Kindness is Better Than Victory - Free Verse Poem

The last poem we've made this unit; free verse! We watched short videos, from which we got inspiration to write our poems. The video I got my inspiration was from "The North Wind and the Sun". Here it is...

Kindness is Better than Victory

Sun, smiling and sparkling

North wind, strong as rock

And cunning to the bone

They argued, argued and argued

North wind insisted he, the better

"I'll last through day and night!"

The sun set, disappearing

"I've won!" said wind to the moon

"Yes, you've won," said the moon

"However, although sun's not here

The sun lets me shine and comfort

The humans that try to sleep

Isn't that better

Than winning a simple game?"

Hope you liked it!

Definition Poem

In English class, we've started to explore poems. We started off viewing definition poems. We performed definition poems by Michael Salinger. Here's an example of his poems:

Brevity gets right to the point
doesn’t dawdle, dicker, or delay
always short and sweet whenever
there is something to do
or say
brevity comes in handy when you
are subject to a chewing out
a bout of the flu
a pain in the neck
or waiting in line for the loo
in fact, this poem has gone on so long
that its recital
would no longer qualify
as an example of its title

[brevity (noun): conciseness of expression; shortness]

After performing poems like the one above, we attempted to make a definition poem ourselves! Here's mine:

Pusillanimous will only be found

at the end of the line

don’t expect a performance from her

bravery is her opposite

she’s about as silent as a mouse

and active like a sloth

the fire of her determination has been extinguished

everything about her

soundlessly says timid

[Pusillanimous: showing a lack of courage or determination; timid]

When searching for other examples of definition poems, I came across a 5 & 6 Definition Poetry Competition. And I remembered that last year, I submitted a definition poem! After some editing of the poem I made last year, I have this:

Optimistic

Optimistic is as yellow as a rising sun

always smiling at everyone

she’s like a bumble bee in a flowery field

raising its thumbs

not pointing and cursing

instead, complementing everything!

[optimistic (adjective): hopeful and confident about the future]

The Other Side of Truth - Essay

For the past few classes, we've been working on our English essays. With evidence from the novel The Other Side of Truth by Beverley Naidoo, we were to write a persuasive essay on the following prompts; it is okay to lie if it is to protect someone you love OR you must lie no matter the price. Both points are arguable, however, I chose to write about it is okay to lie if it is to protect someone you love. Here it is...

Accepting Lying

Emma Chickles

The reality is that everyone has lied at least once. Some people are against dishonesty, nonetheless, the truth has brought conflicts to numerous people. Lying has been thought of as a sin, however, it can be used reasonably. The Other Side of Truth by Beverley Naidoo expresses the dangers of authorities of Nigeria, causing Sade and Femi to seek refuge in London. It is acceptable to lie if the purpose behind the lie was to protect. This will be illustrated by how lying can protect others, and how lying can protect one’s self.

Dishonesty can protect others in a variety of ways. Situations could occur when giving information about others is being demanded of. If this information is given away to strangers (or even the authorities in extreme cases), it would most likely put those whom the information is about in danger. If alike situations occur, lying is necessary. “What if the police in England sent the information to the police in Nigeria?” (Naidoo 82) - this was one of Sade’s thoughts as she was being interrogated. If she had given out the information about her family to the authorities, her family could have been in danger. It is arguable that lying to the authorities is unacceptable, regardless, if the truth had been stated, it could have brought an even higher price. Sade’s father was on bad terms with the authorities in Nigeria because he told the truth. Giving away private information, about others, or one’s self, can put more than those one loves in danger.

Besides protecting others, lying can protect one’s self.

“‘How do you know Doctor Solaja? Is he a friend - or a relative?’.

‘He’s our-’ Femi began.

‘Friend - a friend of the family,’ Sade interrupted” (Naidoo 60).

In the quote above, if Femi had admitted that Doctor Solaja was their uncle - their relative - Sade and Femi would have been taken to the police because it would be evident that they would have information regarding Doctor Solaja. If that had happened, the police would have found out that they had been illegally smuggled into London, on that occasion they could’ve been arrested. Sade had realized this certainty and spoke dishonestly. One has been taught to be honest, in spite of that, there is further importance to keep safe. It is evident that lying can protect yourself.

