How men first learnt to invent words is unknown; in other words, the origin of language is a mystery. All we really know is that men, unlike animals, somehow invented certain sound to express thought (1) and feelings, actions and things, so that they could communicate with each other; and that later they agreed upon certain signs, calling letters, (2) which could be combined to represent those sounds, and which could be written. Those sounds, whether spoken or written in letters, we (3) call words. The power of words, then, lies in their associations-the things they take up before our minds. Words become filled with meaning (4) for us by experience; and the better we live, the more certain words recall (5) to us the glad and sad events of our past; and the more we read and learn, the more the number of words that mean something to us increase. Great (6) writers are those who not only have great thoughts but also express these thoughts in words which appeal powerfully for our minds and emotions. (7) This charming use of words is what we call literary style. After all, the (8) real poet is a master of words. He can convey his meaning in words which sing like music, and which by their position and association can move men with tears. We should therefore learn to choose our words carefully and (9) use them accurately, or they will make our speech silly and dully. (10)