...Imagine a high schooler has everyone against them, but they haven’t done anything wrong. Deep inside they’re burning. Their best friend is now their worst enemy. Their parents don't even take time out of their day to ask them how they’re doing. All the teachers, always harassing them. The counselor tells them that they need help, but never taking the next steps of actually helping the student themselves. They have a secret sunk deep into their heart and mind. They have been raped by their ex-best friends new senior-boyfriend. Why bother even saying anything, no one will listen anyways. In the book Speak by author Laurie Halse Anderson, Melinda Sordino goes through exactly this. She experiences many turning points along her eventful 9th grade...
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...hair the wrong clothes the wrong attitude. And I don't have anyone to sit with” (pg.4) “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson is about Melinda who is the main character in the book . The quote above mentioned that Melinda started school on the wrong foot and that was because she was sexually assaulted at a party. She did call the cops which was the right thing to do, but now everybody is mad at her. It is all because of Andy Evens it wasn't even her fault. First, Melinda starts High School as a freshmen with no friends. A group of people were laughing at her when she didn't do anything. Mels ex best friend Rachel was the reason why the group was making fun of her. “I turn around. Its Rachel surrounded by a bunch of kids” (pg.4) Rachel is really mean to Mellie and nobody knows why she called the cops, and she is too shy to talk about it or tell anyone. Melinda when she comes to the cafeteria for lunch she always runs out at lunch because she has nowhere else to go. That has a big effect on Melinda because she is so lonely and wishes she wishes she had just one friend. There is a girl who follows Mel around, and she doesn't really like her that much because she talks too much. “Heather from Ohio sits with me lunch” “She can talk for...
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...Television, the popular successor to radio and newspapers. Today television shows are used as a form of entertainment. The shows range in genre from comedy to hard hitting dramas, and production of the show must go through many stages until it is finally released to the public. The genre and extensive production effort is all in place to explain the events that are conveyed through this storytelling medium. Much like television shows, novels come with different stories to tell the audience. Filmmakers use props, lighting, and facial expressions, while authors use symbolism to convey subliminal messages. One of many novels that uses symbolism effectively is Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson Throughout the novel, Anderson employs symbolism using...
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...Literary Analysis: Speak Imagine not having a voice to speak out for yourself, your thoughts, and your opinions. In the book “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson, the main character Melinda tries to do what she believes is the right thing for herself, but eventually looses everything that's important to her all because she spoke out. Though her high school experience wasn't the best, the one thing that was valuable is the fact she found a voice to speak out about what happened to her. Though it may seem impossible to do, try your very hardest to find that voice, speak out for yourself. The author of “Speak”, Laurie Halse Anderson, was born on October 23rd, 1961 in Potsdam New York. She is most know for young adult and children's novels. Laurie’s...
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...Psychological and Social factors that urges students spread gossip/rumors We should distinguish between rumor and gossip, as each appears to function differently in its pure state. Rumors have been described as public communications that are infused with private hypotheses about how the world works (Rosnow, 1991), or more specifically, ways of making sense to help us cope with our anxieties and uncertainties (Rosnow, 1988, 2001). On the other hand, as Wert and Salovey (2004b) noted, "almost as many functions of gossip have been argued as writers to write about gossip" (p. 77). More than rumor, gossip tends to have an "inner-circleness" about it, in that it is customarily passed between people who have a common history or shared interests. Popular usage defines gossip as "small talk" or "idle talk," but gossip is hardly inconsequential or without purpose (e.g., Gluckman, 1963; Goodman & Ben-Ze'ev, 1994; Rosnow & Georgoudi, 1985; Sabini & Silver, 1982; Spitzberg & Cupach, 1998). For example, it has been theorized that gossip played a fundamental role in the evolution of human intelligence and social life (Dunbar, 2004; Davis & McLeod, 2003) and that it continues to play an active role in cultural learning (Baumeister, Zhang, & Vohs, 2004) and as a source of social comparison information (Suls, 1977; Wert & Salovey, 2004a). To be sure, it is often noted that rumor and gossip can also be undeniably aversive and problematic-currently illustrated, for...
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...Speak Personal Response Speak shows that the author, Laurie Halse Anderson, understands and remembers the crude emotions and unrest that makes up a teen’s world. This happens to be the most realistic fiction story on the battles of adolescence and harassment. Melinda does not turn into a racist activist Wonder Woman (even though she might when she is older) portrayed in some movies and her recovery is not sugar coated, it describes the true struggles. Even though this novel is based on sexual harassment it also focuses on the thoughts and feelings of a victim of the cruelties in high school. Rape and harassment are not issues I have dealt with but the shunning by friends, weird teachers, and oblivious teachers are problems that I and many others can relate to. For instance, the description of the Sordino family’s communication system on page 14 depicts how some teens get cut of from communication with their parents. The author of Speak portrays high school to be truly what it really is. “I am clanless.”(4) Melinda thinks just what practically all teens think. I am part of no clan; I don’t think FFCA has clans but you still fell “uncool” or not popular. Melinda also talks a lot about how no one cares what you have to say and in reality, that is the comprehension countless teens have about adults. Laurie Halse Anderson did a dead-on illustration of a ninth graders’ day to day life in the dog eat weaker dog world we call high school. Creativity and symbolism in writing are...
