OBJECTIVE
To provide practice for student writing in the area of persuasive essays.
PROCEDURE
One of the objectives of the English teacher is to provide opportunities for students to become proficient in various aspects of written communication. The focus in the 8th grade is on persuasive writing. The following activity should be preceded by some introduction or review of the elements of this style of writing.
ACTIVITY
Discuss the pros or cons of the right of Wargrave to take vengeance on those who were outside the law. Include in the discussion the moral and religious implications of Wargrave’s “taking the law into his own hands.” Was Wargrave acting as a vigilante who was doing what the police could not legally do, or was this carefully planned series of murders really to satisfy his own desire to kill?
Students more adept at writing can do this activity on their own. Students who have more difficulty can work with the teacher to brainstorm ideas on both sides of the issues, and then, using the ideas generated by the group, to create an essay which expresses their personal views.
The teacher may want to take this assignment a step further and establish a debate session where opposing viewpoints are expressed.
“And Then There Were None”
Vocabulary (Chapters 1-6)
Think about the meaning of each vocabulary word then decide whether the statement is true or false.
1. His abode was destroyed by the flooding river.
2. His vision was bleary now that he had his new glasses.
3. Because he was surreptitious, everyone could figure out the card trick.
4. His mulish behavior revealed him to be a tartar.
5. The frequent change of activity made our vacation monotonous.
6. Ivory Snow is a very caustic soap.
7. Our shelves were replete with groceries, so we had to go food shopping.
8. Hungry animals will often forage in garbage cans.
9. When my friends came over after the game, we had an impromptu party.
10. The boy was scolded for his iniquitous ways.
11. Most classic novels are written in doggerel.
12. When solving a case, a detective must ferret for clues.
13. His manner was so brusque that he had many friends.
“And Then There Were None”
Vocabulary (Chapters 7—Epilogue)
Substitute one vocabulary word for each underlined word or phrase.
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chaotic
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stiletto
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admonitory
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alibi
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wiry
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serene
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futile
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laconically
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geezer
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farce
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sagacity
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perjury
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truncheon
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conclave
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asphyxiation
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1. It was useless to attempt to repair the shattered vase. __________________
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2. The eccentric old man always wore a winter coat in the summertime. ________________
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3. The calm lake showed not even a ripple. ______________________
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4. The murder weapon was a small dagger with a thin, tapering blade. __________________
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5. The defendant was accused of telling a lie under oath. ______________________
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6. The murderer’s excuse was proven to be untrue. ______________________
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7. The robber hit the store owner with a short, thick staff. ____________
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8. The disorderly classroom was brought into order by the teacher. ___________________
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9. Little children should not play with plastic bags, since they can cause death by suffocation. _________________________
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10. The student was required to sum up the story briefly. ____________________
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11. The Sioux sachem’s wisdom was well known and respected by all. __________________
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12. The Republican senators held a secret meeting in the executive chambers. _____________
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13. The lean, sinewy, strong boy was very athletic. ______________________
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14. The teacher raised a (n) warning finger for silence. _____________________
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15. The cursory investigation of the crime was ridiculous. ___________________
