Punch and Judy Dave Barry S10227003 劉俞成 S10227005 陳玉穎

Understanding the Writer’s Ideas

1.What point does Barry make with his” scientific quiz” at the beginning of the essay?

2. Why does Barry write “prepare to be astounded” in paragraph 4? It’s a dramatic/sarcastic statement to emphasize his topic.

3. According to Barry, how do males and females respond differently to stress? Males- rowdy/ explosive/ touchy Females- calm/ friendly/ considerate

4. What purpose do the dialogues serve in paragraph 6? It’s another emphasis on his point.

5. According to Barry, how do boys and girls react differently during Halloween? Males- out of control, active Females- much more “civilized” compared to males

6. Barry makes a slightly different point in paragraph 8 than he does in the rest of the essay. What is the point, and why does he make it? The point is not only the reaction male and female have towards stress. There’s also a difference between their functioning in the family and society.

7. What does Barry’s friend Jeff mean when he says, “ My wife can make an entire bed-sheet virtually disappear”(par.8)? He means that his wife can fold and arrange sheets a lot better than he can.

8. Why does Barry say that he’s going to “punch Bob” at the end 8. Why does Barry say that he’s going to “punch Bob” at the end? What serious point does he make? This is restating his assumption for the last time in a humorous way The violent, impulsive nature of males

Understanding the Writer’s Techniques

1. How is Barry’s first sentence an example of irony (see Glossary) 1. How is Barry’s first sentence an example of irony (see Glossary)? Explain the irony. He’s asking an obvious question.

2. Does Barry have a thesis statement in his essay. If so, where is it 2. Does Barry have a thesis statement in his essay? If so, where is it? If not, where does he best express his main point? NO Throughout the story he gives various examples to state his point.

3. Who is Barry’s audience for this essay? How can you tell? People who are at least not considered children This is a topic that’s quite general. There are issues between male and female to reflect on and there’s plenty of irony.

4. In what ways is the “scientific quiz” at the beginning of the essay effective? It gives readers the impression that there’s actually scientific proof for his point.

5. How does Barry transition from the quiz to the point he’s trying to make in the essay? The interpretation of the results to the quiz explains whether you are male or female

6. Why does Barry keep referring to researchers and psychology in his essay? For persuasive support

7. How would you describe the tone of Barry’s essay 7. How would you describe the tone of Barry’s essay? Cite at least three examples to support your answer. Ironic- first sentence “Are you male or female?” Casual: The last paragraph Extreme- The dialogue in paragraph 8

8. What is the central comparison and contrast that appears in this essay? How does it support the writer’s thesis? Male- fight or flight Female- tend and befriend This is the main difference between male and female, it’s what the whole article is about

9. Does this essay use one of the traditional methods of writing comparison essays—block or alternating—or does he use a combination? Explain your answer.

10. Where in the essay does Barry use hyperbole (see Glossary)? Paragraph 4: prepare to be astounded- male and female are different Explain hyperbole.

11. There are four jokes in the last paragraph 11.There are four jokes in the last paragraph. What are they, and why are they funny? Does the humor help make Barry’s point, or does it weaken it? Explain fully. 1.We should test this theory on animals to see if the results are the same as humans 2.The Incongruity Theory of humor 3.War and ice hockey 4.The author wants to punch Bob