SELF-DIRECTED ACTIVITY SHEET IN ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL

PURPOSES

Quarter 1 Week 4
TITLE OF THE LESSON: CRITICAL APPROACHES

PRACTICE TASKS
Practice task 1:
1. Marxist Criticism
2. Reader’s Response
3. Formalism
4. Formalism
5. Feminism
Practice task 2
1. What is the title, setting, other elements etc; and to what extent it is symbolic?
2. What kind of language does the author use?
3. How do various elements work reinforce its meaning?
4. What recurring patterns can you find?
5. What figures of speech are used?
Practice task 3
A. My critical approach questions:
1. What recurring patterns can you find?
2. How is the work's structure unified in the poem?
3. How is the work's structure unified?
4. How is the work's structure unified in the poem?
5. What is the title, setting, other elements etc; and to what extent it is symbolic?
B.
The title "I felt a Funeral, in my Brain" by Emily Dickinson evokes a sense of impending solemnity
and introspection, setting the tone for a poem that delves into the depths of human consciousness and
self-awareness. In this poem, Dickinson employs a structured and carefully measured rhythm, with her
use of dashes and repetition serving as formal elements that guide the reader's experience. The
repeated phrases, such as "treading - treading" and "beating - beating," create a sense of ritualistic,
almost mechanical movement, as if the poem itself is a procession through the speaker's mind. This use
of repetition not only underscores the poem's formal structure but also mirrors the relentless,
monotonous procession of thoughts and emotions during a moment of intense introspection.
 Furthermore, the poem's abrupt shifts in imagery, from the funeral scene to the tolling bell and the
sensation of descent, create a formal juxtaposition of contrasting mental states. These stark transitions,
while disorienting, serve to underline the fragmentary nature of the speaker's consciousness as they
grapple with the overwhelming experience of their own mental breakdown. In essence, Emily
Dickinson's "I felt a Funeral, in my Brain" employs formal elements to convey the disintegration of the
mind's structure and the subsequent reassembly, offering a profound exploration of the human psyche
within the structured confines of the poem.

Generalization
1. Critique is derived from ancient Greek “kritike’, it is defined as a careful judgement in which you
shape your opinion about the strengths and weaknesses of a piece of writing or work of art.
2. I have learned the five critical approaches in writing a critique which are formalism, feminism,
Marxist criticism, reader’s response and writing structure.
3. Writing a critique and understanding different types of critique papers is highly relevant to my life as
a student as it enhances my analytical and critical thinking skills, which are essential for evaluating and
comprehending complex information across various subjects. It also helps me develop effective
communication skills, enabling me to express my opinions and arguments coherently.

Evaluation
In Lil Samuelle Marcelo's poem, "There was once a girl I saw," I'm immediately struck by the
personal connection it fosters. As I read this poem, I couldn't help but empathize with the girl in the
poem, and it encourages me to engage with the poem on a deeply emotional level, sharing in the
speaker's observations and experiences. The poem introduces a girl who initially appears to be a well-
adjusted, adaptable individual, as she "fitted right in" and exhibited both "straight-forward" and "happy
go lucky" qualities. This portrayal engages my empathy and curiosity as the poem hints at the girl's
underlying complexities.

As I continue reading, I become part of the unfolding narrative where the girl's hidden struggles are
gradually unveiled. The pivotal moment when she "snapped at a friend" is a stark reminder of the
contrast between her outward appearance and her concealed emotional turmoil. This emotional
revelation resonates with me on a personal level, as it evokes memories of moments when I, too, may
have hidden my pain behind a facade.

The poem's emotional resonance deepens as it unfolds, culminating in the girl's farewell letter and
the line, "it was for the better." From my first-person perspective, I experience a profound sense of
empathy for the girl, who felt so isolated and despondent that she saw no alternative but to say goodbye
to the world. The loneliness she experienced and the feeling of having no one else who mattered is a
heartbreaking theme that elicits a strong emotional response.

