Englisch Abitur Bayern Aufgabe 2

Text comprehension and analysis "New York"

35 %

1. Describe the interaction between Riley and James and how it affects their relationship. (15%)
2. Analyse the effect of New York on Riley, taking into account the narrative perspective and four stylistic devices (20%)

Composition "New York"

Choose one of the following topics and write a coherent text laying out your ideas.

20 %

1. Cities are concrete jungles. Discuss.
2. "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals." (Henry David Thoreau, 1817-1862, American philosopher and poet). Comment on this statement.

M2: Cecily Wong – "New York"

Kaleidoscope, 2022 (abridged and adapted for exam purposes)

I'd arrived in New York a supernova, exploding with all the hope and vitality I'd so carefully sequestered and saved. In my new school, I was no longer Riley Brighton, that Asian girl, but Riley Brighton, anthropology major and playlist keeper, long-walk taker, vault of obscure food knowledge. Among classmates who were raised in second languages, with parents who packed their dorm fridges with banchanl and roti and worked in countries I could not handily locate an a map, I had become a girl whose primary trait was na langer her Asianness. And yet it was that very Asianness that helped ease me into this new existence.

Everyone was from somewhere else — a suburb of Tegucigalpa, the Jewish hills of Michigan, the Colombian part of Queens — and

we were here, at this hallowed institution, precisely because we'd proven ourselves different from normal people. I'd spent my childhood in Oregon striving toward the dominant culture — the narrow hips and spaghetti straps of the white and outdoorsy. Fan the first time, it felt strangely advantageous to be me, good even, being half-Asian with a pollen allergy, an avid reader with

lumpy social skills — it made a natural entry point to connecting with my peers, with the City, with this gateway to the !arger world. I'd been stripped of my tokenism, and what was left surprised me, this desire to explore what it meant to be me.

In New York, for the first time, I was acknowledged as a woman — the doors held open, the careful smiles, the piqued interest as I passed. This attention, it was for me, had nothing to da with Morgan or my parents. [...] My freshman year, I ate alone in a restaurant for the first time in my life. lt was part of the program to harden myself, and after a while, I got good, then really good, at being alone in a room full of strangers. Going out for lunch was my first friend. 1 had a place in most neighborhoods where the lunch was cheap and na one bothered me, where I sat and disappeared. This place was one of them, [...] and there he was: James Greenly. He looked up as I recognized him, surprise opening his face.

Then suddenly he was standing up, saying, "Oh shit," pulling out a chair for me to sit in, all of it so far from how I'd imagined it happening. VVe hugged, arranged ourselves across from each other, and a dozen pleasantries ran through my head — nice things, normal things. "What are you doing here?" I said instead, surprising myself. "What da you mean?"

"Da you like this place?"

James looked at me, clearly amused. "Sorry." I paused, tried to pivot. lt was too hard. I decided to say it. "It's just you have very Chinese taste in soup." I blinked into the fluorescent lights, tried to collect myself. "Winter strikes and I have na idea how to talk to other humans. I become this social deviant."

"Please,"

James spat. "I haven't left my apartment since god damn. Since Thursday. Since Thursday." [...]

"But you like it here," James said. lt was an appraisal that flattered the hell out of me. I looked up from my bowl, told him I did, and it occurred to me then that James and I, we were doing the same thing. Here we were in New York, molting our skins, shedding ourselves of who we were back in Oregon. Morgan's sister. Yearbook James. And we liked it here. We were happy here, growing strong and capable off the lang, frigid winters, the authentic soup and snazzy banter. Something infallible reflected between us, and collectively, we let it drop.

Because how did we say it? How did we congratulate each other for making it here, without admitting we'd both been losers? "I never got to ask," James said, scooping me from my thoughts. "How did your parents like the article?"

"Ah." I flushed. "They loved you, actually."

"What does that mean?"

I smiled into my napkin. "Nothing," I said, swatting at the air because, at the time, it had felt like nothing.

"Yeah, you're going to have to teil me now."

"They ..." I laughed. "My mom, I guess, but really both of them.

