English Language Arts A30
Module 3
Lesson 11
Canada is … an illogicality. Despite the
continuous pundits that have argued
her existence makes no sense – economically,
politically, geographically, or culturally,
she has survived.
Hugh MacLennan
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
Objectives
As a student of language arts and communication processes, in
Lesson Eleven of the English Language Arts A30 course, you will
have the opportunity to:

read a variety of written materials.

record responses in a response journal.

recognize satire and satirical writing.

recognize literary devices used in satirical and humorous
writing.

practise the behaviours of an effective listener.

listen to obtain information.

recognize journalistic writing.

understand the requirements of writing editorials.

summarize information.

write a personal essay which conveys humour.

write a letter to the editor.

speak to express an opinion.

use reason to support opinions.

speak to share thoughts and feelings.

build vocabulary.
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
Resources
Articles
“There Was Once” by Margaret Atwood
http://www.mississippireview.com/1995/07atwood.html
“The Two Canada’s” by Fred Stenson The Two Canadas
http://www.albertaviews.ab.ca/issues/2001/janfeb01/index.html
“Political Correctness Laughed Off Stage” by Peter C. Newman
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=1706506&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt
=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1237300891&clientId=
65247
Essay
“Moose Tale” by Doug Cuthand (Sundog Highway )
Editorial
“Snowmobile safety” :Editorial [Final Edition]. (2001, January 17). Leader Post,
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=51&did=254529351&SrchMode=3&sid=1&F
mt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1238175018&clientI
d=65247&aid=7
Poetry
“Stanislowski vs. Grenfell” by Stephen Scriver (Sundog Highway)
“The Medicine Man” by Rita Bouvier (Sundog Highway)
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
Lesson Eleven – Diverse Canadian Voices
Introduction
Hugh MacLennan tells us Canada is illogical, yet in spite of that illogicality, she has
survived. Perhaps one of the reasons she has survived is because Canadians have a
great sense of humour. The voice of humour can oftentimes put things and events
into perspective. Peter C. Newman says, “because we prefer to laugh rather than
cry, Canada has spawned more than its share of good comedians.” He also points
out that much of our humour has a satirical edge to it. What makes Canadians
laugh? What makes you laugh? In Lesson Eleven you will read not only some funny
and some satirical pieces of writing but also listen to an interview with a writer who
uses humour in his writing. You will have the opportunity to write a personal essay
that uses humour. In this lesson you will also examine newspapers, particularly the
editorial page, write a letter to the editor or present an oral editorial on tape.
Canadian Humour
Satire is a form of humour, the purpose of which is to expose the
weaknesses of people and society by the use of irony and ridicule. Satire
can be bitter and malicious, or gentle and kind. It frequently uses
humour to point out weaknesses in society, making fun of human
endeavours in an attempt to demonstrate how they might be improved
and changed.
In this course you have read a few satirical pieces, for example “Feds’ flip-flop
scuttles my brilliant idea,” by Ron Petrie, in Lesson One, and “All Quiet on the
Northern Front,” by Josh Freed, in Lesson Three. Petrie takes a jab at a Federal
government proposal while Freed makes fun of our so-called quiet Canadian
demeanor.
In the essay which follows, Peter C. Newman tells us about a couple of people who
make him laugh and who he feels have something worthwhile to say. As you read
the essay, consider the following questions.
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11



What makes you laugh?
What are Mark Leiren-Young and Kevin Crofton making fun of in their routine?
What is the tone of the essay?
Read the editorial, “Political Correctness Laughed Off Stage” by Peter C.
Newman found in Maclean’s Toronto: Jan. 24, 1994. Vol. 107, Iss. 4; pg 54
http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?index=0&did=1706506&SrchMode=1&
sid=1&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1
237300891&clientId=65247
About the author
Peter C. Newman was born in Vienna, Austria and immigrated to Canada as a young boy. His
career has included executive positions in mass journalism, particularly as editor-in-chief of the
Toronto Star and as editor of Maclean’s. He has also written a number of books about Canadian
history and politics.
In “The Two Canadas,” an essay which follows, Fred Stenson takes a gleeful jab at
our modern Canadian society. Stenson uses a number of literary devices such as
irony, hyperbole, and caricature to heap ridicule on what he has categorized as
Canada One and Canada Two.
Hyperbole is deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or special effect.
Caricature is a picture or written description of a person’s features or
mannerisms which are exaggerated for comic or absurd effect.
Jim Unger, the author of the Herman cartoons, caricatures
Canadian life in his cartoons
Irony: There are three main types of irony:

verbal irony: stating the opposite of what one really means.
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Lesson 11
"What an intelligent thing to do!" when one really means, "What a
silly thing to do!" Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony. The cartoon
below illustrates verbal irony.

