Games vs. Life

Author’s Note: This is a comparative essay. I compared one of my favorite books, The Hunger Games to my social studies book, Sarah Bishop. I explain the similarities and differences they share in the theme of Survival. I support my ideas with quotes from the story and different events.

Imagine you’re hanging one hundred feet above the ground; slowly your fingers are slipping off the edge One by one, each finger is slipping. You try to grab on again,  yelling for help. You’re hanging on for your life, for your survival. In The Hunger Games and Sarah Bishop this is exactly how the main characters feel every second of the day. The Hunger Games and Sarah Bishop are both based on the theme, survival, though they do show this is many different ways.

One similarity between the two books is how Katniss and Sarah, the main characters of the books, are fighting for their lives. “Determined to go on until nightfall, I walk until I’m stumbling over my own feet.” This quote shows how hard it was for Katniss to even keep up with herself in the arena, literally! Every second of the day, they are on edge. Anyone could come out of nowhere and kill them on the spot. With having to kill animals for their only food, and living in hazardous conditions day and night, they only hope they live for the next days

Even though fighting for their lives is a huge similarity between the two books, another similarity is trying to survive without all of your family. Katniss and Sarah both have a broken family. Katniss lost her dad in a mine accident, when he was working one day. Sarah lost her dad and her brother because of the revolutionary war.”By the time dawn came and the sky clouded, he was only breathing in gasps.” “They want us to die Sarah. Chad is dead. He died this morning.” These quotes show when Sarah found out that she lost all of her family. Sarah and Katniss both have to figure out how to survive without all of their family. Katniss had to try to feed her family and take care of them, but when she goes off to the Hunger Games, who will keep them alive? Sarah has to live on her own, all by herself! A fifteen year old basically has to become an adult early, so she can survive throughout her life.

Although similarities are very important for showing that both books have one of the main themes as survival, there are many differences between the two. In The Hunger Games Katniss did not have a chose. When her little sister Prim got chosen for the Hunger Games, Katniss had to volunteer for her. If Prim went, she probably would have died! So she had no chose and went. “Trying to remember how to breathe, unable to speak, totally stunned bounces around the inside of my skull.” This quote shows how Katniss felt when Prim got picked to go to The Hunger Games. Katniss had to fight for her survival throughout the Hunger Games and was very close to dying. What’s different between The Hunger Games and Sarah Bishop? Well, in The Hunger Games when she was fighting for her life, it was all just a game, but she could die at any time. In Sarah Bishop, this was real life. Sarah had to kill dangerous animals for food, and live in a frigid cave on her own!

     Overall, survival is used in many different ways in the books Sarah Bishop and The Hunger Games. Sarah is in the middle of the revolutionary way trying to survive without her dad and brother. On the other hand, Katniss is stuck in the horrible game; the government puts on, where to win the all the players must kill each other to win! They are always on edge waiting for a coal, black bear charging at them or another player throwing a killing spear at them. The two girls went through a lot, but survived till the end. What if you were living in a cave or in a horrible game like The Hunger Games? How would you survive?

Her New Life

Author’s Note: This is a writing piece to show that I know how to explain the cause and effect of the climax of a book. I support my piece with supporting details from the story and different quotes.

            In the book, Sarah Bishop, Sarah is a fifteen year old girl in the middle of the revolutionary war. She had something big happen to her and had to basically take care of herself. Sarah ran away from the war and decided to start a new life in the woods, in a cave. The climax of the story is the British soldiers coming to her home and burning it down. A little while after the fire, her dad died after the British put tar and feathers on him. A few days after, she found out her brother died while he was on a boat called the Scorpion. “Sarah, Chad is dead. He died this morning.” David, Chad’s friend said when he Sarah asked where Chad was. She was devastated. Her brother and her father were the only ones she had and now they were gone. Sarah didn’t have anybody left, so she decided to run. What else could she do?

