"P ersonals" by Mark Twain

Aim: How does Twain poke fun at the vogue for "p ersonals" ads?

Do Now: In your journal, name at least one newspaper you like to read and name your favorite section of that newspaper. Explain what makes the section so interesting to read.

Procedure:

1. Who is Mark Twain? Read the linked article and write about 150-word paragraph introducing the writer.
2. Look up the following new vocabulary words: using the online dictionary
   • Curmudgeonly :a crusty, ill-tempered, and usually old man
   • Dodges :to evade (as a duty) usually indirectly or by trickery
   • Ingeniously :showing or calling for intelligence, aptitude, or discernment
   • Squibs :a short humorous or satiric writing or speech b : a short news item;
   • Circumlocution :the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea; evasion in speech
   • Gab :to talk in a rapid or thoughtless manner
3. Through these examples of "p ersonals", what images does Twain draw about New York? What kind of attitude is conveyed through the images?

Homework 4

Find three examples from the section in a local newspaper that you enjoy reading and use them to show why it is interesting.