Modern short stories

These texts are a mixture of established classics and more contemporary work. A comparative approach -- using two or more selections on the same theme -- helps students understand the qualities of the story or poem. -- Each selection is illustrated with film stills or other material to set the scene and stimulate discussion. -- Exercises focus on personal response; on discussing literary qualities such as style, character, imagery, and ideas; and on developing language awareness in terms of grammar, vocabulary, and different styles of writing.