             The cause of the climax was her brother deciding he was going to fight against the British.”We have enlisted. We are soldiers in the militia, and we shall fight the King until he surrenders.” This quote shows how he told his family that he was going to fight with as you can say, the rebels.  Sarah’s dad got angry and called him a fool, but Chad didn’t care. The next day was when the British found out that Chad, the brother, was going to fight and ruined their home. “I stood there staring at the flames and screaming at Birdshall. I have no idea what I was saying.” This quote shows how fast it happened and how hard it must have been for Sarah. The one main consequence was that were her father and brother died. The other big effects of the climax were being accused of starting a fire and losing her real and only home. Sarah encountered many problems throughout the book but lived through them all.

Those Red Coat Soilders

Author’s Note: This is a piece of writing about point of view. This piece demonstrates that I know how to identify what point of view the story is in and how it would be different in another character’s point of view.

     Sarah Bishop is a 15 year- old girl on the run from the war. Her brother, Chad, comes home and says he signed up to fight against the British. This novel is written in Sarah Bishop’s point of view. When he told his family about fighting for the rebels, it caused a lot of trouble. What began this run was the fire of her home and the British soldiers killing her father. This event caused what she did throughout the story and how she reacted to the war and to the different people throughout the book.

       In Sarah Bishop’s point of view, the event was a disaster. It happened so fast, she barely could keep up! When she saw the soldiers light the torch and threw it onto her house and barn, Sarah was literally unable to move or think.”The house and the barn and the cow shed and the pigsty were now one mass of sparks and leaping flames.” This showed what had happened to her home. Sarah hated the British soldiers for ruining her home, and now she knew why her brother was fighting against them. She was terrified, not knowing where her father was and what all happened. This point of view made Sarah think differently of the war and just wanted to get away from it. I the reader, personally think that this was the best way to tell how this event happened and how Sarah felt about it. It made me feel bad of Sarah’s family and wondered how the soldiers could have possibly ruined their home! Did it really have to come to burning their house, just because Chad was fighting for the Americans?

          This event could be completely different in a different character’s point of view such as one of the British soldiers.   When they came to the house, he probably thought it was the best thing to do since the owner’s son, Chad Bishop, was fighting against the British. How could a young boy be brave enough to fight against the country they were born from? Not possible and completely unacceptable. He probably did not think of how the scared, little girl, watching her home burn to the ground, felt. This could be a completely different event in another person’s eyes!

           Overall, point of view is very important and forces you to see only one side of the event, not two.  A single event can change everything! Sarah Bishop’s view of the war changed after what the British did to her home and why she was running away from the war. She didn’t have anyone else after her father died, and soon brother died, so she ran away and didn’t come back. The point of view of another character in the story changes the whole view of the event. How would you describe this story if you were watching this all happen? How would your point of view be different from the solider or Sarah Bishop?

Family is Everything

Author’s Note: This is the final essay for the Outsiders. I improved one of my other writing pieces to complete this final essay. This essay shows that I can be able to share my ideas and thoughts in a formal essay that can be graded on the writing rubric.I explain how the main theme of the story is family

You come home right after you just got into a tremendous fist fight with a gang. Your parents are relaxing on the couch, watching TV and don’t even notice you are home or even that you left! How would that feel if that happened to you? What kind of family doesn’t care about their own child? In “The Outsiders” family is everything to everyone. My definition of family is someone who cares about you and is always there for you. One of the most substantial main themes of The Outsiders is the definition of family.

First off, in The Outsiders, most of the greasers do not have any blood related parents or family that care about them. They basically all take care of themselves. One of the main ideas of the story is that you don’t need blood related family to feel wanted or cared for. If your friends are basically all you have, make sure you do not lose them. Even though you don’t have to have a blood related family to care for you, everyone wants one. Who wouldn’t?

Although explaining the meaning of family is important, examples from the story are very valuable information to know. Ponyboy, Darry and Sodapop all lost their parents in a car accident. They were living the life, but then the accident happened. Darry had to quit school and work two jobs to take care of Ponyboy and Sodapop. Darry became hard, ungrateful and cold to everyone. Losing their family changed their entire life. “Darry would kill me if I got into trouble with the police.”   This quote shows how he can be the same caring, warmhearted brother he used to be before the accident. Another person who is affected by family is Johnny Cade. Johnny is abused by his dad and gets ignored by his alcoholic, maniacal mother. “We were used to seeing Johnny get banged up- his father clobbered him around a lot, and although it made us madder than heck, we couldn’t do anything about it.” This quote shows how dysfunctional his family is and how the greasers care more about him than his real family. Another quote that shows how important family is to Johnny is, “If it hadn’t been for the gang, Johnny would have never known what love and affection are.” The last person that is affected by family is Dally. When Johnny died, he went crazy. Johnny was all Dally cared about and now he was gone.  Without family, the characters in this book would have a very painful and unsuccessful life.

Even though family is the main theme in the book, it also relates to other people and characters outside of the book!  The Outsiders relates to many people in different ways! This story relates to me because I have blood relative family that love me and take care of me. Sure, I have my friends but they are nothing like my real family. The Greasers and I are exactly opposite! This story relates to other novels or stories because usually in every book, somehow their family is messed up. In Ruby Holler, by Sharon Creech, the twins do not have a family. They keep getting shipped from family to family looking for the perfect home.  The twins in the story, relates to the greasers because they both do not have blood related family to love them. Darry, Sodapop and Ponyboy only have each other and so do the twins.

Overall, family is obviously the main theme of the story. Family is affected by everyone in The Outsiders. The whole book is basically about the definition of family! The definition of family is different to everyone but I think family means someone who always is there for you no matter what and will always love and care for you. Family affects me and other characters in novels too! Without family, what would happen? Who could you look to in a time of need? Could you survive without your family?

Where did all the fans go?

Authors Note: This is a re-do of my text structure piece. I am writing a better and improved one. This piece shows that I understand text structure and cause and effect relationships.

Dear Casey,

It’s such an honor to write this letter to you. I’ve been your biggest fan ever since I went to your first baseball game! I’ve watched you play for as long as I can remember and I’ve always thought you were the best baseball player out there, but I want to tell you what I thought about your last game. You were my hero, but now I think I have to find a new one. What happened Casey?

The conflict was obviously you thought you were too good. I’ve never seen you act like that, especially when you only had one inning left and you were down four, two. Did you really think you could hit any ball you wanted? Well, you didn’t. Everyone was counting on you Casey, especially since you were known for hitting homeruns and winning games for the team.

You’re conflict resulted in you not hitting any of the balls. You lost the game for everyone , and they were all counting on you. How do you feel now? Because you thought you were too good and started being arrogant, you let down all your fans, especially me. That day, you lost a lot of your fans. You striking out and being too arrogant could get you sat for a game or worse, getting kicked of the team. Is this the real you Casey? I am very disappointed and so are a handful of fans.

I am sorry for being so rude or harsh, but this is how I feel and I bet a lot of other people do too. If you do something selfish or arrogant, there will always be consequences. I would think getting kicked off the team would crush you, but maybe that’s what you need. Maybe it will help you solve your arrogance issues. I hope I see you next year being the best baseball player I know and love.

Your former #1 fan,

Kennedi Bates

Meaning of Family

Author's Note: This a piece about the book I read named The Outsiders. This writing piece is to show how I can present the main idea/topic in my writing. This will also show my organization skills in my writing.

           

You come home right after you just got into a huge fist fight with a gang. Your parents are sitting on the couch, watching TV and don’t even notice you are home or even that you left! How would that feel if that happened to you? What kind of family doesn’t care about their own child? In “The Outsiders” family is everything to everyone. My definition of family is someone who cares about you and is always there for you.

 In The Outsiders, most of the greasers do not have any blood related parents or family that care about them. They basically all take care of themselves. One of the main ideas of the story is that you don’t need blood related family to feel wanted or cared for. If your friends are basically all you have, make sure you do not lose them. Even though you don’t have to have a blood related family to care for you, everyone wants one. Who wouldn’t?

