¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ James's Journals & Other Stuff!!!!!!!!!!!! ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
Prompt 51 Free Journal
I desired to increase my MacBook Pro hard drive to around 320Gb. Thus, I asked my father to transfer my Mac to the Yongsan Electronic Store to upgrade my Mac. There was an external hard drive plugged into my Mac, which my father took as well. That night, when my dad came back I couldn't wait to see my Mac with so much space to fill up.
When I checked my internal hard drive the memory was still the same as before. What was wrong? Shouldn't the numbers say 320Gb? I asked my dad, who told me to check my external hard drive. When I clicked "Get Info" on my external hard disk icon, new numbers showed. My external HD was 160 Gb, but it changed to 320 Gb. Then I knew what had happened.
My father had changed the capacity of the external HD, not the internal one inside my Mac. I was upset and displeased, but my dad promised to get my Mac all ready soon. Oh, I better wait for that time to come or else, I don't how mad I would be.
Prompt 50 Erica Jong said, “If you don’t risk anything, you risk
more. Write about what this means to you.
This means that trying to be safe actually may be a disadvantage to you. Just because you think you are safe does not mean your opponent will not target you. They maybe planning or tracking you down. In the case of an attack or a counter-strike at you, it would not be beneficial to lose all your property if you gather all your things in one spot. Just like how we warn not to put our eggs in one basket, if we disperse ourselves, the risk rate will be much lower.
Final Project-Short Story
Prompt 49 Write from the point of view of a TV remote control.
There goes James again. OWWWW That hurts! Why is keep pressing on my middle button? Why do I have to shoot beams at the huge black TV. I need to cycle through hundred channels in a minute. I'm really busy around 6:00pm. James always sops around on the couch punching his fingernails right into the grey buttons. I hate this kind of torture that James is giving.
I can clearly see why life is so unfair. I do not understand my I need to feel pain for another person's benefit. James watches TV for like the next 3 hours sometimes. This means I'll be physically abused for 3 hours. This is real pain and I think James should know how it feels like to be a remote control like me.
However, the main injury goes to the red on/off switch. I tend to shut down the TV when James presses the red button for 5 seconds. He sticks his thumb right into my face that I feel like getting squished by a weight that is 1,000 times bigger in size than me. What a relief! It is James's first time that he turns the TV off within a minute. Yes! Now I can relax. Oh well, I better wait till tomorrow afternoon, when I bet he'll torture me again....
Prompt 48 In one sentence, describe something (not someone) that is very ugly. Create a vividly ugly image, with words.
There on the end of the tar-filled street corner live 1 million cockroaches with black-lurking exoskeletons and slimy, furry legs reaching into the rotten flesh of a dead chicken which was on the ground for a month or so.
Prompt 47 Madison is so happy. In one paragraph, show that she is happy, but don't use the word happy.
Madison, the always-playing kid, instantly went to her friend's house. With a big smile that reached the ends of her ears, she started talking about how excited she was with the new doll that came out. Soon after, Madison and her friend ran to the back garden-patio. They started playing and throwing a humongous, bouncy rubber ball. They were crackling with laughter as if the witches were successful in their death spells. Jumping around on bare-foot with soil all over their hands, they sprint around as if they don't care about anything except for their contentment!
Prompt 46 Write about a memory related to a holiday.
Watching 3 movies in one day with my friends at the cinema was great. Avatar, Sherlock Holmes, and Alvin And The Chipmunks were the 3 exciting and funny films that we watched. 8 hours of imagination and excitement wandered around withing our brains. Not only this, but also, we went to a PC room for 3 hours. We all concentrated really hard in game world being far from reality.
The holiday became really fun after I spent one of my days of a lifetime in an imaginary world, where movie characters, animated characters, and PC game characters all meet in one part of the unknown world. I bet I have never been exposed tot his magical world for such a long time, with everything seeming so realistic and futuristic. What a holiday to spend with friends through watching 3 continuous movies and several extra hours to exercise our brains in order to encounter the non-real world again.
Prompt 45 Free Journal
There is this 6th Grder that I know well. Today, he brought in this black remote control-looking mouse. at first, I thought it was some sort of laser toy that children play around with. I started poking him around by saying that it was not a mouse. However, he started to stick a Wireless USB Adapter in my Mac. Then, he moved his hand up and down with the mouse clutched in his fingers. The screen flickered as the mouse started moving simultaneously as witht he same direction of the hand of the 6th Grader.
This was when I just noticed new technology in the field of computer mouses. You could actually control your screen with out any chubby mouse nor did I need a pad. Only the flat, black remote control was necessary and this really made me excited. This mouse could be controlled and used in mid-air without any assistance or support. The 6th Grade had impressed me a lot.
Prompt 44 Write a letter to yourself as a ten-year-old child.
33 Overdale Avenue
New Malden
Surrey
KT3 3UE
Dear James,
I hope you are getting along with the always-changing weather. It's pretty bitter cold there in England, right? Oh yeah and how's your new school going. Changing from Westbury House School to Dorchester Primary School. The teachers say that you are getting along with others very well. I'm currently attending Korea International School (middle school). I really like the purple uniform that I heard you wear to school. fortunately, our school doesn't make us wear uniforms.