Would you lie if it was to protect those you care about, or yourself? From the novel, The Other Side of Truth by Beverley Naidoo, it is evident that lying can protect one’s family, friends and one’s self. Lying has changed the positions of numerous people today. Although, some people do believe that one must tell the truth no matter what. Even though lying shouldn’t be used frequently, lying is the best option to protect one’s self or people one loves.

The Other Side of Truth by Beverley Naidoo

Here's Ta book review for The Other Side of Truth by Beverley Naidoo.

Sade and Femi's mother had been killed by the corrupt authorities of Nigeria! After receiving a threat from the authorities, their father, concerned for their safety, had Sade and Femi smuggled out of Nigeria and into London.

In this novel, I especially liked how Naidoo added Nigerian proverbs into the story. Also, I enjoyed the deeper meanings behind the names of characters. For example, "Sade" means "honor brings a crown", which definitely fits the main character, as understood as the story progresses. I personally thought that the names given to the characters were like snapshots of the character's heart.

Do you treasure the bonds between your family? Or the rights you need? If so, then this is a book for you!

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Ponyboy Curtis and his friends were greasers from the 1960's. Ponyboy had lived with his two brothers, Sodapop and Darry, ever since their parents had passed away. Throughout their lives, they had been struggling with the Socs. Ponyboy had thought that the line separating the Socs and greasers was money. Socs had always been more privileged than the greasers. However, the greasers argued that their friendship was stronger.

If you cherish friendship and desire an adventure, this is the book for you!

Beverley Naidoo's - The Other Side of Truth - Novel Response 5

Connections and Contrasts between The Other Side of Truth and God Grew Tired of Us

The novel The Other Side of Truth by Beverley Naidoo and the documentary God Grew Tired of Us was presented to us, including stories that had happened in the past, and possibly even now. In The Other Side of Truth, Sade and Femi’s mother was killed by the authorities in Nigeria due to the continuing articles their father has written regarding how authorities were corrupt. To escape any other deaths, Sade and Femi were secretly sent to London, where they would meet up with their Uncle Dele. However, their escort went missing and Sade and Femi stayed at a stranger’s house who decided to take them in, and help them feel at home. In the documentary God Grew Tired of Us, the people of Sudan fled to a refugee camp. In the travel, their numbers decreased dramatically, more than half of the starting number had disappeared. After staying at the camp for years, a few of the older boys were given the opportunity to live in America. Taking this chance, the “lost boys” begun a new life in America, with a dream of helping their family and friends back at the refugee camp.. The similarities and differences of these two media will be discussed in the following.

The similarities between the media are exceptionally numerous. In both cases of Sade and Femi, from The Other Side of Truth, and the lost boys, from God Grew Tired of Us, they fled their dangerous home countries to find safety. Although, the lost boys, Sade and Femi escaped from their home countries, they were depressed leaving it all behind – where they had been for so long. Once they reached the country which they fled to, they were unaccustomed to the behavior of the community. Many students at the school Sade applied for bullied others, including herself. The lost boys were surprised with how the people around them cared only of themselves, and ignoring others.

The differences between the media is also many. To begin with, Sade and Femi came from Nigeria, where as the lost boys came from Sudan. Sade and Femi were privileged with food, shelter, etc. while on the other hand the lost boys lacked of human essentials. However, Sade and Femi lacked enthusiasm. An example of this was on the plane, they didn’t touch any of their food. But the lost boys shoed curiosity towards the plane food, as well as other objects in the US. And lastly, Sade and Femi depended on other people, such as the temporary homes, foster homes and the London police, to take care of them. Although, the lost boys took the responsibility of making a living, after the two months of support. They also attempted to make the lives of their family and friends better as well. By making health care and education accessible.

These are the similarities and the differences between The Other Side of Truth and God Grew Tired of Us. However, it is evident that, even though there is numerous connections between the media, there is slightly more differences.

Beverley Naidoo's - The Other Side of Truth - Novel Response 4

In class, we were supposed so discuss about a Nigerian or English proverb. The description below is my own, to see other descriptions, goHERE.