 Ponyboy, Darry and Sodapop all lost their parents in a car accident. They were living the life, but then the accident happened. Darry had to quit school and work two jobs to take care of Ponyboy and Sodapop. Darry became hard and cold to everyone. Losing their family changed their entire life. Another person who is affected by family is Johnny Cade. Johnny is abused by his dad and gets ignored by his alcoholic, crazy mother. “We were used to seeing Johnny get banged up- his father clobbered him around a lot, and although it made us madder than heck, we couldn’t do anything about it.” This quote shows how dysfunctional his family is and how the greasers care more about him than his real family. Another quote that shows how important family is to Johnny is, “If it hadn’t been for the gang, Johnny would have never known what love and affection are.” The last person that is affected by family is Dally. When Johnny died, he went crazy. Johnny was all Dally cared about and now he was gone.

The Outsiders relates to many people in different ways! This story relates to me because I have blood relative family that love me and take care of me. Sure, I have my friends but they are nothing like my real family. The Greasers and I are exactly opposite! This story relates to other novels or stories because usually in every book, somehow their family is messed up. In Ruby Holler, by Sharon Creech, the twins do not have a family. They keep getting shipped from family to family looking for the perfect home. ` The twins in the story relates to the greasers because they both do not have blood related family to love them. Darry, Sodapop and Ponyboy only have each other and so do the twins.

Overall, family is the most important theme in this book. Family is affected by everyone in The Outsiders. The definition of family is different to everyone but I think family means someone who always is there for you no matter what and will always love and care for you. Family affects me and other characters in novels too! Without family, what would happen? Could you survive without family?

The Bullet

Author’s Note: This is a piece about a new scene for The Outsiders. I thought it would have been an exciting scene to put in the story.

Cherry drove around looking for the rumble that was about to happen any minute now. The whole thing was about Bob getting killed by Johnny. She found out earlier that day that Johnny was in the hospital after he and Ponyboy saved a bunch of children from a burning church. Somehow she had forgiven Johnny but she was still determined to stop the fight.

When she finally found them, Cherry got out of the car and ran into the middle of the two groups. “Stop!” She screamed. “Cherry. What are you doing here? You’re going to get hurt. Go home. You don’t belong here.” Ponyboy spat and glanced at the ground. “Ponyboy! You can’t do this. Fighting never solves anything! You know that. Please don’t fight!” Cherry begged. “We have to. It’s the only way to settle this.” Ponyboy explained apologetically.

“We’re going to start without you Ponyboy, and unless she leaves, she’ll be a part of it too.” Screamed a grumpy man, which was on the Greasers side. “Go. Please.” Ponyboy said weakly. Cherry stepped back, with tears in her eyes.

“No guns. No weapons. Just hands,” Said one of the guys. Tears slid down Cherry’s cheek as she got into her car. “Wait!” Cherry ran and hugged Ponyboy. “Goodbye Ponyboy” and turned around. “Get out!” A large man pulled out a gun and shot the bullet right at Cherry. “No!” Ponyboy ran in front of her. As the bullet went through his heart, Cherry then knew she was in love with Ponyboy Curtis.

Fairytale World

Author's Note: This is a picture post. You find a picture and then you write whatever you want about it! I did this last year and thought it would be a good writing piece to put on my blog once again. Hope you like it!

As I walked through the flowers, yellow all around me I smiled. I felt like I was in a world without troubles. No fighting, no homework and no problems what so ever. It was the perfect place to be. I started skipping through the flowers, feeling like a princess. I soon got tired and layed down to look at the sky. I fell sleepy and drifted to sleep, knowing everything is great! I awoke to water droplets falling on me. I got up and ran as fast as I could, trying to look for my mom. I saw her and she was saying something but I don't know what. I started running faster and faster and I finally got to her. I hugged her as hard as I could.  We walked out of the yellow, flower world back into reality and into the real world, once again.

Best Friends Forever
Always Together
Playing volleyball
And always cal
Walking to the park
Especially in the dark
Having a fun time and all!
Love hanging out
Up and about
We are best friends!

Love for Our Country

Authors Note: This is a writing piece about if I am proud of my country. I explain my reasoning and conclude my idea.

    Am I proud of my country? That's like asking a mother if she loves her child! Who wouldn't be proud of a country you love? Many countries do not have freedom of speech or any freedom at all! We can say whatever we want and fight against for what we believe in. In my country no one says who we have to vote for or who we have to like. We make our own choices and our own decisions. Freedom is everything.

        We also have a democracy that allows us many choices and a voice in policies and actions. It gives us, the people to vote for and elect who we want to rule the country. And after four years we do it all over again. There isn't such thing as a king or dictator in my country, which makes it the best country in the world.

         Lastly, citizens of our country fight for their lives to protect us! They volunteer to do that! In other countries you are forced to fight for your country but not in my country. We get a choice and many people take the choice to fight for us and not just be lazy or stay in bed all day. How could you not be proud of this country and its people?

You're Out!

Authors Note: This is a letter about softball to Avery. I am trying to make her play softball! This piece shows that I used quotes from other references and and my own connections to support my decision.


Dear Avery,

It’s the championship game of the state tournament. You step up to bat. The score is 0 to 1. There‘s a runner on third base and another on second. If you can get a double, your team will win the state championship. The pitcher pitches the ball right where you like it. You swing and there it goes over the fence. This is why I play the best sport in the world, softball, and you should too!

Softball is one of the most fun activities I have ever played. It takes my mind off of anything else that’s bothering me and just lets me have fun playing the game. I remember one time at one of my select softball tournaments, I was having some drama with my friends but once I started playing softball, that’s all that was on my mind! Another reason why softball is a really good sport to play is because of your team. You basically play all season and through the summer you get to be better friends and basically become one big happy family! I felt that way on my old select softball team! We love each other exactly the same as a real family!
A different reason why you should play softball is because the actual game is just so fantastic! Hitting, fielding, pitching and catching are all part of this tremendous sport! I have been playing softball basically since I was 3 so I can really relate. Even though sometimes you strike out or lose, your team will always be there for you when you’re down. A college softball player’s favorite quote is “Never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game.” The quote says a lot about to never give up and keep on playing. This is what softball is all about.

Overall, you should play softball because you’ll make best friends, keeps your mind off of things and simply because the actual game. Don’t every give up and keep playing no matter what! So, what do you think? Are you going to play softball?

Play Ball!
Kennedi

Tick Tock, Tick Tock.

Author’s Note: This is a persuasive argument about why students should have more time in between class periods. It explains that students won’t be tardy, rushing and cause less stress for everyone. This piece shows how I improved on my conclusion and introduction.

You just came from your F/CE class that was all the way on other side on the building. Can you make it to your next class on time? Then you remember you have to stop at your locker. You’re never going to make it with just a couple of minutes! Everything starts acting like a blur and then you hear the bell. You’re late. This kind of thing happens to many students every day! I believe that students should have more time in between class periods.
First off, many students will not be late or tardy coming from one class to another. The teachers and the students will not be as stressed. The teachers will not be stressed because they won’t be yelling or getting mad, which increases blood pressure, at students that are late. In many situations students have a class on the complete opposite side of the building as their next class. The students need time to get to their next class with rushing or being late, which leads me to my next reason, rushing.
Even though being late is an important part of my argument, rushing is also a valuable part too. Rushing can cause many different things to happen. Without students rushing to get to their next class they can go to the bathroom or get a drink so they won’t have to in class. Students will also not forget their materials and will most likely bring everything they need to class every day. Maybe they could catch up with their friends too.
Although rushing is very substantial section in my understanding, socializing is not as important but still useful for my decision. Something very good for students is that they will be more social and increase their social ability. This will help them later long in life when they will have to communicate in a casual manner to other adults. The students will also make new friends and become closer with their friends they have now, which is always a positive thing.
In conclusion, students should have more time in between their different classes. It will help them with being social, not rushing and giving the teacher’s less stress for not yelling at the students if they are late. How would you like it if you only had a few minutes to get from your class to your locker then to your next class? Wouldn’t you want more time?