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Analyzing Language, Style, and Structure 5

5. Vocabulary in Context. In paragraph 4, Attenborough writes that mining companies have
asked for permission “to prospect for minerals.” What does the word prospect mean in this section one
context, and what other uses of the word have you encountered?
6. Attenborough starts each of the chapters in his narrative with the three facts about population,
carbon level, and remaining wilderness. Why might he have chosen to do this? What are the /
possible effects of his choice on the reader?
7. Reread paragraph 6 and examine Attenborough’s use of language, especially imagery and
diction, to describe the challenging conditions of the trip.
8. At times in his narrative, Attenborough uses words like unknown, civilization, and discover. David Attenborough
Why might these words be problematic in the context of two cultures interacting with each
other?
9. Reread the last sentence of the narrative. What effect does Attenborough create with the
sudden shift in setting? Why might he have chosen to end his piece in this way?

Topics for Composing

10. Analysis. Reread paragraph 13, which is Attenborough’s reflection. What does he appear to have
learned through this experience? What parts of the narrative help to illustrate what he learned?
11. Argument. Should Attenborough have started the expedition in the first place? Write an
argument in which you consider the pros and cons of a Western documentary film crew
hoping to study an isolated culture.
12. Connections. Attenborough says that the people he encountered in New Guinea “produced
little or no waste. They lived sustainably, in balance with their environment.” How similar or
different is this from your life in the contemporary Western world?
13. Speaking and Listening. With a small group or the whole class, hold a discussion about
effective steps that people can take in their own homes, lives, and workplaces to address the
issue of climate change. Try to reach consensus on the top two or three individual actions. You
may need to conduct some research ahead of time to prepare for the discussion.
14. Research. Attenborough writes that in 1971 much of New Guinea was uncharted. Conduct
research on present-day New Guinea to learn more about how the aboriginal populations are
doing after more interaction with other cultures.
15. Research. In 1971, the time period of this narrative, the world’s population was 3.7 billion.
Just 40 years later, Attenborough identifies the population as 7.0 billion. Research the
problems that this rapid population growth is creating. Identify one of the main challenges and
describe possible solutions some are recommending.
16. Research. Attenborough says that in 1971, there were “over a thousand mutually
incomprehensible languages spoken in New Guinea” (par. 7). Research how this is possible.
What unique factors of the geography of New Guinea may have contributed to this?
17. Creative Writing. Attenborough writes his piece in a straightforward, journalistic way.
Rewrite a section or two of this narrative as if it were his personal diary, describing his feelings,
fears, and excitement regarding the trip and his encounter with the aboriginals.
18. Multimodal. Attenborough is known for his nature films, for which he often provides the
narration. Locate photographs and other images about an environmental topic that is
meaningful to you, arrange them in slides or with another presentation tool, and write narration
that would support and add depth to the visuals.

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