Subjects Classes 1. Vacations. 1. Farmers. 2. Mathematics. 2. High School Pupils. 3. Picnics. 3. Ministers. 4. Civil service. 4. Merchants. 5. Elections. 5. Sailors. 6. Botany. 6. Girls. 7. Fish. 7. Boys.
+Theme XXXII.+—Write a paragraph about one of narrowed subjects.
(Does your paragraph have unity of thought? What methods of development have you used? Have you selected a subject which will be of interest to your readers?)
+61. Selecting a Title.+—The subject and the title may be the same, but not necessarily so. The statement of the subject may require a sentence of considerable length, while a title is best if short. In selecting this brief title, it is well to get one which will attract the attention and arouse the curiosity of a reader without appearing obviously to do so. A peculiar or unusual title is not at all necessary, though if properly selected such a title may be of value. Care must be taken not to have the title make a promise that the theme cannot fulfill. If it does, the effect is unsatisfactory.
EXERCISES
A. Discuss the appropriateness of the titles for the subjects in the following:—
1. Title: "My Kingdom for a Horse."
Subject: An account of a breakdown of an automobile at an inconvenient
time.
2. Title: A Blaze of Brilliance.
Subject: Description of a coaching parade.
3. Title: A Brave Defense.
Subject: An account of how a pair of birds drove a snake away from
their nest.
4. Title: The Banquet Book.
Subject: Quotations designed for general reference, and also as an
aid in the preparation of the toast list, the after-dinner
speech, and the occasional address.