"Where the water rules, the land submits" (Naidoo 149). ~ A Nigerian Proverb

The literal meaning of this Nigerian proverb is that when water is in the ocean, lake, etc., the land would have disappeared underneath the water. The second meaning of this proverb is that if you're stronger, or at least act stronger, the others would listen because they would be afraid, since they are weaker. An example of this, was at the beginning of The Other Side of Truth; the authorities of Nigeria resulted in the people of Nigeria cowering before them.

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Beverley Naidoo's - The Other Side of Truth - Novel Response 3

In class, we were required to make a summary for both chapters 19 and 20...

Chapter 19

Mama Appiah had announced that Sade and Femi were going live from then on with the King family, from Jamaica. They applied for school, which were going to be very different from the schools in Nigeria, according to Mr. King. However, Sade and Femi were not yet prepared to enter a new school environment, and leaving their old one behind.

Chapter 20

Sade entered the school, after taking an interview. Before starting class, the hallways were abnormally loud to Sade. As she entered the class she saw Kevin Graham, from her temporary foster home. Kevin was not on good terms with Sade and Femi.

Beverley Naidoo's - The Other Side of Truth - Novel Response 2

Chapter 15 is powerful  because there is an abundance of suspension. There is suspension because the question "what are Sade and Femi going to do?" is always in the audience's mind, through the uneasiness Sade and Femi were feeling. For example, there were numerous thoughts that represented Sade's fear and not knowing what she could possibly do, she knew that she and Femi "couldn't keep silent forever" (Naidoo 83) and the question "what could they say that was safe" pondered across Sade's mind. This was useful to create suspension because, since they were in a very tight situation, not knowing whether they could trust Iyawo-Jenny, it was worded in a way that made it  suggest that Sade was feeling helpless. This is because in the paragraph the last few quotes were in, included that they were pressed to talk but they didn't know what to say.

Sade was reluctant to respond to the questions that the Social Worker asked because she did not want to give away any information that will lead to there father's imprisonment or death. This fact is evident in Chapter 15 as Beverley Naidoo stated that Sade was thinking about "if the police in England sent the information to the police in Nigeria" (Naidoo 82).

Beverley Naidoo's The Other Side of Truth -Novel Response

Throughout the novel, there has been evidence that the authorities are corrupt. Such as how Folarin's article, 'Our Children's Future', the truth, are "sending their children to the most expensive schools and colleges of England and America" (Naidoo 58), while Folarin's children and many others don't have this luxurious education and money. This is an example of the authorities being corrupt because the authorities are only thinking of their own children, not the children of Nigeria. Another example of the authorities being corrupt is how the police would take money from drivers in order to let them pass, although "mostly  taxi drivers with minibuses full of passengers had to pay up" (Naidoo 58). This is being corrupt because the police is taking advantage of the taxi drivers who have to pay to go past since the passengers would be exceptionally angry if the taxi driver didn't take them to their destination because of police who won't let them through since they haven't paid.

I believe the feeling Sade felt in the paragraph, which begins with "Soon they were traveling…", were depression and how unrealistic her situation is. The type of depression Sade was feeling at that moment was home-sick. I believe this because at that moment Sade was thinking about how she was separated from her family, how she was "thousands of miles away from home… Grandma and all the family… and, most terrible of all, Mama… forever and ever" (Naidoo 58). Beverley Naidoo was able to express Sade's thoughts on this by using "…", making you pause when you read. Alike to when you are extremely sad, and attempting to get your words out. Although being home-sick can happen to anyone, when I think of someone being home-sick, I think of a depressed small child. I believe that this concept connects to Sade's home-sickness because of the phrase "forever and ever". In this context, it is the sort of phrase a child would use. To enhance the feeling of Sade feeling homesick, Beverley Naidoo included a flash back to a routine they would go through in the morning; "…Papa listened every morning at breakfast to the BBC World Service broadcasting from London" (Naidoo 58) and how "Mama would put her finger to her lips if Sade or Femi started to talk. It had been like that only yesterday morning" (Naidoo 58). Beverley Naidoo included this flash back to enhance this emotion because that routine that they had gone through all their life, was gone, after 1 day, that routine, was no longer possible.

Sade also felt that her situation is unrealistic because there were many sentences that suggested unreal items. Such as the phrase "a postcard view of London up the river. Like the one Uncle Dele had sent them" (Naidoo 58). When you receive a post card, on the front there is a perfect view, a view of where you are not, since you are the one receiving it, and in many cases, a view that may not be captured again, due to the lingering people. But they are seeing this view, that used to be just a piece of paper. So it was unrealistic, since it was as if Sade had entered the postcard itself. Connecting to how Sade felt that the things they saw might just as well be cardboard cutouts on a film set they had entered by mistake" (Naidoo 58). This sentence is useful in this context since movies easily give away to the audience that their situation looks real, but it isn't real, since that's what movies are.

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English Exam Practice 2

Here's my second practice question for the exam tomorrow; what are some of the likely conflicts in a greasers life? Which would be the greatest source of conflict for a greaser; other people, society or themselves? Explain.

It is, again, based on The Outsiders. Here's my reasoning:

The greatest source for the likely conflicts in a greaser’s life would be other people, such as Socs because of the differences between them. The Socs are rich while the greasers run low on money. Socs have Mustangs, Corvairs and madras shirts, while greasers such as Darry Curtis, couldn’t finish school. Emotions also set greasers and Socs apart. Greasers feel too much, while the Socs don’t feel at all. Even a Soc, Cherry, could notice this, as she pointed out “[Greasers are] more emotional. [Socs are] more sophisticated-cool to the point of not feeling anything.” (Hinton 38). And because greasers emotions run high, their actions are affected. Such as Johnny because his past experiences influenced him to “kill the next person who jumped him” (Hinton 34), Bob. And lastly, the fact that greasers are unable to see through the shading, which kept them from interacting friendly with the Socs. Such as how Ponyboy “couldn’t see what Socs had to sweat about--good grades, good cars, good girls, madras and Mustangs and Corvairs.” (Hinton 36). With the differences between Socs and greasers they were not able to see past the barrier between them, causing the struggle between them ongoing.

English Exam Practice 1

I have a English exam coming up and in the exam we have to write 2 paragraphs answering a question. It has to with the novel The Outsiders.

I was given a practice question: Immediately before the rumble begins, Ponyboy states that he doesn’t hate the Socs anymore.  Why, then, does he proceed to attack the Socs and instead of merely defending himself?

We have to follow the writing process; brainstorm, outline, draft and revise.

Here's my answer to the question, it would be really helpful if you can give me some feedback!

Ponyboy proceeds to attack the Socs and not just defend himself, even after stating he doesn’t hate the Socs anymore. He wants to be of importance to his friends, family and himself. Throughout the story, it becomes clear that Ponyboy loves his family and the rest of his gang. For that reason, he could have attacked the Socs to defend his friends and family, as Ponyboy cares very much for Johnny, and Ponyboy “couldn’t get along without him” (Hinton 121). However, he still needs to retain pride (as everyone needs to do something to maintain their pride, every once and awhile). Ponyboy has a right to believe everyone is equal, as he thought that he “wanted to show those Socs [they] weren’t trash, that [they] were just as good as they were.” (Hinton 124). And lastly, he could have wanted to prove his strength, like in the beginning of the story he “was wishing [he] looked like Paul Newman-he looks tough and [he doesn’t]” (Hinton 1). Clearly he loves his friends and family very much, and needs room for himself as well.

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Asian Flooding Problem

There had been a flooding problem in Asia.

Looking at the problems because of the flood regarding the community, there is lack of food, water and shelter. If they did have some food or water supplies, it would run out in time. So it is important that they are able to get more food. They would also need shelter if it was damaged from the flood.

Because of the flood, there have probably been a lot of health problems. Such as sickness because of the flood affecting their water supplies, or getting a cold. Floods also impact the natural environment. Flooding causes erosion, affecting the soil.

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"All Summer in a Day" Film and Short Story

I've now read the short story of "All Summer in a Day" and watched the film for it.

Here's the film:

The short story and the film of "All Summer in a Day" are different from each other, I think that the short story is better than the video version.