They've been trying to get Morgan to ask you out." I touched my eyes to the ceiling. "You're a nice Oregon boy. You made them look like the shahs of the Upper West Side."

"Did they say that?" James leaned forward, clearly flattered. "Honestly, the work has been so depressing lately, this is all very nice to hear. Please, go on."

I removed my glasses, shaking my head, cleaning them with the hem of my shirt. Until this moment, I'd taken little offense to my parents pairing my sister with James. She was the one living at home, in the crossfire of their meddling. "They liked you," I said. VVithout consent, my voice had weakened. "Enough to seil your virtues to Morgan. She hasn't been on a date in like a year; it's starting to weird us all out. I think you get the point."

"I think we're wearing the same glasses," James said, and I feit grateful for the gesture, took the opportunity to inhale, to shake away whatever anxiety crawled along the curves of my thoughts. James had a knack for this; I learned it early on, how assuredly he could diffuse the discomfort of others. We were not wearing the same glasses, not even close. [...]

James knew this, I could see it in his expression, the way his lips suspended in an easy half smile. I tried to draw the connection between this James, snappy and confident, and the James I'd had a crush on, Yearbook James, standing in the corner, hands

in the pockets of his sweatshirt. There was little left of that skinny, timid guy, and yet the transformation didn't entirely shock me. [...] One day, New York will look good on you.

Annotations

banchan: small Korean side dishes

article: James had interviewed the Brightons on the success story of their enterprise

Lösung Text comprehension and analysis: "New York"

Interaction between Riley and James: The interaction between Riley and James is characterized by a sense of rediscovery and transformation. When they meet in New York, they have both shed their previous identities and are in the process of reinventing themselves. James's initial surprise and warmth in welcoming Riley to the restaurant indicate a genuine connection. They share stories and exchange pleasantries, but the most significant aspect of their interaction is the unspoken understanding between them. Both Riley and James have left behind their past selves in Oregon, shedding their roles as Morgan's sister and Yearbook James, respectively. Their conversation reflects a sense of camaraderie and mutual appreciation for their new lives in New York. This interaction sets the stage for a deeper connection as they navigate their shared experiences in the city.

Effect of New York on Riley: New York has a profound effect on Riley, prompting a transformation in her identity and perspective. The narrative perspective in the text is first-person, allowing readers to delve into Riley's thoughts and emotions as she navigates her new life in the city. Here are four stylistic devices that highlight the impact of New York on Riley:

Metaphor of Transformation: The text employs metaphors of transformation and growth, such as "molting our skins" and "shedding ourselves of who we were back in Oregon." These metaphors illustrate how New York serves as a catalyst for personal reinvention and self-discovery.

Symbolism of Being Acknowledged: Riley's experience of being acknowledged as a woman in New York symbolizes her newfound sense of identity and empowerment. The attention she receives from strangers is a departure from her previous roles and reflects her evolving self-perception.

Repetition for Emphasis: The repetition of phrases like "I liked it here" and "We were happy here" underscores the significance of New York in Riley's life. This repetition emphasizes her growing attachment to the city and her sense of belonging.

Dialogue and Character Interaction: Riley's interactions with James reveal her changing perspective. James's ability to diffuse discomfort and create a relaxed atmosphere illustrates the positive influence of New York on Riley's social skills and confidence.

In summary, New York acts as a catalyst for Riley's personal growth and transformation. The narrative perspective allows readers to intimately connect with Riley's experiences, while stylistic devices emphasize the city's profound impact on her identity and outlook. Riley's interaction with James exemplifies the sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding that arises from their shared journey of self-discovery in the bustling metropolis.

Lösung Teilaufgabe Composition: "New York"

Lösung der ersten Teilaufgabe

"Cities are concrete jungles." This phrase captures the essence of urban landscapes, drawing a parallel between the dense, bustling metropolises we create and the wild, untamed jungles of nature. Let's discuss the significance of this metaphor:

Urbanization and Density: One of the most apparent aspects of this metaphor is the idea of density. Just as jungles are densely packed with vegetation, cities are densely populated with buildings, roads, and people. The towering skyscrapers and tightly woven streets of a city mirror the towering trees and tangled undergrowth of a jungle.