You better doing well in sports because that's what England dominates in. Football, rugby and cricket should be the sports you should be doing. I know you don't like running around in muddy fields bumping into others just to get your hands on the ball. However, that's just how life is.
Oh well, here in Korea, I mostly play soccer, but these days I'm nearing my finals and I'm very busy to be able to play sports. I'll work on exercising and you promise you'll be more involved and active in the sports that your school encourages you to do. Okay see you soon. I should better get back to work, then.
Yours sincerely,
James, 13 years old
Prompt 43 For the last two days you were not in school because of the weather-"snow days." As advanced we have become in the 21st century, we still can not control the weather. Do you think this is an advantage or a disadvantage?
I think it is advantageous to us, humans. Snow (ice) is all part of nature. Humans are just one part of nature and we are only consisted of one species. Nature is too big as in general to be dominated by one species. Snow days might not be the best days for humans but can surely be beneficial to other species or the environment itself. In preparation for droughts and other horrible natural disasters, snow might be the only and last water supply for soil and animals for the year to come.
Greediness of humans can't always be the priority because the skills that nature has preserved is way beyond the technology and the knowledge of the human civilization. As time passes, more and more of Earth would be controlled under the hands of humans. However, nature will never let in weather.
Weather covers up the whole Earth and nothing man-made could block or protect or even reach the areas near the ozone of our Earth. Let us be more understandable to other animals, plants, and the environment of how snow may be a bit uncomfortable for us but a lot of assistance to others. Thus, I think it i advantageous in terms of preventing us from becoming selfish and let other species enjoy the snow-days.
Snow White Formatted ...
Prompt 42 As this is being written, a show called "What Not To Wear" is popular on the cable channel TLC. Imagine more possible shows on a "what not to do" theme. Describe at least one idea. (Don't forget to give the show a name).
"What Not To Travel To"
This is a program where they show places where tourists of different ethnicity should not go to. Today, there are a lot of conflicts occurring overseas, as the globe turns into an internationalized society. Thus, this TV show allows people to know what regions are safe to be when traveling. For example, the TV show will constantly tell American travelers not to visit the mountainous regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan where the military front lines are.
In addition, this TV is aware of biased sayings. Thus, no prejudiced conceptions are included even considering the political and religious affairs going on around the globe. This show will really be useful to people who are travel-a-holic and would like to have safety guaranteed areas to visit or sightsee.
Prompt 41 Free Journal
In an hour or so, I will be heading to my airplane ready to go to the UK. I feel gloomy that I won't see my friends for a long time. However, on the other hand, I feel exhilarated that I will be able to meet my British friends, that I have never seen for the past 3 years.
I can't wait to see them.
For some reason, I have this feeling that I am entering this new world that I have never been before. This sort of shock wave is paralyzing my brain, which makes it hard for me to write this journal, because my brain is malfunctioning. I must quickly get used to my new way of life considering the jet lags over difference in time zones. I hope my body doesn't act weirdly after getting exposed to a world that I have been to years ago.
Prompt 40 What's your idea of the perfect vacation?
A perfect vacation will be Austria. I heard that Austria is a very good site to visit. The weather is perfect all season-round according to some people who have visited there. There are a lot of special things to do in Austria. In addition, I have never traveled to regions in Central Europe. Thus, it would be cool to visit places in the world that I have never explored before in my 13 years of lifetime.
This is why Austria is a good place to go on vacation. The place for new adventures around the world plus others saying that Austria is good gives me a feeling that Austria might be an excellent vacation for me. Wahhooooo! Time to go and get some clothes ready. We're going for Austria and I"ll book the plane tickets right now!
Prompt 39 What would you do with three wishes?
The first wish I would like to have is becoming a trillionaire. I could purchase anything I want such as my favorite cars, and other electronic devices that can make my life much easier than others. Then I would not have to worry about financial burdens because I can buy anything I want in the world without having to concern about the price of the object that I desire to have in my hands.
The second wish is that I want to have the skills to teleport because I would not have to worry about being late to any place at anytime. Also I could move around the world within seconds, which takes other hours. I can use my time much more effectively without having to waste it.
My third wish is to have the ORNL Jaguar's Claw-supercomputer. As we humans engage into the era of computers and having the best computer in the world is pretty fascinating. Jaguar Claw which is the fastest supercomputer in the world should be now part of my property because it is people's dream electronic device. Thus, I would love to have this computer.
Prompt 38 Free Journal
Today was one of the best days in my life. The new Modern Warfare 2 CD had just arrived at my house. As soon as I turned on my home computer, I pushed in the CD, and waited for the application. 4 hours of game was real fun. Volume at maximum and graphic as good as reality, my eyes were piercing into the mini-pixels of the computer screen.
I couldn't take my left hand off the keyboard and my right hand on the mouse. I did not even know actually 2 more hours had passed. Blood everywhere and bombs exploding all around me, I felt as if I was really in war with Muslim extremists who are planning to kill anyone in their way.
Bullets shattering everywhere and deafening sounds of airplanes bombing the nearby areas, my dream of playing games for hours had been accomplished. Next time, I'm going to play for a day, which is impractical and unlikely. However, it would be better to try than not doing it.
Prompt 37 Great-grandpa Rotondo doesn't understand what a video game is. Or an iPod. Or text messaging. Pick one of the above and explain what it is in terms that even the most un-technological person can understand.
