1a. How does Johnson define lexicographer?
2a. How many definitions of nature are given? What is the first definition?
3a. What are the two uses of oats? In which countries, respectively, are oats used in these ways?
4a. Identify the kinds of topics on which Johnson injects his opinions.
5a. Judge whether Johnson fits his definition of lexicographer.
1b. What part of Johnson's definition of lexicographer is meant to be taken as tongue-in-cheek? What part is meant to be taken seriously? How do you know?
2b. To what does Johnson equate nature in his first definition? In his last definition of nature, what accounts for science's "light" being shed?
3b. What is Johnson's opinion of how oats are used in Scotland?
4b. What kind of person do you think Johnson was, based on these definitions?
5b. What does Johnson's definition of lexicographer tell you about him?
Denotation and Connotation.Which of Johnson's definitions provide denotations? What connotations does Johnson emphasize? Are these connotations widespread today?
1a. According to the author, what is a person's "natural condition"? Under what conditions might a person forfeit, or give up the right to, his or her liberty?
2a. How did Joseph Knight become a slave? On what basis does Knight's would-be master rest his claim?
3a. For what reasons might slavery seem attractive to some people, according to Johnson?
4a. What arguments are being made in favor of slavery?
5a. Judge whether Johnson thinks slavery is morally wrong. Explain your response.
1b. Why does Johnson believe that no one can forfeit the liberty of his of her children?
2b. What flaw does Johnson see in the argument for Joseph Knight's enslavement?
3b. Why does Johnson believe any reasons that might make slavery seem attractive are inapplicable in the case of Knight?
4b. Why does Johnson bring up these arguments in his brief?
5b. Compare Johnson's view on slavery with that presented by Aphra Behn in Oroonoko on page 607.
Thesis and Argument.Review the outline you completed in Literary Tools. What is Johnson's thesis? What are the main arguments he uses to support his thesis?
1. Write a lighthearted definition for a common term or expression. You might choose a standard English word, a slang term, or an idiom. Consider including in your definition your own interpretation of what the expression means, or use the definition as a vehicle for social commentary. Provide an example to illustrate your meaning.
2. Abstract concepts—such as freedom, trust, and success—are hard to define briefly because they mean different things to different people. Write a one-page "definition" in the form of a short essay on freedom. Be sure to use numerous examples to illustrate what you mean and include counter-examples to show what you do not mean.
3. Imagine that you are the presiding judge in Joseph Knight's case. Write a judicial opinion in which you state your decision and explain your reasons for deciding as you did. Include in your opinion a summary and evaluation of Johnson's "Brief."
Connotation and Denotation. Look at the following pairs of words. They have similar denotations, but different connotations. Explain the differences between the meaning of each pair.
1. tenacious – stubborn
2. traditional – set-in-one's ways
3. economical – cheap
4. inquisitive – prying
5. humorous – laughable
Using Dictionaries. Use a dictionary to answer the following questions.
1. What does ISBN stand for?
2. Explain the etymology of the word grammar.
3. How many ways are there to pronounce the word commensurate? How do the ways differ?
4. As what parts of speech can that be used?
5. As the creator of a pasquinade, would you more likely be engaging in columniation or calumniation? Explain your answer.
Public Service Announcement. Use the Internet to research human rights violations. After evaluating each source you use, prepare a public service announcement about the area you researched. In your announcement, give listeners tips on what they can do to help. For more information refer to the Language Arts Surveys 5.30, "Evaluating Information and Media Sources," and 6.9, "Delivering a Press Release."
Research Findings:
Sources Used:
3. Public Service Announcement