Comparing the short story to the film, I think the visual imagery was better in the short story. Such as when, in the story, it described the jungle that covered Venus, and Margot. The metaphors helped me picture the scenes in my mind. But when I was reading the short story, I most enjoyed the paragraphs about the sun. Especially when Ray Bradbury said "She knew they thought they remembered a warmness, like a blushing in the face, in the body, in the arms and legs, and trembling hands.". When I read this, I didn't just picture it in my mind, it was like a felt the warmth from the sun right there, right then.

In the short story, Margot stands alone, but in the film she seems to have one friend. The ending for the film was also different from the short story. The short story ends when they let Margot out of the closet, but didn't include what happened next, while the film did.

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"All Summer in a Day" Extended Ending

I had to make an extended ending for "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury. Here it is:

They unlocked the door, even more slowly, and let Margot out.

The rain pounded against the walls, but everything was still.The children’s gazes were down, abashed, ashamed. Margot didn’t say anything, she stared strait ahead, her face was emotionless. The shock of missing her one and only chance of seeing the sun in the seven years of rain, gone. The children knew she would never be the same.

Suddenly, there was footsteps and the teacher appeared in the room as well.

“Why is everyone here? You must get back to class.” She turned to leave.

“She didn’t see it.” One of the kids said softly, “Margot, she didn’t see the sun.”

The teacher looked at the children understanding now, seeing the look on the children’s faces. That Margot, the piece that didn’t match the rest of the puzzle, the child who everyone knew that the sun was everything, everything to her.

Margot said nothing.

“It was only a joke,” William said

Everyone stared at William, then at Margot.

And yet, Margot said nothing.

“Please say something Margot.” Said another one of the children.

Nothing, she just continued to stare strait ahead, like nothing mattered anymore. She was like an empty shell, or a pool of darkness.

But it wasn’t Margot.

Unexpectedly, Margot started to walk towards the doorway, and still not saying anything.

“Hey, Margot.” William said, Margot looked at him.

“Stop it, you’re acting too weird. Stop it.” Ordered William.

Nothing.

As the children soon came to understand further into that day, Margot had lost her will to speak. She just had the sad look in her eyes. Perhaps that was the only emotion she would ever have for the rest of her life. The children, even though they hated her for the future she may have, they didn’t want the Margot as she was then.

“Margot, Margot, come play with us.” One of the children said, attempting to cheer her up the next day.

Of course the children’s attempts failed, no matter now much they tried. They soon grew anxious then felt sad as they were at fault.

But, William knew that if it wasn’t for him, none of this would have happened. There was no point in picking on Margot, she had no reaction. And William soon got tired of her.

“Hey, everyone!” William called, when Margot had gone to the washroom.

The children gathered around him, as they always did, looking as sad as ever, reluctant to be following him.

“We’re getting that girl out of here.” William said coldly.

The children stared in disbelief, after what William said.

“Impossible.” One said.

“We have to do something.” Said another.

They all nodded in agreement. They had to, even if it won’t make much of a difference.

After school, the children called Margot’s parents. They explained what they had done and pleaded them to take Margot back to Earth. And with that Margot went home in two days time.

Margot and her parents stood in a cramped room with many people passing by. Margot didn’t say anything.

They walked over to the door and slowly, slowly the opened it and stood out in the open.

She let the feeling spread through her body. The warmth, like stepping into a bath on a cold winter’s day, like being in a snug bed. Margot knew this feeling and like waking from her sleep, Margot opened her eyes.

The sun.

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Jack Gantos Visit

Today Jack Gantos visited my school and grades 7-10 had a chance to meet him. Mr. Gantos came here to talk about the transition between reading great books and writing great books. He was very funny and, I think I say this on everyone's behalf, I enjoyed listening to some childhood stories.

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Design Cycle 1 - Community and Service

I did a design cycle on inequalities. This falls into the Community and Service category because the project was focused in Hong Kong, my community. The purpose for my poster was to raise awareness about disabilities, and after others have seen it, they have taken action and provided service for others. This project has helped me become a responsible citizen because I have learned how to express myself through an unfamiliar media, using InDesign and Photoshop which I have not used much before.

