An old typewriter and a big idea

Emilie PonsLesson 4 29/11/2020

An old typewriter and a big idea

Actually, I have wracked my mind and heart for what I ought to say to you today, I have asked myself what I wish I had known at my own graduation, and what important lessons I have learned in the 21 years that have expired between that day and this. […] On this wonderful day when we are gathered together to celebrate your academic success, I have decided to talk to you about the benefits of failure. […] : Part 3 : Introducing the subject

“President Faust, members of the Harvard Corporation and the Board of Overseers, members of the faculty, proud parents, and, above all, graduates: Part 1: Opening 

A mere seven years after my graduation day, I had failed on an epic scale. An exceptionally short-lived marriage had imploded, and I was jobless, a lone parent, and as poor as it is possible to be in modern Britain, without being homeless. The fears that my parents had had for me, and that I had had for myself, had both come to pass, and by every usual standard, I was the biggest failure I knew.” Part 4: Justifying the subject 

The first thing I would like to say is “thank you”. Not only has Harvard given me an extraordinary honour, but the weeks of fear and nausea I have endured at the thought of giving this commencement address have made me lose weight. A win-win situation! Now all I have to do is take a deep breath, squint at the red banners and convince myself that I am at the world’s largest Gryffindor reunion. […] Part 2 thanks

Questions

1. How does JK Rowling catch her audience’s attention?

JK Rowling catch her audience’s attention by naming everyone by his name. Everyone feels concerned.

1. How is each part structured?

At the beginning of each part, there is a short introduction then she gives her personal feelings and experiences especially when she introduces and justifies the subject.

1. Highlight key expressions linked with her experience of failure AND the benefits of failure

1. What is her opinion about failure?

Her opinion about failure is that an important part that lead you to success. “Some failures are inevitable”. They will teach you some things that you couldn’t learn without trying and failing.  According to that we can quote the end of the speech “You will never truly know yourself, all the strengths of a relationship until both being tested by adversity”  

1. Write a short speech about something you wish you had known when you started secondary school, following the example of JK Rowling’s speech

One thing I wish I had known when I started secondary school is that I have the right to fail an exam. Indeed, when I was younger, I was putting too much pressure over myself. I always wanted to be the best in every class but of course that is impossible. One day, I had a math test, and I worked a lot for it. During the test, due to too much pressure, I lost all my means, and I was incapable to think. Finally, I had 8/20. Since that day, when I worked for an exam, I trust myself and it’s the better way to succeed!

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