Mark Twain: Reading the River

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This activity contains 3 questions.

This passage is built around three different examples of comparison and contrast in paragraphs 1, 2–3, and 4. How do each of these work to elaborate on Twain’s point? How does the analogy of reading apply in each case?

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Describe a subject of your own choosing as Twain does, from the vantage point first of a novice and then of someone more experienced with the subject. Don’t ignore possibilities for humor here.

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Try to observe a familiar setting with fresh eyes. Describe what you see there, paying special note to things you hadn’t noticed before and things you had begun to take so for granted that you no longer noticed them consciously. What does such close observation suggest to you about everyday perception?

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

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