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...In Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, the protagonist, Melinda Sordino, is struggling with depression. She attends a party with her friends and upperclassmen before the start of freshman year. Melinda, wrapped in the thrill of her first party, drinks three beers and is asked by Andy Evans for a dance. She agreed, flattered that a senior would ask her for such a thing. However, he abuses Melinda’s intoxicated state and aggressively rapes her. Terrified and confused, she quickly calls the cops, though finds herself unable to speak. The other kids realize she’s calling the police, who arrest several of the partiers once they arrive. Abandoned by all her friends, Melinda starts school with the bad reputation of a “tattler”. Anderson uses symbolism...
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...Lost One’s Weeping Turned to a Found One’s Smile “When people don't express themselves, they die one piece at a time.”- Laurie Halse Anderson, Speak. This statement is especially true for Melinda in Speak, because the longer she keeps her past to herself, the more she destroys herself. Her problem roots from her trust issues, and while in good reason, it clearly blocks her progress in moving on. Melinda is a girl of few words, but she does try to communicate through her art, body language or posture, and speech, even if it is rare. One of the first methods Melinda used to express her thoughts and feelings to other people was through her art. This method was considered ‘safe’ for Melinda because she didn’t have to spell anything out to anyone, so anyone could interpret it they way they saw her art. That...
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...struggles to feel accepted in their society, and each member struggles with an emotional journey of growing up. In the Outsiders by S.E Hinton and I quote, "If you can picture a little dark puppy that had been kicked too many times and is lost in a crowd of strangers, you'll have Johnny." (S.E Hinton, 49.) Johnny is the youngest member of the gang, also known as the most vulnerable. After he was abused by his parents and the socs, he began to become afraid of everything and everyone and shut the world out. This connects back to Holden’s isolation and how a traumatic event can affect your daily life. The book Speak as well is another example of isolation. Melinda Sordino is just attending a new school and is at a party and decides to call the cops, people get very upset with her actions at the party and she is left as a lonely outcast. Laurie Halse Anderson writes in Speak, “My room belongs to an alien. It is a postcard of who I was in the fifth grade. It is a demented phase when I thought that roses should cover everything and pink was a great color.” (Laurie Halse Anderson, 9). Melinda is now an outcast retracing her old memory. She recalls the innocence in the color pink and the roses representing promises, hope, and love. Pondering, Melinda remembers how vulnerable she used to be. All of these characters have something in common. Each has had a traumatic event in their lives, while that being abused, death of loved ones, and even raped. The traumatic events in individuals...
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...It's not hard to speak; between rumors and confessions, words spill from our lips all the time. After all, we all naturally enjoy verbalizing our thoughts and being listened to. Those who are unable, or unwilling, to gain such attention always have a reason. Usually, these individuals are the ones who have something important to share. Melinda Sordino - the main character of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson - is the epitome of such a character, she had several reasons to be silent. Melinda took nearly a year to speak out because she was surrounded by people who wanted to speak more than listen. For her, every reason became another wall, blocking and limiting her capability to speak. The start of Melinda's degeneration into utter mental and physical seclusion was the scarring event that took place at a party over summer. It was then she unwillingly experienced her first sexual encounter with senior Andy Evans. From the first protest to the last (verbal or otherwise), Melinda's voice was not heard, not listened to, and not heeded. Consequently, when she called the police, the teen couldn't say that she had been raped before the voice on the other line made the decision to send aid. Police rushed in to find a rowdy crowd of partying teens with alcohol. The party attendees and her friends were quick to make a cursory assessment and a superficial inquiry of the truth before promptly labeling her as the Squealer. Subconsciously known or quietly acknowledged, a prison began to build...
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...Wahlberg Grade 10 Period 7 CP 11 March 2013 A Silent Outcast's Dark Secret The novel "Speak" written by Laurie Halse Anderson is a story known to most teens. Laurie Halse Anderson did a great job of interpreting many modern struggles most teens may face today. Not every teen is enjoying their high school experience or may have it as easy as their peers do. Freshman Melinda Sordino did not have her ninth grade year go as planned for her. Her story is told in this book. This is a powerful novel that is great for opening discussions and shining awareness on topics such as violence, sex, language, drinking, drugs and smoking. "Speak" tells the story of 13 year old Melinda Sordino, who has a rough first year of high school. The previous summer, Melinda busted a party by calling the cops. No one understood why she did so, and this one act of hers is what made her an outcast her freshman year. It was made known what she had done that night and people weren't easy on her for this. With her friends not talking to her and the constant judgment of those around her who didn't even know her, this caused Melinda unbelievable stress. Melinda, now a mute and friendless, only found comfort in herself but she could never remain eased for too long because there was something else that happened that night that was causing her nonstop stress. She couldn't find the voice to speak about what had happened to her, and she didn't have anyone she could talk about it to anyway. The characters...