situational irony: the contrast between what we think should
happen and what actually does happen.
It would be an ironic situation if a marriage counsellor's own
marriage broke up. One would expect a marriage counsellor to know
how to solve problems within his or her own marriage. The cartoon
below illustrates situational irony.

dramatic irony: events or remarks that mean one thing to one or
more characters mean something quite different to other
characters, to the reader, or to the audience at a play or a movie.
A character in a play might say, "This is going to be a lovely day,"
not knowing what the other characters and the audience know that the character's murder has been planned for that day. The
cartoon below illustrates dramatic irony.
Now read “The Two Canadas” by Fred Stenson found at the following URL.
http://www.albertaviews.ab.ca/issues/2001/janfeb01/index.html
About the Author
Fred Stenson was born in Pincher Creek, Alberta and was raised on a farm in the foothills north of
Chief Mountain. He took a BA in economics from the University of Calgary but never once
considered being an economist. He has been a freelance writer since the mid-1970s and has won
several awards for his writing.
A parody is an imitation of a work, usually with the intention of provoking
laughter or ridicule. “We three Kings of Orient are/ Tried to smoke a
rubber cigar" is a parody of a Christmas carol. Parody is often seen in
films where the filmmakers spoof horror or disaster films.
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
In the following dialogue, Margaret Atwood uses parody but she does not parody a
single work. What she goes after is fairy tales in general. As you read the dialogue
in “There Was Once” consider the following questions.



What kind of character is the storyteller?
What kind of character is the listener?
Who or what is being satirized in this dialogue?
“There Was Once” by Margaret Atwood
http://www.mississippireview.com/1995/07atwood.html
About the Author
Margaret Atwood, poet and writer of fiction, was born in Ottawa and grew up in Toronto. She has
taught writing and Canadian literature at several universities and has won numerous prizes for her
work, including the Governor General’s Award for writing. She is well known outside of Canada, not
only for her writing but also for her active pursuit of social issues through such organizations as
Amnesty International.
The key to happiness and freedom is a sense of humour
and a sense of humour
is nothing more or less than the ability to laugh at oneself.
Jim Unger
Humour is very valuable. It can be used to teach, to point out flaws in a society, to
make us feel good, and to add colour to a sometimes drab world. As you read the
poems “Stanislowski vs. Grenfell” by Stephen Scriver and “The Medicine Man” by Rita
Bouvier which are both found in your anthology Sundog Highway, consider the
following questions.



How has each of the poets used humour to convey his or her message?
Is each of these poems a narrative? How so?
Has anyone used humour to teach you a life lesson?
For these two writers, read the biographical entries and authors’ statements. These
can be found in the back pages of the anthology.
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
As mentioned earlier, humour can be used to teach, to point out flaws in a society, to
make us feel good, and to add a spark to our lives, but humour can sometimes hurt
people as Douglas Cuthand points out in his essay “Moose Tale."
As you read “Moose Tale,” which is found in the anthology Sundog Highway, consider
the following questions.