Hey, Great grandpa Rotondo, do you know what text messaging is? With the frown on your face I see that this too much hi-tech for you. You know when you were young, you met with your friend directly and talked to one another in front of each other. However, life has become much easier. There is this new technology called text-message. You can contact your friend without having to meet them. Just type some words on the computer, the typewriter-looking object, and your friend will receive a text of writing that you sent to him/her within seconds.
This uses time really effectively and wisely. Great-grandfather, this is why I don't need to meet my friends as frequently as you did. I could communicate with them through text-messaging. All you have to say just has to be typed and it is good to go. Your friend will get it instantly and in several seconds, a reply will come. You use this text to and fro until you end your conversation with him/her. It is too simple and comfortable to be developed more.
In addition, text messaging can be done nearly anywhere. You only need your cell phone or a laptop and you can contact someone on the opposite side of the globe. This is the reason why I suggest the new recent technology to your, Great grandpa. You will love it. You can immediately try contacting others who have already become part of the new globalized society.
Prompt 36 You are paying $10.00 per word to advertise in the classified section of the Upscale Times, a newspaper for a very wealthy area of town. You want to offer your services as a dog sitter. Write a convincing ad, but don't spend more than $200.00.
Dog Sitter's here!
Feeding, Walking the dog is no problem!
Even can let the dog watch its favorite TV show!
Prompt 35 Three people are stuck in an elevator: a teenager with green hair and many piercings, a pasty chef, a church organist. Write a conversation they have as they wait.
Teenager: I ain't got no knowledge of fixing elevators...man.
Chef: Okay, the button is stuck so we can't move or open the elevator doors. I have a butcher knife in my waist pocket after slicing some meat in the steak house on the 4th floor. Why don't I try pushing the blade into the stuck buttons.
Organist: Fine. It may not work and I've been playing holy music so long that I memorized the prayers that the monks sing. I'll pray to God as you press on the button.
Chef: OMG, my blade doesn't reach the lever. Uh oh.a
Organist: In the name of God, please help us. He who is sufficient could help us who are in need... Amen!
Teenager: Hey, organist can you please zip your mouth unless it is necessary.
Organist: Hey, kid you don't use that kind of language to me. You got that?!
Chef: Okay, you two stop fighting. My knife doesn't reach the lever so why don't you with the green hair (teenager) trying fixing the lever.
Teenager: Fine..
Organist: God, please help us by shining your light at us with all your honor.
Teenager: Stop speaking nonsense, organist! I got the Lever!
Chef: Now pull the lever out so that the switch button is turned on again.
Organist: (ignoring the negative comments) God, you have helped us find the right way to Heaven. I will always stay next to you, God and I will always follow you.
Teenager: Hey, chef, can you make that organist's mouth shut!
Chef: I'll make him stop praying, but get on with the work..
Teenager: Okay, now the elevator should be going up pretty soon.
The elevator started to make clinking sounds as the 3 people started to notice their body float again towards the sky.
They all stopped at different floors with the teenager feeling happy for fixing the elevator, but also angry at that organist who prays nonsense, the chef goes to the restaurant where he works, scraping the bent blade, and the organist is praying to god for his miracle. How different they all seem when they in one enclosed space.
Prompt 34 Free Write
Playing in KIS Reads was real fun. Mr. Londgren allowed us to have free time in KIS Reads because we all brought our books every time from the start of the year. We played around and I talked with my friends shoving all sorts of Pepero into my mouth. Most of the times, we would silently be reading books in fixed up-right positions. However, today's atmosphere was completely the opposite.
Crumbs were everywhere, my friends were moving their hands all over the MacBook keyboard. When there were several seconds of silence, mouse clicks and keyboard buttons pressing was all that I could hear. In other classes, all the students were all quiet; however, our class was like an uproar with chair flying around with Pepero packets traveling over people's heads.
For around 45 minutes, we were all over the place, crackling with laughter. Wow, I have never experienced such an exciting KIS Reads. I really would like to have all my KIS Reads class like this. It would be so much better with all the socialization with friends.
Prompt 33 Reflect on the process of writing a short story. What did you learn from the process? If you had the assignment again how would you approach it?
It took me a long time to write my short story. I thought I could finish the story within half an hour, but it actually took me 2~3 hours. I quintuple- checked my work to find more improvements that I could do to make my first draft impressive. I learned a lot about time management. I did not really think that the time spent on this writing would not have been that long, until I found out about it as I was writing it.
If I get to fix it, I would concentrate more on the characters. The teacher and the other students praised me about the visuality about the plot and the story line. Now I think I must work on my character description because they may be confusing with all the action occurring as the story flows. If there is more character development, the short story would have more sensory descriptions that can allow the readers to see the writing in their minds with real people in it.
With the more character work and changes in sentence fluency, my work would be much better when I hand it in tomorrow as my second draft. I can't wait to see my teacher's comment on my second draft. I really wonder.... Oh well, I better get along with my characters to make it better.
Prompt 32 Free Journal
Today, I played Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare with my friends. I always was teams with J and all the other (not good computer game players) were in the other team. Now, as time passed with more cooperation with J in computer games, I really wanted to see my true skills. Thus, I combated 1:1 with him. I knew I was going to lose, but I still kept my optimism to maximum height.
