Appositives:

Appositives give more information about a noun in a sentence, either in the subject or the object.

The Dash:

Use the dash for an abrupt change in thought, or for inserting elements that are not normally within the grammatical structure. Avoid using them as commas or colons, however!

He shrieked—he was someone who never showed any fear—and ran for the door. 

Answers to the Questions on "Lingkuan Gorge" (Both Classes)

1. What is his change of mood or outlook; describe the change and its cause.

Who could have imagined a little boy who looked like he should be cuddled in his mother’s arms could have changed the outlook of the narrator of the story? (One could use this as a rhetorical question to begin your answer; this doesn't answer the question, however.)

His mood changes from irritated and pessimistic and frustrated to positive, confident, and encouraged. The change comes from his entering a warm cave, meeting a little boy who has a very responsible and positive attitude towards his job, and so feeling obligated as an adult to act at least as well as this child. He was probably feeling ashamed at himself for wanting to take a day off, especially when he sees the parent’s behaviour as well.

At the beginning, the narrator felt irritated and negative and impatient and angry and miserable and fed up (because he was cold, hungry and fell and hurt his hands)

The change is caused by his entry to the cave and his conversation with the boy. In the cave, it is warm and comfortable and relaxed, so he is able to concentrate on other things. At first, he treats the boy as a kid, but the boy responds in a mature way. The man notices that he is “pretty sharp”. Also, when the boy mentions “not leaving his post” the narrator realizes that is exactly what he is doing himself. Thus, the man feels ashamed and says “A job is waiting for me” and so he goes on.

2. Give a one sentence theme statement for the story.

A theme is a truth about life in general; a moral is a kind of teaching of principle. ("Lingkuan Gorge" also has a moral)

3. The character of the little boy.

He is a mature, responsible, smart, proud, understanding, obedient, brave, honourable, loyal, and unselfish. He is able to be this way because he feels close to his parents who, he knows, can see him from their posts.

We also noted: