Paxton High School - Reflector Yearbook (Paxton, IL)

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28 Paxton High School Reflector BETTER SPOKEN ENGLISH The better speech phase of the general better English program that is being carried out in this school is not being neglected. It is no less important than the written phase. Indeed, any improvement in the one will he rejected in the ether. As special incentives, the following definite objectives for the better speech phase of the work have been set up—first, distinct articulation; second, proper pronunciation of words; third, the elimination of gross errors in the grammatical forms and use cf inflected words; fourth, better organization of thought materials into sentences; fifth, larger and richer vocabularies: sixth, greater propriety, purity and piecision cf diction. By substituting for the first and second of these objectives, correct spelling, punctuation, use of capital letters, and the general rules governing manuscript form, these objectives answer very well as the practical objectives of training in better written English. Prominent among the means that are being made use cf to improve the spoken English of students, may be mentioned the oral composition of the (lasses in English; specially prepared student talks in other class work; talks given by student; before the assembly on special occasions, and all phases of the work done by the literary societies—especially (hat in the debating contests. This better English movement taken up by so many schools this year .is a much needed one, and can not fail to yield good results in both of its phases—the written and spoken. The objectives set up are worthy and highly practical, and abundantly justify the effort that is being put forth to approximate their consummation. But the writer ventures the suggestion of a far higher objective cr aim—an aim that transcends but also recognizes and includes all of the lower objectives. It is to create, or in some measure develop a more appreciative attitude of mind toward the higher standards of thought content and expression in gcod literature--the best literature— the literature produced by the great masters of “English undefiled.” In moments of appreciative exultation great scholars have exclaimed, “Literature is life!” The ult'mate goal therefore, that all students of literature—even English literature—should steadily set before them is the ability to interpret and appreciate life, and to acquire some facility, g:aee and power with tongue or pen in the re-interpretation and express’on of that life; and this to the end that others may share in life’s higher knowledge, wisdom, and worth— that ethers shall see and feel somewhat of its possibilities of beauty, richness and power—thrill wi;h its noblest aspirations and loves and ■ topes, and catch some gleams of “that light that never was on land cr sea. the consecration ant the poet’s dream.”—O. J. B. A FEW MIXED METAPHORS “We thank thee. Lord, for this spark cf grace; and we ask thee to water it.” “Mr. Speaker. I smell a rat I see it floating in the air; but mark me, s-r. I will nip it in the bud.” ‘ We must keep the hall rolling until it becomes a taorn in the side of Congress.” ’ Opposite :'n the blue vault stood .he moon like a silver shield, raining her bright arrows on the sea.”

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Paxton High School Reflector 27 THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD The Might of the Pen Is Correct ENGLISH

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Paxton High School Reflector 29 SOME QUOTATIONS YOU SHOULD KNOW OR RECOGNIZE The quality of mercy is net strained.” “Truth crushed to earth will rise again.” ‘Sink or swin. live or die, survive or perish, 1 give my hand and heart to this vote. None knew thee but to love thee. None named thee but to praise.” May there be no moaning at the bar. When I put cut to sea.” “Here (Concord) once the embattled farmers stood. And fired the shot heard round the world.” “Build thee more stately mansions, O, my soul. As the swift seasons roll!” They have left unstained what there they found— Freedom to worship God.” For of all sad words of tongue or pen. The saddest are there: ‘It might have been!’”