This is the fifth sample article candidates of the ECPE examination (Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English of the University of Michigan) My first post to deal with articles , explains what needs to be present in this type of piece of writing. As stated, examiners are looking for articles that elaborate on ideas and have solid arguments; are well organized; make use of a wide lexical and grammatical range; have an original ring to them (in other words, readers are able to distinguish the author's unique "voice"). Before reading, take a look at the following post if you haven't already done so. It will help you focus on the vital aspects you need to be aware of while reading the article and what you should make sure to use when you write your own. The question appeared in Practice Tests for the ECPE Book 1 (revised 2021 version) and is accompanied by the following three writing prompts:
His story is short, can be read in one sitting thus capturing the reader's full attention with details given to pique interest, foreshadow events leading to an overwhelming climax and leave readers with questions that need to be addressed.
His story is as stately as the characters that inhabit it, be they human or faunal, progressing steadily, constructing a lifetime of conjugal experiences piecemeal in less than 1000 words -- the perfect vignette to kick off class discussions about death, suicide, dignity, love, loyalty, perseverance.
Read the story here.
The overview that follows is by no means comprehensive and is intended to give notes to teachers and students for further exploration.
Peter
Meinke – The Cranes
- Life
- born 1932
- American, 18 books of short stories and poems published
- cranes
- symbol
- tallest North American bird
- endangered crane species
- named after whooping sound they make
- guard calls: used to warn partner of potential danger
- unison calls: birds call jointly after waking up mornings, mating, when defending territory
- life span: 22-24 years
- what the story says about them:
- rare
- they mate for life ⇨ symbol of eternal love / loyalty
- live a long time
- “tall and stately birds”
- “make little birds seem like clowns”
- walk further off when little birds start quarrelling
- connection made between characteristics birds have and the couple:
- stately people
- lived a long time so are close
- act in unison
- make others’ relationships look like “clowns”
- are rare
- all this shows writer’s opinion of such people + decisions they make
- story build-up (rising action): clues are essential in every short story
- cranes
- shower curtain ⇨ bad omen
- spread over front car seat
- crackled and hissed
- “maybe this is the wrong thing.”
- state of main characters slowly revealed
- man: can’t drink, can’t smoke, no coffee, no candy, can’t go up stairs (= weak health)
- woman: ever since the accident feels she has been a burden to everyone; has a bad cough
- “the water looked like metal, still and hard.”
- “He turned in his seat and picked up an object wrapped in a plaid towel and placed it between them in the front.”
- “I wish the children were more settled.”
- relationship between the couple shown in 2 pages
- they remember funny times
- they joke about the same things (preacher station that makes them both throw up)
- they agree with each other’s behavior (she feels proud of him about the preacher incident)
- even their sex life was good (“You were terrific in ways I couldn’t tell the kids about.”)
- she: “I never get tired of listening to you.”
- he: “You were terrific.” (bringing up the kids)
“I remember everything.”
o finale: suicide ⇨ why? What message does the writer wish to
convey? Is it dignified? Justified?
o point of view:
- third person objective narrative form: the narrator is an unspecified entity who reports the dialogue and actions of the characters without giving readers any insight into their thoughts and feelings.
o themes:
- human relationships
- suicide vs perseverance
- dignified death