A Discourse Approach in Reading Week 9

 13   March   2016 

Comparison and Contrast continued

In the morning we started class at 9 o'clock. First of all activities, teacher assigned us to make diagram and wrote the main idea on the board about the text of Subway systems of New York and Paris.

Similarities : often crowded
                        the terrible noise in the train
                        cover a wide area at little expense from commuters

Differences : New York                                                  Paris
                            Subway stations from plain                     Subway stations are generally
                            ugly less clean and reliable.                     attractive station are filled with 
                                                                                                  works of art and clean.
                                                                                                  Trains are reliable.
 

Main idea :  New York and Paris subway systems have both similarities and differences or there are similarities and differences between New York and Paris subway systems.

 

 

After that, we read the next text which is Hurricane Andrew and Hurricane Katrina. When we had finished reading, she gave us to write on the board about the similarities and differences of them and to find main idea.

Main idea :  The similarities and differences between Hurricane Andrew and Hurricane Katrin.

Next, we started reading in the last text which is Men and Women : Do They speak the Same Language? that Deborah Tannen write You just Don't Understand, this book discusses the many difficulties men and women have in communicating with each other and helps men and women to communicate better. After we had read the text already, we answered the questions in order to check the comprehension. Finally, she assigned us to answer the questions.

1. Do you agree with Tannen's views on the subject? Be specific about your points of disagreement.

In my opinion, I agree with Tannen's views. Men and women have difficulties in communication because they are raised differently. They also have different opinion lead to anger and hurt feeling, and the ways to handle conflict differently. According to Tannen, while nen use language to show independence, status, and power but women use language to establish connection and intimacy.

2. Are any of Tannen's points about the different personalities of men and women true in your native culture? Explain. Do men and women in your native culture use the language the way Tannen claims American men and women do? Give specific examples.

Absolutelt that Thai men and women have differences of their communication. You can see that the couples have their frequent arguments because they are brought up to handle conflict differently.Most of Thai women ,she often uses the silent to tell men when she is not satisfied with something that men do and think the men will know how she feel. She tries to avoid open argument but men don't understand. It makes her to be angry and sad that she think the men don't care her anymore.

like this situation: The man want to hang out with friends but his girlfriend doesn't want him to go.
M : Today I have appointment with my friends, can you stay alone tonight?
W: ....Um
M: Ok, see you later

In her mind : why you didn't ask me what's wrong with me and said you don't want me to go right? why why why (feel angry)




What did you find easy?
The texts are quite easy. The discourse markers can help me to find the similarities and differences.

What did you find difficult?
In my opinion, thinking about the main idea is difficult for me. I have to read more in order to understand and specify the main idea as well.

What did you solve the problem?
I tried to read and understand the text. I also discussed with my friends.

What are your attitudes towards the lesson?
I think that this lesson is important in reading. I can compare each of things and know that what is better.