Diversity of Life: Jungles are known for their incredible biodiversity, housing a wide variety of plant and animal species. Similarly, cities are hubs of diversity, with people from various backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life coming together. In both cases, this diversity can lead to vibrant ecosystems and vibrant communities.

Survival of the Fittest: The phrase "survival of the fittest" applies to both jungles and cities. In jungles, it refers to the competition among species for limited resources. In cities, it relates to the competitive nature of urban life, where individuals often strive to succeed in their careers and personal pursuits.

Challenges of Navigation: Navigating through a jungle can be challenging due to the dense vegetation and lack of clear paths. Similarly, cities present navigation challenges with complex road systems, public transportation networks, and crowded streets. Both environments require adaptation and a degree of skill to traverse effectively.

Human Impact: Just as human activity has a significant impact on jungles through deforestation and habitat destruction, cities also leave their mark on the environment. Urbanization can lead to changes in natural landscapes, pollution, and the loss of green spaces.

Balance and Harmony: Despite the chaos and complexity of both jungles and cities, there is a sense of balance and harmony that emerges from their intricate ecosystems. In jungles, species coexist and contribute to the overall balance. In cities, the diverse talents, skills, and contributions of individuals come together to create a dynamic and functioning whole.

The Need for Conservation: The metaphor also highlights the importance of conservation efforts in both jungles and cities. In jungles, conservation aims to protect fragile ecosystems and preserve biodiversity. In cities, urban planning and sustainability initiatives strive to create livable and environmentally friendly spaces.

In conclusion, the metaphor "cities are concrete jungles" serves as a thought-provoking comparison between the urban environment and the natural world. It underscores the complexity, diversity, and challenges of city life while also emphasizing the need for responsible stewardship of our urban and natural environments to ensure a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the ecosystems we inhabit.

Lösung der zweiten Teilaufgabe

Henry David Thoreau's statement, "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals," encapsulates a profound perspective on the true value of goal achievement and personal growth. Let's delve into the significance of this statement:

Emphasis on Personal Growth: Thoreau's statement underscores the idea that the journey toward achieving one's goals is as valuable, if not more so, than the tangible outcomes. It highlights that the process of striving, learning, and evolving during the pursuit of goals can transform an individual in meaningful ways.

Character Development: The statement suggests that the act of setting and pursuing goals serves as a crucible for character development. It challenges individuals to tap into their inner resources, cultivate resilience, and develop a strong work ethic. Through these challenges, individuals often discover their true capabilities.

Learning from Challenges: Goals are not always achieved effortlessly. They often involve setbacks, failures, and obstacles. Thoreau's statement implies that these challenges are essential components of personal growth. Overcoming hurdles and learning from failures can lead to greater wisdom and maturity.

Shifting Priorities: While achieving goals may result in external rewards or accomplishments, Thoreau's statement reminds us that these rewards can pale in comparison to the internal transformation that occurs. Individuals may find that their priorities shift as they gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their values.

Fulfillment and Satisfaction: True fulfillment and satisfaction may be found in the self-discovery and personal growth that accompany goal achievement. This contrasts with a narrow focus on material or external rewards, which may provide temporary happiness but may not lead to lasting contentment.

Long-Term Perspective: Thoreau's statement encourages individuals to adopt a long-term perspective on their goals. It suggests that the enduring impact of personal growth far outweighs the fleeting satisfaction of obtaining a particular goal. This perspective can inspire individuals to set more meaningful and enduring objectives.

Applicability to Various Life Areas: Thoreau's wisdom is applicable to various life areas, including career, education, relationships, and personal development. It encourages individuals to view every goal pursuit as an opportunity for self-improvement.

In conclusion, Henry David Thoreau's statement emphasizes the transformative power of pursuing and achieving goals. It invites us to recognize that the journey itself, with its challenges and self-discovery, is of paramount importance. While external achievements have their place, it is the growth and development that occur along the way that often lead to a more meaningful and fulfilled life. Thoreau's wisdom encourages us to not only strive for success but to also become better versions of ourselves in the process.