I had seen J's strategies a lot of times and the hide-out places that he usually went. With all these knowledge the game started. I quickly ran behind one of the buildings where no one would recognize me. There, I fully reloaded all my weapons with other side arms in my hands. I had a UAV Jammer, which showed me where J was. I followed behind him until the time to strike had come.
I just followed him quietly until he reached my base. I took out my knife and butchered his body in several strikes and I saw J's body lying still on the floor with red blood on the bricks. On the menu bar, a message appeared saying that I had killed J. Sdudenly I felt good with me winning J. Then I hid from that time on until the game ended. Still, I won with some sly tricks against him. Yeppy!!!
Prompt 31 Free Journal
Today was one of the most unusual days that I have ever had. Everyone always talks about hacking IDs; however, today, someone really hacked my ID and password for my AIM. When I opened it two days ago, it was perfectly fine. AIM is a program, which is associated with iChat.
Around, 7:00 pm, I start chatting with my friends online, but when I opened the application, a weird message popped up.
It says that my ID was invalid, so I retyped it. HOwever, the message appeared. When I tried 18 times, a different message with a big red flag flashed on my screen. This was how it looked like: "Error Code: 504. Suggestions: Make a new ID or download AIM 1.7.16 again.
I really got angry when I saw this message. I was too bothered to download or make a new ID. Eventually, I made a new ID with the same address. The weird part was that there was someone online on iChat with my former iChat ID. I was sort of taken back, but for safety, I blocked the ghost of my old iChat ID. This is what I call serious hacking.
Prompt 30 Free Journal
Today, I had a social studies quiz. Usually our teacher really asks for very specific information. Thus, I pierced my eyes into the small black letters of our online textbook. After 30 minutes of continuous concentration on the pages, my eyes started to become dizzy. After a hour of silence with my eyes getting weird, I finally finished studying.
Now the time for our quiz had come. The teachers was handing out paper for us to write down answers. What, the quiz is half a page long ?!!! I was frustrated, but I later found out that it was just a 10-word vocabulary quiz. OMG! I studied for an hour for a 10 word quiz? I couldn't believe that I used my time so ineffectively.
Although my score for the test was perfect, I didn't feel as happy as most times because I just did not feel good about studying more than necessary for such a small quiz. At least the result was satisfactory. Well, next time, I'll just study for a reasonable amount of time, unlike today.
Story- Rough Draft
Prompt 29 Some say you can tell a lot about a person by the vehicle he or she drives. Picture a car. In your mind, rummage through this car. Check it out from every angle. Describe the car and the man or woman who goes with it.
A black painted Lamborghini zoomed past me at lightning speed. Loud music vibrated into my eardrums. It seemed as if a rocket was launched right next to me. As the car went by I saw a cigarette lying on the road. The ashes weren't turned off perfectly, which meant the driver of the Lamborghini was smoking. I could really picture the person who was driving the car.
I bet the man was a rich, but spoiled person. Not a lot of people drive a lam borghini. Also I think that this man is pretty bossy by putting music on at loudest volume in the public. He also is a very immoral and unethical person. He just flicked off a cigarette on the street. What kind of a person could be that rude. I could clearly imagine how aweful this man would be.
Prompt 28 Write from the point of view of a freshly scrubbed floor.
Oh yeah! This is much better. Dust on me was too itchy for me. I was about to sneeze every morning to see more accumulated dust on me. Now that they have finally cleaned me up, it seems as if I just started my new life. Now I don't have to worry about getting allergies. The stuffed dust nearly suffocated me once. What a dreadful nightmare it was!
Now that I'm clean I can relax for around a week. I am now shiny again with the sunlight sparkling on my wooden textile. I hope my owner cleans me frequently so that I do not have to grumble again. Until my next clean-up starts I'll just have to endure all those filthy chemicals that attempt to stick to me. I'm going to do my best to blow off all that dirty substances clutching onto me.
Prompt 27 Free Journal
Yesterday was the big concert. I really felt isolated because I sat at the very back and I was the only kid playing the percussion sector. In addition, lights were piercing my eyes and I had a hard time trying to look at my music piece. I was sweating so much just as if I just came in after running a whole marathon. I also had a short solo and I was so nervous camera flashing all around us. I didn't feel proud of myself, but really trembling. I didn"t know what to do. My hands couldn't even grasp the sticks well. I was trembling all through my body and I couldn't sit properly in my chair. What a nightmare it was!!! Doing a performance is one big barrier for me because I just feel scared to do something in front of the silent public eye.
Prompt 26 Chris walks into a room. By describing only the reactions of the others in the room, let us know something about him.
As soon as Chris walks into the room, the 5 kids gasp for air. They clutch tightly to their nose and try to cover their mouths. Other cough and stick to the wall to inhale as much oxygen as possible. Chris takes his socks off and throws it to the wall. The 5 kids run the other wall where no contamination has been made. Then a that second, Chris farts. The 5 kids' eyes turn red. Their brains turn numb as they stagger to even stand up. Their noses are malfunctioning and they have paralyzed at how smelly Chris has been ever since he came into the room where the 5 kids have been staying with peace (without any bad odor from Chris).
