Ray Bradbury and Technology Paragraphs

Ray Bradbury thinks technology is.....

Write a long paragraph in response to this prompt.  You may use the following outline to complete your paragraph.

Sentence 1 - Hook. Describe one part/moment in one of the stories.

Sentence 2 - Transition to a topic sentence.  "As his story _______ demonstrates,* Ray Bradbury thinks technology is_____________"

Sentences 3 to 6 - Evidence  More points from the story and other stories.

Sentence 7 - Counterpoint or opposing view. "In spite of this,* Bradbury does see some __________ in technology as his story _______________________ illustrates."

Sentences 8 and 9 - Evidence for the counterpoint. Points from this and other stories.

Sentence 10 - Transition to conclusion. "Although, at times Bradbury seems to __________ technology,* his overall view is that technology is ________________"

Sentence 11 - Final words.  Leave the reader with food for thought.  i.e. "We can only hope that he is right/wrong about technology."


* use this or another transition

i.e. - For example

"The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury

For this assignment use the notes and sketches you made in class today as your rough draft.

Begin by taking one piece of blank paper. You may use any color.

Fold it in half to make a card you can open.

On the front draw a large frame.  Neatly write the title and author: "The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury. Add a picture. You may sketch, draw, paint, or collage any cover design you like. You may make your border fancy.

In side the card draw two frames.

 In one frame create a second piece of art.  Again, you may sketch, paint, collage, etc.  In the other frame write a  $1.00 response to "The Veldt".  Remember, each word is worth one cent.  A, an and the are free.

In your response you may want to answer these things:

• In the story, what is the future like?
• What was your reaction to the ending?
• Who, or what, were the villains in the story?
• Did everyone "get what they deserved?"
• What is Ray Bradbury saying about his society?
• How is this story still relevant, meaningful, to our world today?

Write neatly. Be careful about spelling, capitalization and punctuation.  All of these count. You may type.


For extra credit:

1. Select one of the other radio dramas from Bradbury Thirteen listed below.
2. Listen to it.
3. Draw two frames on the back of your card.
4. Illustrate the top frame with a picture, the title of the drama and the author.
5. Write a 75 cent response to it in the bottom frame.  
6. Earn extra credit in English.

Links to other Bradbury 13 Episodes:

• "Kaleidoscope" about a crew that survives a rocket's explosion.\
• "A Sound of Thunder" about a time travel trip that goes wrong.
• "The Happiness Machine" about a man with a machine to make you happy.
• "Night Call, Collect" about a man who gets a phone call after the world has ended.

Some examples of Chinese landscape painting.

China vs. U.S.A. Middle Schools in China and the United States

The pictures below show scenes from middle schools in present day China.  Observe each picture and answer the questions that follow.  Some pictures do not have questions, just text to read.  Write your answers in complete sentences on binder paper.  Each student must write their own answers.  You may work with the people sitting near you.

1. These are three different schools in China. As you can see, they are very different from each other. Which one looks most like the school you attend?

2. This is a student arriving at school. Classes at this school meet from Monday through Friday. What are the students wearing? What are they using to bring their books and papers to school? How are these students different from students in your school?

 3.  This is a list posted outside of a middle school with the names of students who have performed well academically. Is there a similar system to honor certain students at the school you attend?

4. Students are allowed 10 minutes between classes. These breaks are often noisy and halls are often crowded with students. How does this compare with your school?

5.  Every Monday, schools have a "flag raising ceremony" during which the whole school participates in a morning assembly.  Here, a group of students marches and raises the flag of the People's Republic of China.  Is there anything similar to this ceremony in your school?

6.  Every morning at around 10 a.m., all students gather to do their morning exercises.  Exercises consist of stretching and some calisthenics. Students line up in rows and three or four students lead the whole school in this morning ritual. What do you think of this activity?  Is there anything similar to this in your school?



7.  In many Chinese schools, students are responsible for keeping the school clean. The badge on this student's arm indicates that she is on cleaning duty. Who cleans your school?  What do you think about the idea of having students in charge of cleaning?

8.  Students also engage in "eye exercises." Students rub specific parts of their face around their eyes and also their necks.  These exercises are designed to protect the eyes and are based on the practice of acupressure.  Acupressure is a Chinese medical technique in which specific points in the body are pushed or pressed to help relieve pain or treat illnesses.  How do you think American students would react if their teachers asked them to do this?

9.  Like many places in the world, this Chinese school is concerned with technology and wants students to have access to computers. Students in this middle school can take computer classes and have access to the Internet.  There is a huge "digital divide" in China with many schools not having computers.  How does this compare with your school?

10.  Occasionally, students host a talent show or student assembly. Many students choose to sing, like this student. Some of the songs are in Chinese, but some students choose to sing in English.  Are there any events like this in your school?