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Character Sketch - The Outsiders - Johnny Cade

In the novel, The Outsiders, one of the major characters is Johnny Cade. He is a dynamic and 3 dimensional character. Johnny is 16 years old boy, and a friend of the main character, Ponyboy Curtis. He was his gang’s pet. Johnny was a greaser. Throughout most of the story he wasn’t scared of dying, he was scared of another gang, the Socs. A Soc, Bob, beat him up. Because of that past event, he had been very cautious. He wasn’t wanted at home, his parents didn’t care for him. His gang cared for him and gave him love. But, the gang could never replace his parents.

Johnny had a tanned face and because he was a greaser, he had heavily greased his black hair and combed to the side. He had shaggy bangs on his forehead and hair was curled behind his ears. The gang thought of him as their kid brother, because he was smaller than most of the gang. In Ponyboy’s opinion, Johnny is in need of a haircut and resembles of a “dark puppy that’s been kicked too many times” (Hinton 11). His most prominent feature is his “big black eyes” (Hinton 11), which had a nervous and suspicious look. At the end of the novel he got a broken back, he was severely burned and looked pale.

Johnny Cade is a complex character. He changed since the beginning of the story from the end of the story. For example, in the beginning, he said he didn’t mind dying, but when he was in a critical condition at the end, he was scared of dying. He valued his life in the end and his gang. He thought fighting with the Socs was useless. Johnny varied in emotion, sometimes he was a scared and sad little puppy and sometimes he was courageous. For example, when Dallas (or Dally) was hitting on Sherri (or Cherry) and Marcia, he excused himself from the scene so he wouldn’t be part of it. But after awhile Johnny stood up for them. He did this mostly for Cherry, which means he liked her because he usually didn’t argue with anyone, especially Dally, his ‘hero’. An example of this was when Dally was finally proud of Johnny, his eyes glowed; it was what he wanted from the start. Because of this, I think that Johnny wanted to be like Dally. Ponyboy said that he was the “real character of the gang” (Hinton 10). His friendship for Ponyboy is a big part of his life too. An example of this is that he ran away with Ponyboy, and killed Bob, for Ponyboy. It’s obvious that Johnny would do anything for Ponyboy.

It is evident from the actions and behaviors of Johnny that he is a person who would think of others before himself. As a result, it is easy to be emotional because he did so much for others that he ended up dying, to protect something gold.

Dramatic Monologue - The Outsiders - Final Draft

Here's my final draft for my dramatic monologue:

Ponyboy is bitter about how unfair it is that their gang always have it hard-going while the Socs are rich and will always be the most dominant of the two gangs, while Two-Bit accepts this and has learned to love life even through the tough times.

TWO-BIT. Jeez, Ponyboy sure is blind. Yes, it’ll be tough at times, but it’ll be better to just go with it. Having fun is what’s important, right? What we have is better than nothin’. The Socs enjoy life, so (pauses) why don’t we? Someday he’ll see even if there’s no way to win against them Socs, we can still be happy. We might get a few beatings here and there but…that makes us look tuff.

And I don’t want to even think about Marcia at the moment. I was being stupid. (Talks slower) She was one chick, (talks as normal again) but when it comes to it, she’s still a Soc. Man, that night was a blast, though. She was probably acting the whole way through. We’re not the same as the Socs, that’s definitely true. We stick together…unlike them. We’ll stick together the whole way… (Raises his voice) And still, Ponyboy doesn’t notice this!

And what’s with this ‘Darry problem’? If not Darry, Ponyboy has Soda, that’s enough to live with. So he better do nothin’ stupid because Darry loves him, even if that’s not so obvious. Dang, I can see that, and Ponyboy can’t? I thought he was supposed to be smart. Ponyboy just doesn’t use his head, Darry’s right on that. Darry’s just stressed. He could kick Ponyboy out of the house so he wouldn’t have to work like he does. But does he? No. Ponyboy is such an idiot it sometimes drives me insane. But I’ll let him go this time, (talks like it’s a joke) while he’s confused. But, (talks like he’s serious) he better wipe that sad look on his face, or it’ll be me who is gonna explode.

Please give me feedback!

Design Cycle 1 - Evaluate

I've finally finished my design cycle! Here's a preview of my evaluate document:

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