Prompt 25 Write a paragraph that starts with this sentence "the grass smells red".
The grass smells red.There were corpses everywhere. It was a very bloody scene. All you could see were bullets and blood spattered everywhere. Blood droplets stained the fresh grass leaves. The red had covered the grass of the battlefield. Not only was the color red, but also the smell of red came from the grass. A week without any clean-up makes this odor of rotting humans and red blood that could be smelled from the grass. What a tragic scene. A place where peace could grow has turned to the spot where grass smells red with the soldiers bold blood.
Poem "The Tyger" and my version
Prompt 24 Weave a story around this mixed proverb: Silence is a great healer.
Matthew is a very smart student at Korea International School. He aces his tests and always gets a 100% on his homework. The only problem that dragged his general grade average down was his participation. He talked too much in class that all the teachers gave him an "F" for participation.
His mother who checks Power School everyday noticed this and therefore warned Matthew to be silent in class. Matthew had a hard time promising with his mother, but eventually Matthew got accustomed to saying less than he did before. Thus, from the next day of school, even his participation scores were filled with 20 out of 20. Now his grades were healed and sprang up to all "A"s. This is how silence in class was a great healer for Matthew's grade.
Poetry- My Own Copy
Generation Of The Normans
James Kim 7D
The ear-irritating screams are echoing
The Norman’s second settlement;
No more will they have to find
those fertile and good lands.
On the night before they grumbled
Their footsteps on the dirt are spread,
And today noon, the land was found
The generation of the Normans.
No fear of the land issue,
Now rumors among the men;
Nor fright of invaders intruding
Like Saxons attacking from behind;
No concern of tomorrow's adventure,
The Normans’ dreams not woken;
No particular conflicts are seen
In morning shall call to work.
Their shiny tools are full of use,
Their proud heads are up,
The people’s clothes, sparkling by sun
Is now their gratified memories.
And continuous joyous tears are wept
The joy marks from each eye,
And the proud forms, by grounds sought
Are constantly flourishing now.
The mooing cows, the chirping chicks,
The sun's terrific light,
The renewal, the great agriculture,
The risky scavenging are past;
Nor starvation’s red flag, nor begging
Shall be seen with wealth at this rate.
Those optimism will be common
The commence of the farms.
Like the peaceful Celtic people,
who lived on the great plateau,
Encouraged with momentum, yet to fulfill,
Collapses down the neighboring foes,
Who heard the rumor of the Normans
civilize o'er the field beneath,
Knew the next day
will be “ Norman’s lands!”
Long had the years passed
O'er all those peaceful days,
For never had a setback waged
The circulating blood of Normans;
And still the economy boosted,
Still swelled the joyous tears;
Not long, our men knew,
Such times are the best of times.
Twice in that hour their cheerful celebrations
Called the Norman Era
Patriotism of their beloved land, The Norman flag rises.
By water of their manual canal
Their first-started trade grew,
And well they deemed their goods to be sold.
Their trade for success too.
For many of years, Normans have thought
O'er Britain's plain --
And long the blue sky has been kept
above the Norman region.
The children's training, or children’s discipline,
Or children’s brave voices,
even awakes the Norman men
that echoed o'er that British Plain.
Sons of the Normans and Developed Settlers
Ye must flourish here,
Where children continue
along the peaceful plain.
Their own proud land's fertile soil
Shall be the Norman’s finest territory;
They claim from knowledge that British soil --
The generation of Norman’s Children.
Thus beneath their parent’s control they grow,
Near to the stages of Normans,
Borne from the spirits of Normans
On many a Norman race;
The sunshine of their blue sky
bristles happily on them here,
And keen eyes and hearts watch by
The children’s glory.
Rest on glorified and peaceful Normans!
Dear as the land ye found;
No enemies here shall tread
The land of Norman children;
Nor shall the Normans be forgotten
While fame the children know,
For honor carries on the Norman’s soil
Where Normans continue to live on.
Poetry- Original Copy
Bivouac of the Dead
Theodore O’ Hara
The muffled drum's sad roll has beat
The soldier's last tattoo;
No more on Life's parade shall meet
That brave and fallen few
On fame's eternal camping ground
Their silent tents are spread,
And glory guards, with solemn round
The bivouac of the dead.
No rumor of the foe's advance
Now swells upon the wind;
Nor troubled thought at midnight haunts
Of loved ones left behind;
No vision of the morrow's strife
The warrior's dreams alarms;
No braying horn or screaming fife
At dawn shall call to arms.
Their shriveled swords are red with rust,
Their plumed heads are bowed,
Their haughty banner, trailed in dust,
Is now their martial shroud.
And plenteous funeral tears have washed
The red stains from each brow,
And the proud forms, by battle gashed
Are free from anguish now.
The neighing troop, the flashing blade,
The bugle's stirring blast,
The charge, the dreadful cannonade,
The din and shout, are past;
Nor war's wild note, nor glory's peal
Shall thrill with fierce delight
Those breasts that nevermore may feel
The rapture of the fight.
Like the fierce Northern hurricane
That sweeps the great plateau,
Flushed with triumph, yet to gain,
Come down the serried foe,
Who heard the thunder of the fray
Break o'er the field beneath,
Knew the watchword of the day
Was "Victory or death!"
