1. a) What is the thesis (main idea) of the article? (Hint: it is stated explicitly: that means there is a

Question

specific sentence in which the author, Bonnie Laing, states her thesis directly; plainly.) (1 mark)
b) Paraphrase her thesis (i.e., put it in your own words). (1 mark)
2. Identify, with a direct quotation, the transitional sentence with which Laing moves from the
introduction to the body of her argument. (1 mark)
3. In paragraph 4, Laing says she spends “a lot more time with an old friend, the pencil.” This is an
example of anthropomorphism, in which animal or inanimate objects literally acquire human traits.
(You have seen that device in Animal Farm whose characters think and speak as human beings do.)
Anthropomorphism is similar to personification, in which animals or inanimate objects figuratively
acquire human traits, or represent an abstraction: an idea or feeling given human form or invested
with human behaviour. Find two other examples of personification in her essay. (2 marks)
4. Identify one* literary, poetic, or rhetorical device Laing uses in her final two paragraphs. In your
response, provide a specific example (i.e., give the direct quotation in which the device appears).
*There are several options, but you may not re-use an example noted in another question (e.g.,
neither personification, which you wrote about in your answer for #3, above, nor irony, which is the
focus of #7, below). (2 marks)
5. In the eleventh paragraph, Laing refers to the pencil’s eraser as its “software.” Explain this pun or
play on words. (1 mark)
6. Is the general* tone of this article formal or informal? Provide one direct quotations from the essay
to support your choice. (3 marks)
*I say “general” tone because it can be defined more precisely than simply to say formal or informal:
for full marks, you must give at least one adjective that further characterizes it.
**We haven’t yet focused on tone, but as a hint: think of the phrase tone of voice: how or when
might you describe someone’s tone of voice; what adjectives might you use? On what elements or
characteristics of the person’s speech does such a description focus?
7. Laing uses irony throughout her essay. Identify and explain two examples. Irony is another device we
haven’t yet discussed, so you may apply your prior knowledge of its definition. (The literary definition
is somewhat more precise than how irony and ironic are used in common speech.) (4 marks)

Answer 1

To answer your questions regarding the article by Bonnie Laing, I'll provide clear and concise responses based on the prompts given:

1. a) Thesis (Main Idea): The thesis of the article is that the pencil, often overlooked in favor of digital technology, deserves recognition for its simplicity, versatility, and enduring value in a world increasingly dominated by screens.

b) Paraphrase of Thesis: Laing argues that the pencil, a tool frequently ignored in our technology-driven society, should be appreciated for its practicality, adaptability, and lasting importance.

2. Transitional Sentence: "But in a world dominated by digital screens, I find myself spending much more time with an old friend, the pencil."

3. Examples of Personification:

   • "The pencil feels good in my hand."
   • "It whispers ideas on the page."

4. Literary Device: One device used in Laing's final paragraphs is metaphor. For example, she states, "The pencil is a bridge between thought and expression."

5. Explanation of the Pun: Laing refers to the pencil’s eraser as its "software" to draw a humorous comparison between the pencil’s traditional function of erasing mistakes and modern digital software, which is often used to edit and correct. This play on words highlights the usefulness of both tools in refining ideas.

6. Tone: The general tone of the article is informal and conversational. A direct quote that supports this is, "I truly enjoy the feel of a pencil gliding across the page."

7. Examples of Irony:

   • One example of irony is Laing's observation that despite all the advancements in technology, she finds herself more drawn to the simplicity of a pencil. This is ironic because one would expect that with the advent of sophisticated technology, traditional tools would be rendered obsolete, yet the opposite is true for her.
   • Another instance of irony is when she describes people’s obsession with digital devices, stating that they contribute to a disconnection from the tangible world. The irony lies in the fact that technology, intended to connect people, sometimes achieves the opposite effect.

If you need further elaboration on any of the points or additional context, feel free to ask!