Cartoon Analysis Guide for English Oral Exams

This comprehensive guide provides a structured approach for analyzing cartoons related to the American Dream in English oral exams. It breaks down the process into three key steps:

1. Description
2. Analysis
3. Evaluation

The guide offers helpful vocabulary, sentence starters, and tips for each stage of the analysis.

Highlight: The description should paint a vivid picture of the cartoon, allowing listeners to visualize it clearly.

Key terms and phrases are provided for describing cartoon elements:

• "There is a speech bubble which says..."
• "In the foreground/background..."
• "On the left/right..."

Example: Use the present progressive tense to describe actions, e.g. "The person is walking..."

For the analysis section, students are encouraged to:

• Identify the cartoonist's message
• Connect the cartoon to relevant course material
• Determine if the cartoonist's opinion is evident

Vocabulary: Perspective - The viewpoint from which the cartoon is drawn, e.g. from above, below, or at eye level.

The evaluation should address:

• The core message of the cartoon
• How effectively the message is conveyed
• Any connections to historical events or conflicts

Quote: "In my opinion the cartoon is convincing/effective because..."

The guide also provides useful phrases for participating in group discussions and expressing opinions during the exam.

Preparing for the Oral Exam

This final section offers practical advice for students preparing for an oral exam on the American Dream, particularly focusing on Cartoon Analysis and discussion skills:

1. Cartoon Analysis Preparation:
   • Practice describing cartoons in detail using present progressive tense
   • Familiarize yourself with common symbols and visual metaphors used in political cartoons
   • Review historical events and current issues related to the American Dream

Example: A cartoon might depict a ladder symbolizing social mobility, with some rungs broken to represent obstacles to achieving the American Dream.

2. Discussion Skills:
   • Prepare arguments both for and against the concept of the American Dream
   • Practice using transition phrases to connect ideas smoothly
   • Develop strategies for respectfully disagreeing or building on others' points

Vocabulary: Rebuttal - A counterargument or response to an opposing viewpoint.

3. Key Phrases for Oral Exams:

   • "To begin with, I would like to say that..."
   • "On the one hand... on the other hand..."
   • "I see what you mean, but still..."
   • "An argument against this is..."

4. Time Management:

   • Practice analyzing cartoons within the given 2-3 minute viewing time
   • Aim to speak for the full 3 minutes when describing and analyzing the cartoon
   • Prepare concise points for the 15-minute discussion portion

Highlight: Balancing depth of analysis with time constraints is crucial for success in the oral exam.

5. Broadening Your Perspective:
   • Research critiques of the American Dream concept
   • Consider how the idea has evolved over time and its relevance today
   • Reflect on personal opinions and be prepared to support them with evidence

By focusing on these preparation strategies, students can approach their American Dream Cartoon Analysis and oral exam with confidence, demonstrating both knowledge of the subject and strong communication skills.

Historical Context and Immigration

This page explores the historical background of immigration to America and its connection to the American Dream. Key points include:

1. Native American Presence:

   • Indigenous peoples inhabited the land long before European arrival
   • Referred to as Native Americans

2. Early European Settlement:

   • 1620: Pilgrim Fathers fled religious persecution in Great Britain
   • Sailed across the Atlantic on the Mayflower
   • Established the Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts

3. Waves of Immigration:

   • Continuous influx of immigrants seeking better opportunities
   • Some immigrants were forcibly sent to America for criminal offenses

Vocabulary: Settlers - People who migrate to an area and establish a permanent residence there.

4. Motivations for Immigration:

   • Escape from persecution
   • Search for economic opportunities
   • Pursuit of religious freedom

5. Impact on American Society:

   • Diverse cultural influences
   • Contribution to the idea of America as a "nation of immigrants"
   • Shaped the evolving concept of the American Dream

Highlight: The history of immigration is closely tied to the development and evolution of the American Dream concept.

This historical context helps students understand the roots of the American Dream and its enduring appeal to immigrants throughout U.S. history. It provides valuable background information for discussing the concept in an American Dream Cartoon Analysis or oral exam.