A Mysterious Piece of Paper

Tuesday 15th May

Learning Objective:1. To recognise how sentences are organised in a paragraph

2.To expand the range oflink words and phrases in our

writingStarter: Can you sum up what

has happened in Cirque Du Freak chapters one and two?

Should a 9PM Curfew be imposed on all children under the age of 16? Discuss.

Introduction

What is a curfew? If such as law was passed by parliament, it would mean that any child under the age of 16 would have to be home before 9pm by law. Some people argue that monitoring criminals’ whereabouts and keeping teenagers off the streets after a certain time would cut down the crime rate. However, others believe that this is an infringement of civil liberties.

Second paragraph

Firstly, such a curfew would mean children and teenagers would be off the streets and therefore out of danger. Nobody can deny that darkness hides danger; criminals lurk in shadows waiting to pounce on their innocent victims. In addition, many crimes take place during the evening or night as fewer people are out. By imposing a curfew, children can be taken away from these dangers. Wouldn’t, if you were a parent, be happy to know your children were safe every night? Another argument in favour of a curfew is that large groups of teenagers together can sometimes be a danger to themselves. It could be argued that a curfew would cut out a lot of underage drinking and the possibility of drug experimentation, as teenagers would have to be home earlier, away from temptation.

Third paragraph

On the other hand, even if teenagers are ‘off the streets’ after a certain time, it does not necessarily mean that they will be out of danger. There are many hazards within the home – in fact, a very high proportion of all accidents happen when people are in their own houses. Furthermore, there are crimes occurring at all times of the day so unfortunately parents cannot guarantee the safety of their children at whatever time they are unsupervised. Finally, just because some young people behave inappropriately and find themselves in trouble with the police – whether they have acted individually or as a group – it is unfair to label all teenagers in the same way. Why should everyone under the age of 16 be forced to surrender their freedom because of a small minority of petty offenders?

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are clearly valid arguments both in favour of and against a curfew, both for the safety and benefit of all those under 16, and also for other members of the community. However, I feel that the government should think very carefully before imposing any such curfew, which would undoubtedly be seen as a sudden punishment by many young people.

The history of freak shows

A ‘freak show’ was an exhibition of rarities and performances intended to shock the audience, which were extremely popular in Europe and America in Victorian times. They were often connected to travelling circuses or carnivals. As early as the 16th century, there are records of animals and humans being put on display at farmer’s fairs. By the Victorian era, the shows also included displays of talent. One example was Madame Rosina, who had no arms but used to crochet with her feet and paint using her mouth. Other artistes might include Siamese twins, bearded ladies, contortionists or people covered in tattoos. Many of these characters became famous across Britain. Perhaps the best known of these was Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man, whose extreme physical deformity made him a popular attraction.

An important part of the entertainment was the showman, who would draw crowds with amazing stories about the performers (many of which were made up). They also included wonderful and medically impossible reasons to explain the artistes’ physical differences.

The history of freak shows

Although they continued to thrive in America through the 1920s and ’30s, freak shows had died out in Britain by the end of the 19th century and many people saw them as inhumane and barbaric. Unfortunately, many of the performers found themselves without alternatives to carnival work. It was not until the 1970s that a structure was put into place to help families cope with disability.

The history of freak shows

Task: Working in pairs

Look back at Chapters 2 and 3 and note down three reasons why the boys are fascinated by the flyer about the freak show and want to go, as well as three reasons why their teacher, Mr Dalton, reacts so strongly against them

Development

We are going to be writing a short discussion text (since the text we opened with today) that compares the characters’ different views of the freak show – ie. The boys’ reaction versus their teacher’s opinion.

Example opening

In the novel Cirque Du Freak, one of the characters finds a flyer advertising a freak show, or some sort of travelling circus. Freak shows became popular during Victorian times because people were fascinated by seeing others with physical differences. The boys in the novel are intrigued by the idea of the freak show but their teacher, Mr Dalton, has a different view. He, like many others, feels that any freak show is cruel and barbaric.

Complete the spaces below with information from Chapters 2 and 3

• There are many reasons Mr Dalton gives in his arguments against freak shows. Firstly, ______________________________________

• In addition, ______________________________________• Furthermore, ________________________________________

• On the other hand, Darren and his friends disagree with their teacher and want to see the freak show. This is because, _______________________________________________

• Secondly, ____________________________________• Also, __________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

• In conclusion, ____________________________

The conclusionAre you siding with the boy’s view on freak shows or Mr Dalton’s?Sum up your personal feelings on the post-it provided and come and stick them on the whiteboard

The boys Mr Dalton