Monday, August 27, 2007

On Rhetoric IX: More on Chreia & Maxim

The previous post explained the overarching purpose of this Chreia and Maxim stages, but here are some representative wise sayings, proverbs, maxims or sententia that you can use with your students:

"A little learning is a dangerous thing." (Alexander Pope)

"Don't put all your eggs in one basket."

"Spare the rod; spoil the child."

"Don't air your dirty laundry."

"The root of education is bitter, its fruit sweet." (Isocrates)

"To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace." (George Washington)

"Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens." (Daniel Webster)

"Do your duty in all things; you cannot do more; you should never wish to do less." (Robert E. Lee)

"Each man is like those in whose company he delights."

"A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke." (Proverbs 13:1)

"He who covers an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends." (Proverbs 17:9)

"No race can prosper till it learns there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in writing a poem." (Booker T. Washington)

Choose sayings that fit with a topic under discussion in Literature, History, Science or Bible class, thereby integrating writing across the curriculum and establishing the relevance of the process in your students' minds. They are usually more eager to participate in a laborious task, if they either enjoy it, or believe it to be useful.

BTW, sometimes students must be required to complete work which they neither enjoy nor understand its relevance. Immaturity may prevent them from ascertaining the benefits of a particular skill or habit, and at other times their stubborn refusal to accept the wisdom of elders comes into play. Either way, as teachers, we should attempt to bring as much joy and relevance to the process as possible, and ensure that our requirements are purposeful and productive.

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