In conclusion, "There was once a girl I saw" is a moving and thought-provoking poem that invites
me to engage with it emotionally and intellectually. It underscores the importance of recognizing and
supporting those who may be silently suffering and the masks people often wear to hide their pain. The
poem is a personal and relatable piece that encourages empathy and reflection, reminding us of the
significance of reaching out to those who may be battling inner demons.
 TITLE OF THE LESSON: WRITING AN OBJECTIVE/BALANCED REVIEW OR CRITIQUE OF A
WORK OF ART

PRACTICE TASK
1. Yes, in the introduction part, you can see the thesis statement, and you can easily identify the thesis
statement that focuses on the review.
2. Yes,it contains the basic information which are the title of the artwork, artist name, when and where
it was created, the size and the type of artwork.
3. Yes, it contains the first impression on the artwork which catches the attention of the reader.
4. Yes, it provides enough basic information, which is clearly presented in a way that connects the
thesis statements.
5. Yes, it provides the interpretation and the analysis on the artwork, including the elements of art and
the principles presented in the painting.
6. Yes, in the body part, the information given are connected and supports the main point or the thesis
statement.
7. Yes, it provides enough information of analysis and interpretation of the reviewer.
8. Yes, it indicates the overall evaluation of the work.
9. No, it does not provide any recommendation.
10. Yes, it provides the key reasons and indicates the overall evaluation of the work.
GENERALIZATION
1. Critique is derived from ancient Greek “kritike’, it is defined as a careful judgement in which you
shape your opinion about the strengths and weaknesses of a piece of writing or work of art.
2. Writing a balance art critique must contains the description in the introduction, analysis and
interpretation in the body, and evaluation/judgement in the conclusion.
3. Using the "Describe, Analyze, Interpret, Judge" format in art critique provides a structured approach
for systematically examining and evaluating artwork, ensuring a comprehensive and organized
evaluation that helps both the critic and the audience understand the artwork's merits and flaws
effectively.

EVALUATION
This artwork is entitled ‘The Fisherman', a painting of Ang Kiukok. The artwork was made in 1981,
an oil on canvas in a cubist expressionism style measuring 40 x 80 inches. The painting shows three
fishermen hauling a net full of fish in a display of brawn and dynaminism. My impression in "The
Fisherman" is that Art Kiukok skillfully employs a striking visual language to represent the life of a
Filipino fisherman, using bold colors, abstract forms, and a fragmented composition to convey the
duality of hardship and tranquility that characterizes the fisherman's existence. Through the use of form,
color, and symbolism, the artist brings forth a vivid and multi-layered portrayal of the fisherman's world,
inviting viewers to contemplate the deeper realities of labor, tradition, and the human connection to the
sea.
There are various elements and principles of art that are presented in this artwork. The primary
elements at play in this artwork are lines, shapes, and colors. Shapes are used to depict the fishermen,
infusing the painting with a sense of movement. Colors play a crucial role in representing the
surroundings and conveying the challenges faced by fishermen in their daily lives. Lines are
strategically utilized to underscore the message the artist aims to convey, particularly the hands of the
fishermen as they haul in the net full of fish, creating a visually captivating representation of action and
motion.
The dominant principles guiding the artwork include emphasis, rhythm, unity, and variety.
Emphasis is used to narrate a story, allowing for interpretation by the viewer. Rhythm is evident in the
arrangement and movement of shapes, creating an underlying visual beat. Unity is expressed in the
painting to establish harmony and completeness. Lastly, the principle of variety is employed to generate
visual interest and enhance both unity and harmony within the artwork. This artwork is about the
essence of Filipino fishermen's daily struggle and resilience as they haul in their catch. Ang Kiukok
demonstrates the appreciation of fishermen and their way of surviving life and hard work.
Finally, Ang Kiukok's masterpiece, "The Fisherman," is a profound representation of the
fisherman's world, skillfully employing elements of art to convey the essence of their daily struggle and
resilience. The bold colors, abstract forms, and fragmented composition effectively capture the duality of
their existence, where hardship and tranquility coexist. The artist's adept use of lines, shapes, and
colors not only infuses the painting with movement but also vividly portrays the challenges and
surroundings that shape the fisherman's life. Moreover, the principles of art, including emphasis,
rhythm, unity, and variety, are masterfully integrated to create a visually captivating narrative that invites
interpretation and fosters a harmonious, complete whole.
In my opinion, "The Fisherman" is a remarkable work of art that not only showcases the technical
prowess of Ang Kiukok but also delves deep into the human connection with nature and labor. The bold
and expressive style, coupled with the clever use of elements and principles of art, elevates this painting
to a level where it becomes more than just a visual representation; it becomes a powerful and evocative
commentary on the human experience. The work not only pays homage to the resilience of Filipino
fishermen but also invites viewers to contemplate the broader themes of tradition, hard work, and the
enduring relationship between humanity and the sea. "The Fisherman" is a testament to the enduring
power of art to convey the complex realities of life and inspire profound contemplation.