1. A Single Story
jonathan peel jls 2016
Sunday, 11 November 2018

2. Imagine: You meet someone for the first time
All you know is their nationality or there profession
How might your stereotyping affect your initial impressions of that person?
Are there characteristics which we expect to find in a person because of a single fact?
An example found on the web:
How can you tell when an accountant is extroverted? He looks at your shoes while he's talking to you instead of his own.
In that example a single story has defined an entire group of professionals – highly skilled and highly intelligent professionals.
jonathan peel jls 2016

3. The Text S tructure L anguage A udience P urpose
A useful mnemonic when finding our way into a non-fiction passage.
jonathan peel jls 2016

4. Structure
This is a formal speech delivered at a TED conference. The structure reflects this.
All speeches should follow a pattern: Introduction, exposition , conclusion
Introduction:
Here Adichie introduces herself and her theme. Sentences are short and language is clear and direct. Why is this?
She introduces irony and humour in paragraph 2. This is still introduction, but we are learning abiut her character.
jonathan peel jls 2016

5. Humour Quotation explanation My poor mother was obligated to read
They played in the snow
The story mimics British obsessions that have no place in Africa
She hides her own racial heritage when writing
jonathan peel jls 2016
Complete this table to begin to explore the way in which humour and character is established in the introduction.

6. Exposition Begins in Paragraph 4
The purpose of the piece has been made clear in Paragraph 1: The danger of a Single Story.
The writing will move away from INFORMING the reader towards EXPLAINING the purpose of the talk.
In your anthologies, highlight all the words which suggest that explanation is taking place: “ for example “because”
Much of this section will take the form of Personal Anecdote
jonathan peel jls 2016

7. Conclusion In the last 4 paragraphs we find a conclusion.
The key word here is “SO” which highlights the summing up of the ideas.
Her final sentence stands alone and wraps up her vision of her better world – her “kind of paradise” It is an effective conclusion to a witty, thoughtful and entertaining speech.
jonathan peel jls 2016

8. LANGUAGE
Speeches are delivered in the First Person – this is a personal reflection and is clearly based on personal experience.
Clarity is helped by :
Short sentences
Links between paragraphs
Strong but straightforward vocabulary
Short paragraphs with clear TOPIC SENTENCES.
jonathan peel jls 2016

9. Here some examples – you should aim to find at least three more of each type and add to your tables
quotation
comment
Short, direct sentence
“Now, I loved those American and British books I read”
Opening of paragraphs direct and strong and forms the firs t[part of a short sentence tricolon. All is intended to increase the power of the epiphany about the quality of African Literature.
“My father was a professor”.
Simple statement of fact also shows the level of education of the family and value placed on learning.
“Their poverty was my single story of them”
Strong closing sentence explains and reinforces the message of the speech.
Links between paras
“They played in the snow…weather”
“we didn’t have snow…there was no need to”
L9 and L12. The tricolon in Line 12 explains and answers the humorous comment in Line 9
Short simple strong vocabulary
“She assumed I did not know…”
In this short sentence, the key word is “assumed”. We all make assumptions, often based on little or no evidence.
“I was overwhelmed with shame”
“overwhelmed” has been chosen for the power of the image it creates. This is so much more powerful than a longer phrase involving “very” or a list of poorly considered adjectives.
Topic Sentences
“what this demonstrates…”
Clear indication of the subject matter to be discussed
“I come from a conventional middle-class Nigerian family.”
jonathan peel jls 2016

10. Audience The World Wide Web: Ted talks are watched by millions
The audience at the event are highly intelligent; highly successful and highly ambitious
How might this be reflected in the content and in the manner of delivery?
jonathan peel jls 2016

11. PURPOSE According to TED:
TED is a platform for ideas worth spreading. Started in 1984 as a conference where technology, entertainment and design converged, TED today shares ideas from a broad spectrum — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. Meanwhile, independent TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.
jonathan peel jls 2016

12. Purpose:
Inform: We learn about Adichie’s childhood and her path the fame as a writer
Explain: She explains the problem with a response to anything which is not based on as wide a reference as possible.
Describe: She describes events and feelings to assist the listener in assimilating her ideas.
jonathan peel jls 2016