3. Meaning. This includes more than the ability to give the definition as found in the dictionary.  It is possible to recite such definitions glibly without in reality knowing the meaning of the word defined.  It is necessary to connect the word definitely and permanently in our mind with the idea for which it is the symbol and to be able to distinguish the idea clearly from others closely related to it.

4. Use. The actual use of a word is very important.  If a word is to come into our speaking and writing vocabulary, we must use it.  It is important that the spelling, pronunciation, and meaning be determined when you first meet the word, and it is equally important that the word be used soon and often.

+Theme XI.+—­Write a short story suggested by one of the following subjects.  It may be wholly improbable, if you choose.

1.  The good fairy. 2.  Mary’s luck. 3.  The man in the moon. 4.  The golden apple. 5.  A wonderful fountain pen. 6.  The goobergoo and the kantan.

(Correct with reference to meaning and clearness and two other points to be assigned by the teacher.)

SUMMARY

1.  The clear expression of the ideas connected with our daily experiences
    is of greater importance to most of us than is the production of
    literature.

2.  Ideas furnished by imagination may be advantageously used for
    composition purposes, because—­
    a. They are your own.
    b. They offer free choice of language. 
   They are less desirable than those gained from experience, because—­
    a. They generally lack clearness and permanency.
    b. They are less likely to be worth recording.
    c. It is more difficult to give them that unity and directness of
         statement that will keep the interest of the reader.

3.  An imaginative series of events may seem probable or improbable.  He who
    most closely observes real life and states his imaginary events so
    that they seem real will succeed best in imaginative writing.

4.  Euphony is a desirable quality in a composition.

5.  Variety aids euphony.  It is gained by—­
    a. Avoiding the repetition of the same words and phrases.
    b. Beginning our sentences in various ways.
    c. Using sentences of different lengths.

6.  Conversation is usually composed of short sentences.

7.  Pictures may suggest ideas suitable for use in compositions.

8.  Our reading, writing, and speaking vocabularies differ. 
    Each should be increased.  With each new word
    attention should be given to—­
    a. Spelling.
    b. Pronunciation.
    c. Meaning.
    d. Use.