Long had the doubtful conflict raged
O'er all that stricken plain,
For never fiercer fight had waged
The vengeful blood of Spain;
And still the storm of battle blew,
Still swelled the glory tide;
Not long, our stout old Chieftain knew,
Such odds his strength could bide.
Twice in that hour his stern command
Called to a martyr's grave
The flower of his beloved land,
The nation's flag to save.
By rivers of their father's gore
His first-born laurels grew,
And well he deemed the sons would pour
Their lives for glory too.
For many a mother's breath has swept
O'er Angostura's plain --
And long the pitying sky has wept
Above its moldered slain.
The raven's scream, or eagle's flight,
Or shepherd's pensive lay,
Alone awakes each sullen height
That frowned o'er that dread fray.
Sons of the Dark and Bloody Ground
Ye must not slumber there,
Where stranger steps and tongues resound
Along the heedless air.
Your own proud land's heroic soil
Shall be your fitter grave;
She claims from war his richest spoil –
The ashes of her brave.
Thus 'neath their parent turf they rest,
Far from the gory field,
Borne to a Spartan mother's breast
On many a bloody shield;
The sunshine of their native sky
Smiles sadly on them here,
And kindred eyes and hearts watch by
The heroes sepulcher.
Rest on embalmed and sainted dead!
Dear as the blood ye gave;
No impious footstep here shall tread
The herbage of your grave;
Nor shall your glory be forgot
While Fame her record keeps,
For honor points the hallowed spot
Where valor proudly sleeps.
Prompt 23 They say opposites attract. Use at least five pairs of opposites in a paragraph about some kind of transportation.
There are a lot of transportations that move around our Earth starting from the strong-engine powered F22 Raptor Jet to small weak-fueled mini cars. Some transportations like airplanes roam the sky (high altitude), while others like the helicopter whizzes along the low altitude line. Some affect humans because of their loud sounds such as racing cars and motorcycles. Many other transportation are quiet like the bicycle. Even outside our window we see all sorts of sized vehicles varying from small motorcycles to gigantic monster trucks. Some vehicles are glossy and shiny with cool designs covering them. On the other hand, others may be dusty and dull. These are how our world have so many opposite things especially in the sector of transportation.
Prompt 22 Free Journal
Yesterday, was one of the days when I played computer games for more than seven hours. I got back home to see there was no homework. Thus, I picked up my Mac and started playing a game called "Call of Duty-Modern Wafare 4". In addition, this game is a very recent game that I started to play. It was really exciting to level up nearly every fifteen minutes.
My eyes were turning red as I focused so much on my computer screen. However, this did not slow my momentum down. My fingers were tapping everywhere around the keyboard and I was clicking furiously on the mouse. Blood spattered everywhere, but I believe this is what I call true entertainment!!
After seven more hours of game, my brain started to malfunction. I started to see illusions whizzing around in my head. I dreamed of monsters luring out of my computer screen. Therefore, immediately closed my computer screen and went to bed. That night I did not have a very good sleep. The same monsters were still roaming around in my head. Terrible day, but at least satisfactory with seven hours of gaming time.
Write what you see!
• When have you found appearances to be deceiving? Describe an incident.
I went to a cell phone display shop because I wanted to get a new phone. The display cabinet where there was a really cool-looking cell phone with all the positive comment tags stuck next to it. I took it out of the shelf and laid it on my hand. I was about to go into the menu bar, but it would not activate. I tried to turn it on; however, it wouldn't. I finally found out that it was actually a toy model on display, not a real phone. This was when an appearance seemed deceiving.
• Write a fable with the moral, “Appearances are often deceiving.”
James made a new friend named J, just because he is quiet in class. One day James got a fat “F” on his science test. James only told J his score because James thought J was the only reliable student to tell his worry to. Few days passed without ay special events. James and J were playing just lie any other normal school day. They ate lunch together played with their MacBook together.
The next day, James started to see other glancing and giggling at him. First, James was only irritated, but on Tuesday, James bursted with rage. James had heard Daniel, J's friend, tell Albert that James got a 30% on his test. James was mad, but did not say anything. He started to analyze how his score got exposed. It must have been J who would have told everyone James's score.
James knew who the criminal was and did not want to J again. This was when James realized that he should be careful about the fact that appearances may be deceiving, just like how J seemed so different: quietness to rumor-spreader!
• Write a story in which you find yourself surrounded by objects and buildings that are much larger than they normally are.
When I lived in England, buildings were just too humungous. The first thing I see right as I step out of my house door is the famous "London Eye". This is a wheel located near the Trafalgar Square. The height of this wheel is nearly 50 times my height. As I stare at the peak of the wheel, I feel a sense of mind that I am shrinking in size. Right nest to this wheel is a very tall financial business company. With glass windows as big as me, I really feel small. I must be an ant from the top of the building. If I walk straight down the road, there is a very big shop called Somerfield. This is no ordinary shop. Not only grocery things, but also stationery, medical, musical instruments! With all those objects to sell, the mall is the size of the middle school and high school building combined. Everywhere around me is too huge in mass and size in comparison to me.
Prompt 21 Write a paragraph incorporating at least ten onomatopoetic words.
