An Appreciation of the poem 'The Toys' by Coventry Patmore

 Summary/Review

 In the humorous and sarcastic story "Crime and Punishment" R K Narayan presents a smart boy who is unwilling to study.  His parents are keen on getting him a double promotion to the first form.  But the boy gives a wrong answer to the teacher's question on purpose. 

Losing his patience the teacher slaps the boy on his cheek.  The boy starts crying and threatens the teacher that he would tell his parents about the punishment.  The parents were against any sort of punishment.  They wanted him to follow the theories of child psychology and treated the boy as if he was made of thin glass.

For the thirty rupees he was receiving for teaching the boy, the teacher had to put up with their ideas.  But the boy takes advantage of the situation and makes the teacher stop the lesson and play with him.  He has to play the role of a station master with a toy train.  When the toy stops functioning the boy asks him to repair it. When he expresses his inability to do it, the boy runs to the parents to tell them about the punishment.  

The teacher has to run after the boy.  But when they meet the parents they ask the teacher about the boy's progress in his studies.  The boy pleads with him not to betray him.  The teacher tells them that he is doing well.  He adds that as they had finished their lessons early, he was playing about with the child to keep up his spirits.

Usually teachers punish students for their crimes.  Here the punishment given by the teacher becomes a crime.  The teacher is then punished for his crime by the boy.  So there is a role reversal here.  The story also presents a sarcastic picture of our education system and educational principles that we follow.

Write a short essay on the role of corporal punishment in education.

Corporal punishment, or the use of physical force to discipline or punish students, has long been a controversial issue in education. While some people argue that corporal punishment is necessary to maintain order and discipline in schools, others believe that it is harmful and should be abolished.

One argument in favor of corporal punishment is that it can be an effective deterrent against misbehavior. By administering physical consequences for misbehaving, some proponents of corporal punishment argue that students will be less likely to engage in undesirable behavior in the future. However, opponents of corporal punishment argue that there is little evidence to support this claim and that other forms of discipline, such as positive reinforcement or restorative justice, are more effective in the long run.

Another argument against corporal punishment is that it can be harmful to students. Physical punishment can cause physical injuries, such as bruises or welts, and can also lead to emotional and psychological harm, such as fear, anxiety, or low self-esteem. There is also a risk that corporal punishment could be used excessively or disproportionately, especially against students from marginalized groups, leading to further harm and discrimination.

In conclusion, the role of corporal punishment in education is a complex and highly debated issue. While some people believe that it is an important tool for maintaining discipline, others argue that it is harmful and should be replaced with more effective and humane forms of discipline. Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to use corporal punishment should be guided by a commitment to the well-being and development of all students.

 

Write four arguments supporting and four arguments opposing corporal punishment in education

Arguments supporting corporal punishment in education:

1. Corporal punishment can be an effective deterrent against misbehaving, as students are less likely to repeat undesirable behavior if they know they will face physical consequences.
2. Corporal punishment can help to maintain order and discipline in the classroom, which can create a more conducive environment for learning.
3. Some proponents argue that corporal punishment can teach students to respect authority and take responsibility for their actions.
4. Some people believe that corporal punishment is a necessary part of traditional or conservative parenting or educational practices.

Arguments opposing corporal punishment in education:

1. Corporal punishment can cause physical injuries and emotional harm to students, such as fear, anxiety, or low self-esteem.
2. There is a risk that corporal punishment could be used excessively or disproportionately, leading to further harm and discrimination.
3. There is little evidence to suggest that corporal punishment is more effective than other forms of discipline, such as positive reinforcement or restorative justice.
4. Corporal punishment is a violation of students' rights and dignity and that there are more humane and effective ways to discipline and educate students.
   

Write four arguments each supporting and opposing nuclear families

Arguments supporting nuclear families:

1. Nuclear families can provide a stable and nurturing environment for children, with both parents present to provide love, support, and guidance.
2. Nuclear families can be more financially stable, as both parents are typically working and able to contribute to the household income.
3. Nuclear families can be more socially and culturally accepted, as they are the traditional family structure in many societies.
4. Nuclear families are more efficient and effective at meeting the needs of their members, as there are fewer people to consider and coordinate with.

Arguments opposing nuclear families:

1. Nuclear families can be isolating and lack the support and resources that extended family or community networks can provide.
2. Nuclear families may be more vulnerable to financial insecurity, as they rely on the income of just two people.
3. Nuclear families may not be able to provide the same level of care and support for children, elderly, or sick family members as extended families or community networks.
4. Nuclear family model is based on outdated and discriminatory gender roles and that alternative family structures, such as single-parent or LGBTQ+ families, should be equally valued and supported.