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One way, as the author thinks, of accomplishing this most desirable attainment, is to question the learner on the general subject, also on the derivation of words, words of improper pronunciation, punctuation, a subject little understood, &c. so that the pupil may know what may be asked him, in order to prepare himself for recitation.

This book is designed more for a reading book than a book on Elocution, therefore, but few speeches are inserted.

Because the teacher does not see an immediate improvement in his pupils, and finds that the teaching of reading in this way takes more of his time than he is willing to give, he must not say, that it will be of no use to go on; but let each teacher remember that the training of the human mind is a very difficult task, yet it will not do to omit our labors because it is hard.

Many of our rules for reading, &c. are nearly the same as in other books of the kind, but the author believes the plan and arrangement is entirely his own. The author would advise Teachers to procure all the publications on the English Language, especially those of Dr. Webster.

Teachers, who may use this work, will find a few typographical errors, but they are so obvious that it was not thought best to make an Errata. If the public should call for another edition, they will be corrected.

MERIDEN, Nov. 1, 1841.

JOHN D. POST.

DIRECTIONS FOR USING THIS BOOK.

§ 1. THAT the book may be useful to those who may use it, it will be necessary to mention the general design of having it taught.

After a class has read the lesson assigned, the teacher will ask the questions on the general subject of the lesson. Then let him proceed to ask the questions on the false pronunciation, and put out the words for them to spell, and together with the spelling, let them give the sounds of the vowels. Let the pupil look out every reference and tell how it applies to the particular word; for example, suppose this sentence occurs, My son, give me thine heart," and there is a reference to § 11. 7, let him say, "That terms of," &c., require a comma after them, therefore there is a comma after son. Again, suppose the question is asked, "What is the derivation of the word attraction?" let him say that it is composed of the prefix "at," root “tract,” and affix "ion;" that the prefix signifies to, the root from traho, means draw, and the affix ion, means the act of, therefore, when taken together, the word means, "the act of drawing to."

From the preceding remarks, the teacher and pupil will perceive the general plan designed to be followed.

NOTE. It will be a very important exercise to require of the pupils the analyzing of sentences, that is, mentioning the

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DIRECTIONS FOR USING THIS BOOK.

subject, or nominative case, the predicate, or verb, and the object; as, "Economy is no disgrace." Economy is the subject, and, is no disgrace, the predicate.

"Syntax explains the mode of constructing sentences." In this sentence, syntax is the subject, explains, the predicate, and the mode of constructing sentences, the object.

NOTE 2.-It will not be advisable for Teachers to follow the questions as laid down in this book, but to vary them, in order to keep up an interest in the class.

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