The horse was neighing in the barn. The cat was meowing on top of the wooden shelf, hidden behind the books. In the yard, I see bees
busily buzzing around. Near them are the swallows chirping to celebrate the new start of a day. In the desert, a mile away from this
barn lives a snake which rattles. As it sees its prey, the snake turns into silent mode and only hisses. The snake sinks its teeth into
the prey's flesh and blood oozes out just like a gluey substance. Meanwhile, a man from the police station (in the middle of a desert)
crackles with laughter as he flickers through his magazine. He smacks his thigh hard as he nearly falls off his chair.
Prompt 20 Free Journal
Today I bought an orange hard shell for my MacBook. The place where I could order the hard shell that fits my MacBook could only provide the colors: pink and orange. Obviously, I would not select pink. Thus, I only had the choice of getting orange.
I got the orange case after school and it looked nice on my MacBook. I was concerned that my Mac would look sort of weird with an orange case. However, it came out pretty well and I feel relieved that I picked orange.
My friend, J, got a black one which is also nice-looking. However, he says that he does not desire a colour like orange. However, I still like this a lot. As I write my journal, I frequently glass at my case with delight.
James's artwork and poem
Prompt 19 Use this metaphor to spark a poem: a chest of childhood.
Sam turns 13 today,
What would his birthday present be?
A chocolate bar?
A "Transformer" toy?
Actually what lands on Sam's hands
is the chest of childhood.
Pretty heavy,
but light enough for him to lift.
Not a small "Snickers" bar,
but a enormous XL "Hersey" bar.
Not a small doll from Santa,
but a XXXL stuffed brown bear from daddy.
With a big grin,
Sam shows happiness,
'cause his parents still accept him as a child,
not a teenager!
Prompt 18 Free Journal
Finally, I got my MacBook back. It was under reparation for nearly 2 weeks. It feels really good with me having my real Mac back in my own hands. It just seems as if an object that I lost came back to me. Using the IT Office's MacBooks weren't as comfortable as using my own.
At least, I get a brand new MacBook Pro. I can't wait to put my hands on the keyboard. My fingers are tingling and exercising to get ready to rush around the keyboard and skid over the trackpad. Now, I am never going to let my MacBook get broken again forever.
The start of the new week is coming soon, just like how I have a new start with my MacBook. It is very refreshing to have everything start again. I hope my week will end positively and start well. However, right now, the first thing I'm going to do is run my hands over the aluminum MacBook.
Prompt 17 Write a rhyme paragraph. Each sentence must begin and end with the words that rhyme with each other.
There on the shelf are two objects which are in a pair. Red they are just like the colour of my bed. They are so old and now they turn blackish grey. Therefore, I clean and put them next to the door. For some weeks they are worn, but soon they end up donated to the poor. Dirty they are, they complain that their original owners are guilty.
Prompt 16 List 10 things you usually do on a rainy day. Pick one from your list and free write for 5 minutes.
1. Play computer games on my MacBook.
2. Read a book
3. Continue on writing my own novel
4. Chat with my friends online.
5. Play indoor soccer and basketball with my friends
6. Do unfinished projects or homework.
7. Go shopping (mostly clothes).
8. Watch TV (my favourite programs)
9. Torture my cousin ( who always comes over to my house)
10. Google games and download ones that may be fun.
It's raining cats and dogs today. I can't do any outdoor activities. Oh well, I can just chat with my friends online. I drag my mouse to the icon "iChat". 30 friends are online! Suddenly 10 messages appear on my screen all saying "what's up" or "hi". My fingers started to reach all around the black keyboard. After an hour of chatting, I glance at the window. It stopped raining! This is what I do when it rains.
Prompt 15 Place this sentence in a paragraph where it will make sense: Bea had never before wanted to be a bee.
Beatrix is a 12 year old kid. He loves eating food, which has honey as its ingredient. Also, he has a habit of making buzzing sounds. One day, he unexpectedly encounters a sorcerer. The sorcerer tells him if he would like to change into another form of an object or living thing. Beatriz didn't believe in the sorcerer's magic and told the magician to do his spell. Later, when Beatriz went home, he looked at the mirror. He was shocked to see wings growing from his back, His skin turned into stripes of yellow and black. He realized he had become a bee. Beatrix had never before wanted to be a bee, but it was punishment from the sorcerer for not believing in him.
Prompt 14 Electricity is recent discovery. Think of 12 things to do when there is no power.
1. We could use kerosene (oil) for light, instead of electricity.
2. Fire could be replaced for the heat because we have an abundant supply of wood.
3. Use of natural resources such as water to make power again
4. Only use mechanical or electronic devices that run on batteries that do not have to be recharged with electricity.
5. Get fresh water by evaporating salt from sea and condesing the remaining droplets.
6. Without any oven, cooking can be done with the fire
7. Writing can be done with a typewriter, which does not use elctricity (my grandfather's typewriter is still usable)
8. Transportation is important; therefore, buses and cars could go with solar energy (without having to run on oil, which is pumped through electric power.
9. Important activities using light (electricity) such as playing with your friends and studying should be done when the day is bright. Sleeping or other forms of relaxation or less urgent things can be done at night.
10. Communication will be less comfortable with no electric wires; however, we can always meet each other because transportation is still available.
11. Electricity is not always the kind only in wires. Fruits, some animals like eels produce electricity. Electricity coming from nature will never stop and therefore, is type of power cnan be used for all times without having to use man-made electric-generators.