What is the theme of this essay?
Why do some people tell racist jokes?
Be sure to read Cuthand’s biographical entry and author’s statement which can be
found in the back pages of the anthology.
In your response journal state two reasons why you feel some people tell racist
jokes.
Besides owning and operating his own video-production company, Cuthand writes a
weekly newspaper column for The Leader Post in Regina and The Star Phoenix in
Saskatoon. His individual voice sometimes reflects only his opinion. Often, however,
he uses this column to speak for the First Nations’ voices in Saskatchewan.
Newspapers are often the medium of diverse individual voices.
Newspapers
The first daily newspaper in Canada, the Montreal Daily Advertiser, began publishing
in 1833. Most Canadian newspapers at this time were intended for an elite minority
who could read and who were interested primarily in one topic – politics. By 1857
there were 213 newspapers in Canada, the main function of which was to display the
political views of their editors. Newspaper editors like Joseph Howe and William Lyon
Mackenzie were typical of the period, in which newspapers were more devoted to
partisan politics than to the straightforward reporting of news and information.
Although partisan politics have not completely disappeared from the newspapers of
today, these journals, for the most part, consider their major responsibility to be
reporting the news of the day or week. They are no longer the political organs they
once were.
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
News Stories
News stories cover a wide range of topics, such as: current events, politics, sports,
human interest, business, weather, science and technology, arts and entertainment.
No matter what the content of the news story, or its intended audience (local,
provincial, national, international), its purpose is to inform.
There are three main parts in a news story: the headline, the lead, and the body.
A news story uses facts to report objectively on current events or issues.
It is often brief and stresses current information and accounts of events.
A news feature article may be lengthier than the news story as it is based
on research and interviews. It may supply testimonial, biographical,
scientific, historical, and/or background information. It may include the
writer's own ideas and opinions.
News stories are most commonly organized deductively, with the most important
idea first, followed by less important information. Occasionally, a news story is
organized inductively, so that it reveals a surprise ending.
Deductive and inductive reasoning are two ways of thinking that can shape the
organization of a piece of writing. For example, inductive organization in a
paragraph or essay moves toward a main point at the end, while deductive
organization in a paragraph or essay supports a main point made at the beginning.
Deduction is a method of thinking that begins with a generalization and
applies it to a specific circumstance, or it begins with a general statement
and provides evidence to support it. For example, since all perennial
plants have roots, a man generalizes that the wild hollyhocks that he
wants to remove from his yard will also have roots.
Induction is a method of reasoning in which thinking begins with specific
examples and proceeds to a general statement (generalization). For
example, over a series of observations, Jamal notes that water boils at
100° C. He then concludes that all water boils at 100° C. Jamal has used
inductive reasoning to reach a conclusion.
You may use deductive reasoning unconsciously every day. For example, as a
consumer you might believe that Variety Electric produces reliable products.
Therefore, you would assume that a Variety Electric toaster is reliable.
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
In an essay thesis statement you might generalize that raising the standard of living
for Saskatchewan residents would be beneficial. You would then analyse your idea
deductively by discussing specific benefits. Deductive reasoning moves from the
general to the specific.
While deductive logic can be a very useful tool, you must be careful that the
generalization you make applies to the specific situation that you are thinking about.
For example, you can correctly make the general statement that Canada is bounded
on three sides by water. However, you cannot correctly continue the generalization
by saying that, since Saskatchewan is a part of Canada, Saskatchewan is also
bounded on three sides by water. In this case, the specific information does not
relate to the generalization which has already been made.
As well, you probably often use inductive reasoning, without realizing it. For
example, when you make specific observations about various brands of one kind of
item before choosing the most reliable, attractive, or inexpensive brand to purchase,
you are using inductive reasoning. You may examine information from
advertisements, product descriptions, or product critics, to name only a few sources
of information.
The more observations or evidence that you accumulate, the more likely you are to
arrive at a true conclusion. However, you are likely to make an error in inductive
reasoning if you oversimplify either the evidence or the conclusion. For example, you
may be incorrect to conclude that because Janice Holloway is the best basketball
player your school has ever had that she would also make an effective SRC
president. In this case, the specific observations that were made do not relate to the
conclusion. Janice Hollaway’s skills as a basketball player have nothing to do with
her effectiveness as a SRC president.
In your response journal describe how on one occasion you used deductive
reasoning to come to a conclusion or make a decision about something in your life.
In your response journal describe how on one occasion you used
inductive reasoning to come to a conclusion or make a decision about
something in your life.
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
Headline
The headline’s job is to lure the reader into the news story. It must, however, do it
honestly; the headline should not promise something that is not in the story. It
should be lively and interesting, with sparkling verbs. It must cram as much
information into those words as possible, because readers tend to scan headlines
looking for articles of interest. When they do, they should be able to pick up some
information they would not have otherwise.
The byline, or name of the reporter who wrote the story, is often placed after the
headline. A placeline, the name of the place where the news story occurs, and the
source of the story (e.g., AP = Associated Press, CP = Canadian Press, Reuters,
Southam, etc.) may or may not follow the byline. Do any of the stories in the
exercise on the opposite page have a byline or placeline?
Lead
The lead in a news story is the first
paragraph of the story. It gives the most
important information and emphasizes the
importance, unusualness, or timeliness of
the news story. As in introductory
paragraphs in essays, the lead of a news
story can employ a question, a summary,
a quotation, or an amusing or surprising
anecdote. Look at the stories on the
previous page. Can you pick out the
leads.
Who, What
Who? When? Why?
What? Where?
How?
Main Idea
(Headline)
Important Details
(Lead Paragraph)
Less Important
Details
Body
The body of a news story is organized either in descending order of importance or
time order. Most news stories use descending order of importance so that readers
can obtain the most important information quickly and so the story can easily be
reduced in size to “fit” the amount of space it has been allotted. A properly
organized inverted pyramid story can usually be cut from the bottom up without too
much damage.
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
A news story answers six questions: the 5 Ws and H.






Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Why?
How?
The body of a news story is generally written in short, easy-to-read paragraphs.
Sentences tend to begin with the most important ideas and use simple, vivid
language. You may wish to refer to Lesson Seven of this course to review
“Standard and Journalistic Writing Styles.”
News stories avoid using unnecessary jargon. If you wish to review “Jargon,” see
Lesson Five of this course.
A news story may be slanted or focus on a particular part of a story. Reporters
collect information for news articles by observing events, by accurately recording
information, by interviewing witnesses, and by researching background information.
The reporter makes decisions about what information will be included in the article,
focusing on what readers might find most interesting. For example, one story about
the closure of a local school might focus on busing arrangements for local students
while a second story about the same event might focus on plans made by a seniors
group to use the empty school. While news articles are usually objective, the kind
of language a reporter uses can affect the slant of a story.
Editorials and Opinion Pieces
One place in a newspaper that is reserved for opinions is the editorial page. Many
kinds of items may be included on an editorial page besides editorials and editorial
columns. Some of these include editorial cartoons, letters to the editor, opinion
features, and mini-torials.
Editorial Cartoons
Just as a picture is worth a thousand words, one good editorial cartoon may be worth
a thousand editorials. An editorial cartoon is usually simple in design, centred on one
topic, well drawn, and timely. Usually it relates to a subject or event familiar to
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
readers in their everyday lives. It may tie in with a front-page news article or the
lead editorial.
A pun is a play on words that sound alike, or words that have a double
meaning.
Editorial cartoons have a long and venerable past in Canada. Below are two editorial
cartoons dealing with politics. Politics and politicians are often the topic of these
cartoons. The one on the left is from the latter part of the 19th century. It pokes fun
at Canada’s first prime minister. What is his name? The cartoon on the right is from
the middle of the 20th century. It takes a swipe at the then Prime Minister John
Diefenbaker. Diefenbaker hails from what province?
In your response journal give the name of the first prime minister of Canada. In
your response journal name the province from which John Diefenbaker came. Rt.
Honourable John George Diefenbaker served as Canada’s prime minister from 1957
to 1963.
Symbolic Significance
The ability of editorial cartoons to communicate a great deal in few words can, in
some measure, be attributed to the use of symbols which carry much meaning and
elicit emotional reactions on the part of the reader. Though a brief caption
accompanies most cartoons, only a small part of the comment is made in the
caption. Symbols may be traditional, such as a flag symbolizing a country or a dove
symbolizing peace. Other symbols may be dependent on stereotypes, like
caricatures of a certain person, race or nationality. Other symbols may be descriptive
of an attitude or condition. For example, a pig is often the symbol for greed. To
understand a cartoon, you need to be able to interpret the symbols accurately.
Should you wish to review the definition of symbol and how symbols are used in
literature, see Lesson Seven.
Opinion Features
An opinion feature is a feature story in which the writer expresses his or her
opinions, makes interpretations, and draws conclusions for the reader. Another
definition of the opinion feature is a story wherein a number of people are asked to
comment on a topic of current interest. An example of this is the roving reporter
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Lesson 11
who asks five or six people their opinions on a current topic. The views of the people
interviewed are presented without further comment.
Mini-torials
A mini-torial is a very brief editorial, usually one or two sentences. Like an editorial
cartoon, it gets its point across quickly. It is usually written in a humourous manner
but conveys a serious message such as the one below.
Always listen to experts. They’ll tell you what can’t be done, and
why. Then do it.
Robert Heinlein
Editorials
The newspaper editorial is often referred to as the voice of the paper. Everyone has
opinions. The newspaper, when it expresses it opinions – or the radio or television
station that offers opinion features and editorial voices – amplifies its voice by the
number of readers or listeners.
Editorials are one form of persuasive writing. They are the strongly held beliefs or
opinions of a particular newspaper or editor. The views of the newspaper are
represented in an editorial that does not carry a byline or a writer’s name. When an
editorial carries the byline of a writer, it represents the views of the writer alone, and
it is called an editorial column.
An editorial is an essay commenting on an issue of current interest,
written from a particular point of view. An editorial contains both facts
and opinions, whereas a news story contains facts only.
A fact is a statement that can be proved to be true. Fact: Regina is the
capital city of Saskatchewan.
An opinion is a statement that cannot be proved. Opinion: Saskatchewan
is the most beautiful province in Canada.
A reason is a statement given to support an opinion. A reason may be a
fact, an example, a statistic, or even an incident.
When you observe opinions, you will see that opinions often use “judgement” words
such as the ones in the following list.
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
 most
 should
 should not
 greatest
 best
An editorial first catches the reader’s attention, then continues with brief background
statements that establish the basis for the editor’s comments to the reader. The
introduction shows why the opinion expressed is important to the writer and the
reader. The body of the editorial supplies the position or opinion of the writer and
supports it with details. The conclusion recommends a solution or an alternative
course of action, and restates the position of the editorial.
Content of an Editorial
details supporting
the opinion
attentioncatcher
background
opinion
importance
to reader
refutation of
details opposing
the opinion
solution, or
course of
action and
summary of
opinion
An editorial contains an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Its structure is much
like that of other argumentative or persuasive writing. You may wish to refer to
“Argument and Persuasion” in Lesson Seven.
The purpose of an editorial varies according to the issue and the writer’s opinions.
An editorial is usually written for one of the following purposes.