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...Name: Shelly (Yiru) Shi Year: 10th Title: Speak Author: Laurie Halse Anderson The book, “Speak” by Laurie Hales Anderson is about Melinda has a deep secret in her heart which she was raped by a boy named Andy. It is too shameful and secretive for her to talk. I have a friend who was raped by her half brother, but she chose to talk to the Elders eventually. There is an old saying in Chinese that “you should turn on the light in your heart by yourself. Thus nobody can save you except you at the first time”. I feel for her because as for me sometimes when I feel that something’s are hard for other people to understand I tend not to talk about because nobody can understand. For Melinda, sex is one of the most important things in a woman’s life. Nobody wanted to ask her what happened at first time when her best friend Rachel or her mom saw her weird behavior, but also her fear and struggling in her deep heart. She needs somebody to push her, to help her in a gentle way, like Mr. Freeman did. Even though, I didn’t meet any of these things in my life, it doesn’t mean it won’t happen in somewhere else in the whole world. Before I read the book, I thought if someone doesn’t want to talk, it just because they are introverted by nature. I always adopt a nonchalant attitude towards things of no personal interest (which is a Chinese old saying). But I realize that there would be lots of people that we need to focus on. Maybe they are sadness ladies, upset students or even autistic...
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...INTERVIEW QUESTIONS & TECHNIQUES Collected by MBA Dept General Advice Before you go for your interview you need to find out everything you can about the company. Reread your application/CV/covering letter, so that you can think about your skills and qualifications, and also questions that you might be asked. In order to do well in the interview you need to be able to convince the interviewer that you have the right skills for the job, this will include your motivation towards the job, how well you will fit into the company, along with meeting their academic and skills requirements. You should dress smartly and appropriately and should leave in plenty of time allowing for possible delays, so that you are not late. Remember first impressions last! Tips It's a good idea to ask for a glass of water, as you will be doing a lot of talking, but it’s also good to take a sip if you want a few seconds to think about the question asked. • Ensure that you are sitting comfortably in a position where you can address all the interviewers. • Make sure that you remember the names of the interviewers, and take note of their various roles. First Impressions Most people make an initial opinion of a stranger within the first five minutes of meeting them. According to research employers' impressions are made up of the following: Body Language and image (70%) Tone of voice (20%) What you say (10%) As soon as you enter the building you need to be polite to everyone...
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...gay adoption and parenting that had been occurred exponentially in the society. Besides, they even shared their experience being the “special one” in the regular society | Effective listening skills are used | / | | We need to pay attention in this video because both the panelists and guests were debating about the gay marriage perception and disagreement in the society | Presentation content flows smoothly. | / | | The presentation was smooth but there were some arguments when the panelist brought out the sensitive issue | Characterization is consistent in both spoken responses and mannerisms | / | | The lesbian/gay couples and the panelists consistently showed their stand and feeling to the audience respectively | Presenters speak loudly and clearly, unless characterization dictates otherwise. | | / | The panelists presented their opinion and questions loud and clear. Also, the homosexual couples did voiced out their thought and rights for equality as homosexual | Adhere to the time limit | / | | There is a 30 minutes time limit for the talk show. However, the panelists did not finish their debate although it has reached the time limit | The Talk Show has an interesting and creative introduction as well as an interesting and creative conclusion. | | / | They were being straightforward to ask about the discussed issue | Good use of communication (effective listening) skills. | / | | The panelists...
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...How to Survive a Job Interview, 10 Tips for Creative Professionals Do Your Research Before you even apply for a job, you should do some research into the company or business advertising. A few years ago this would have been a time consuming task, but now, with the popularity of "online marketing", all the information you need is just a few mouse clicks away. Before your interview, you should have a clear idea about the size of the company/business, the kind of work or clients they have and what role they would expect you to work in. Knowing a bit about the company or business that is interviewing you will always come in handy. There's nothing worse than being asked "so... do you know much about our business" when the answer is no! If you find out that the job you have an interview for isn't really what you're looking for, there's no harm in attending the interview anyway... practice makes perfect. Dress the Part Having conducted many interviews in the past, I can honestly say, leave the suit and tie at home. In creative fields a suit is too rigid and old fashioned and you don't want to appear that way. This doesn't mean that you should turn up in your jeans and sneakers either (unless you're a freelance Illustrator with an outstanding portfolio... they seem to be excluded). Try to dress a little bit better than what's expected from the staff, this way you will show that you're putting in some effort, but also that you're not a bad match for the workplace. If you're really...
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