 2................cover many literary terms that writers use to express more or less the same idea such as:
Figurative speech, Idiomatic speech, Proverbs,
Discourse markers, Aphorisms, Slogans, Metaphors, Similes, etc.
In order 3...................understand fixed phrases, we must first define what a fixed phrase is. Most dictionaries define the word as “a common, stereotyped expression; a sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular idea that has lost its originality and impact 4................ long repeated overuse.”
Quite often, script writers play around 5...........fixed phrases to convey a sense 6.................humour and empathy and only those who know these fixed expressions would comprehend the hidden intention 7................the writer and capture the humour.
-----------------------------------------------------------
3-HLK: Do they play any role 2............generating empathy between the reader and the characters?
Kodjo Godley
Yes indeed! Doctor Jack Stapleton is perceived as flippant and sarcastic yet very, very witty character because 3............his generous use of fixed phrases especially 4................ answering questions as in the following example:
“Hey, why read when I can get it 5...........the horse’s mouth?” Jack said with a laugh. (Fixed phrase)
As in the case above, most of the empathetic reactions 6...........the readers to -Jack and Laurie series of Robin Cook's books are based 7............the fixed phrases the two characters constantly use to convey a sense of humour, or other emotional ideas. If TEFL or TESL students could use them correctly in their writing, then they can easily gain empathy 8...........their interactions with their readers as well.
Unfortunately, because most regular readers are desensitized 9.........fixed phrases, they can become counter productive if you over do it. Let's suppose that you are 10............the verge of becoming a professional writer, then I would advise you to develop your own library of expressions, so that others can recognize your uniqueness.
------------------------------------------------------------
4-HLK. What type of fixed phrase is a cliche?
Kodjo Godley
Cliches are traditional popular forms 1.........expression which may have a literal or figurative meaning.
For example:
1-Rome was not built in a day
2-There's no smoke without fire
3-Birds of a feather flock together.
4-Blood is thicker than water
----------------------------------------------------
5-HLK: Rome was not built in a day sounds foreign......1 me. By the way, what is the origin of cliches?
Kodjo Godley
Many English cliches come 2.............other languages and the word cliche itself comes 3.................the French word stereotype
meaning fixed phrases or ideas.
Further examples of typical cliches are:
1-To err is human, to forgive divine
2-What's done can't be undone
3-Two heads are better than one
4-Home is where the heart is
As a matter 3...........fact, there are thousands of cliches in the world. As I pointed 4............., many of them have literal meanings whereas others have hidden meanings that are only clear if you know the context. As a result, some cliches can be interpreted differently based 5..............the context. For example:
Vinnie Amendola left the boss's office with his tail 6..............his legs. (Very humiliated or humbled)
-------------------------------------------------------
6-HLK: What's your advise for TEFL and TESL students?
Kodjo Godley
A quick guide for TEFL and TESL students is 1..........understand and build their own library 2.........fixed phrases, but not necessarily 3............overuse them.
Quite often the use 4............a fixed phrase shows fluency, but also their inappropriate usage might create misunderstanding and lack 5..............resources.
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WHERE TO SHOP ONLINE:
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BARNES & NOBLES (BOOK STORE)
http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/storelocator/stores.aspx?x=y&
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AMAZON.COM (BOOK STORE)
http://www.amazon.com/
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GOOGLE.COM (BOOK STORE)
http://books.google.es/
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READING FOR PLEASURE
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VIDEO RESOURCES
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READING LOVES READING
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Literature & Reading : Benefits of Reading for Pleasure
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TPMtv: Pleasure Reading
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Reading Comprehension 040 "Reading=Success"
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Tomie dePaola: Why Reading is Important
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Did You Know Reading Crisis
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Why reading is important
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INSPIRING COGNITIVE GROWTH
HECTOR LAWRANCE KUOFIE
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