To
To
To
To
To
To
To
inform, explain, or comment on the significance of current events.
persuade readers to take a particular course of action.
respond to criticism or congratulations.
warn readers of future problems or changes.
criticize individuals, groups, corporations, or society.
praise individuals, groups, corporations, or society.
entertain readers while making a point.
Editorial opinions, no matter what their purpose, should be well thought out and
supported with facts.
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
Read the editorial on snowmobile safety that follows. As you read, try to
identify the purpose and the main opinion of the editorial.
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d=65247&aid=7
Letters to the Editor
A letter to the editor, or a letter of opinion, is a formal letter of
persuasion written for a variety of purposes. It may be addressed to the
editor of a newspaper and published in a newspaper or be posted on an
electronic bulletin board.
Frequently, the letters to the editor in a newspaper may criticize the coverage of a
particular story. Often, the newspaper in general may be criticized for its apparent
bias or for its views expressed on issues.
The letters to the editor provide a reader forum to comment on news issues or
events, even the newspaper coverage itself. Seldom will a newspaper respond in
print to a letter from a reader. The response of the newspaper is to print the letter
and satisfy the reader that at least his opinion was voiced.
On rare occasion, a newspaper may follow a letter with an editor’s note of
explanation. If done too often though, the newspaper’s letters-to-the-editor section
might appear too defensive and defeat the purpose of such a section.
Read at least two letters to the editor from a local or national Canadian newspaper
such as The Globe and Mail, the Saskatoon Star Phoenix, or The Leader Post.
As you read the letters consider the following questions.



How do these letters reflect the times in which they were written?
What literary devices, if any, have the writers employed?
Have these writers used reasons to support their opinions?
Do you read a newspaper daily or weekly? If suddenly, at midnight tonight,
newspapers ceased to be published or circulated and all their records and morgue
files vanished, what would be the effect on you? What would be the effect on our
culture? In your response journal suggest one effect the disappearance of
newspapers would have on you and suggest three effects it would have on our
culture.
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
Response Journal
Racism
Two reasons I feel some people tell racist jokes are:
1.
2.
Deduction and Induction
Problem: _______________________________________________
Deductive steps I took to make a decision or come to a conclusion
Inductive reasoning
Problem: ____________________________________________________________
Inductive steps I took to make a decision or come to a conclusion.
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
Historical Information
The name of Canada’s first prime minister is _______________________________.
Rt. Honourable John George Diefenbaker came from the province of _____________.
Newspapers Have Vanished
One effect the disappearance of newspapers would have on me is
Three effects the disappearance of newspapers would have on our culture are:
1.
2.
3.
The Novel
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11
Provide the title of one novel that you have read during the past year other than the
one you are reading for English Language Arts A30. Give two reasons why others
might enjoy reading this book.
Title _______________________________________________________
Reason One
Reason Two
You will have, no doubt, finished reading a few chapters in the novel you chose to
read in Lesson Nine.
Title of novel chosen ___________________________________________________
Identify the protagonist _________________________________________________
I like/dislike the protagonist because ______________________________________
Although these are yet early days in the reading of your novel, make a prediction as
to how it will end.
As you read your chosen novel, use your response journal to practise the following
active reading strategies.
 Record your reactions, thoughts, and feelings to events, characters, and
situations.
 Jot down notes that may help spur your memory about characters and events in
the novel.
 Record quotations that are meaningful to you.
 Ask questions about what you have read.
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Lesson 11
Note: These response journal pages will be submitted with Assignment 12.
English Language Arts A30
Lesson 11