12. buy or get a lot of oil, candles, and lamps at home, in case, there are problems with light and you are urgent to do something at night.
Prompt 13 What kind of cartoon show might appeal to the over age 65 audience? Imagine the show. Then, in 100 words, or less, describe the show and its main character.
These days, more construction are done to help the elders specifically in public places. An audience over the age of 65 would like to see cartoons that are related to these events. Old Sam (82 year old) grandpa goes to the hospital with a broken leg.
In the hospital is a child playing on the elevator. This naughty kids presses buttons of all floors so that the elevator will go up and down for hours. Old Sam notices that these naughty kids are playing so he scolds them. Not like a normal grandpa, but more like a samurai.
Old Sam holds up his stick and starts whacking the child. Old Sam scares the souls out of the children. The child runs for their lives as Old Sam chuckles as he walks into the elevator. Old Sam knows that he won't have to whack others with his stick for a long, long time.
Prompt 12 Describe what you feel right now using your sense of smell. If you feel frustrated, write about what your frustration smells like. Use vivid words. Don't skimp adjectives.
I feel very sleepy after eating my lunch. I am actually really satisfied for my blocks after lunch because I do not have any desire for food left. However, for some reason, I feel that my stomach is urging me for more food. I ate a lot at lunch, but it seems as if I'm missing something. Therefore, my eagerness for food really makes me concentrate less.
I don't mean that I don't like creative writing. It's just that my stomach is malfunctioning. I ate one and a half dish but I don't feel full yet. Because of hunger, the only thing that pops into my mind are cookies, sandwiches. As I write this journal, I'm having difficulty coming up with words because right now I am imagining about eating food in my head.
I really am active around this time of day; however, today was the complete opposite. I feel drowsy and hungry. My primary desire is food and class seems not as fun as other times. I hope my mood changes soon because I can't stay like this forever.
Prompt 11 Fatima is a very spoiled teenage girl. Show that she is spoiled, by describing what happens when she doesn’t get a car for her birthday.
Fatima’s father is the Managing Director of Microsoft Corporation. Her mother is the Chairwoman of Hyundai. Fatima who is 15 years old today always got what she wanted for a birthday present. Her 13th birthday presents were 2 new 17 inch Mac Book Pros. Her 14th birthday present was a new pet pony.
Today is Fatima’s 15 today. This time she wants a new Bugatti Veyron, the world’s most expensive car in the world.
Lately, because of the economic crisis, Fatima’s family budget has been a little bit tight. Therefore, the parents say
that Fatima should get a cheaper present.
Fatima’s face is red with anger and it is about to explode. Fatima’s dad rolls his fingers with frustration that Fatima will
scream and yell. Fatima’s mom is getting ready to run to her room before Fatima yells into her ears. Fatima says,
“Before I get the car in front of my feet, I will never ever be happy with you, mom and dad so get me my car now!”
Prompt 10 Free Writing
Today was one of the best days of my life. I got my MacBook Pro back. Last week, my MacBook had broken down. While my MacBook was under reparation, I had to use the old white MacBook from the IT Office. I just felt as if I had abandoned my friend (MacBook). 9:15, this morning, an IT Officer called upon me to pick up my computer. I sprinted like the wind to the IT Office.
I couldn't wait to see my MacBook. Others may be curious why I was so eager to get my MacBook back. Even I don't know why I was so keen. However, not having my own MacBook for 5 days made me feel very uncomfortable. Using the IT Office's laptop is not so good when I have to borrow a worse version.
Still, now that I have my MacBook back, it seems as if I met a friend whom I last saw 10 years ago. This may feel very exaggerated, but for me, it's true. This event showed the importance of a MacBook to me. From now on, I will never ever let my MacBook Pro break down again under my control.
Prompt 9 Free Writing Last weekend, I went camping with my dad. It was a total disaster mainly because of the terrible weather. My dad and I were walking up a mountain when the sun was bristly warm. After two hours, I was soaking wet with rain pellets bashing on my shoulders and face. It was not what was supposed to happen. This camping was to be fun, not terrorizing me.
I think the gods are angry for no reason. Unexpected rain pouring on us as we trudge to the pinnacle of the mountain was one sign of Zeus's anger. We thought we would be pleasant to be on the top of the mountain but actually, we were not so happy because of the rain. All the happy consequences were all ruined.
If it weren’t for the rain, going up and down the mountain also would have been much easier. My trousers got muddy after I slipped on the ridge. My gait was weird because the cold surface of my clothes sticking to my skin felt uncomfortable. Rain was just a trouble-maker for me, today. Bad! Bad! Rain! Don't do that next time,rain!
Prompt 8 Write a paragraph about a cat that is attacking something. Don't use the word hiss, scratch or pounce.
There was a ginger cat named “Tippy”. Also, there was a bulldog called “Bulldozer”. They were enemies for 5 years. One day, Tippy and Bulldozer met face on face with each other. They were both glaring at each other. Tippy was getting ready to jump on Bulldozer. Bulldozer was all prepared to chase Tippy to death. Bulldozer looked back to check if his hind legs were powered up to full speed. At that split second, Tippy got her chance and flew 5 meters. Then, she sunk her canine teeth into the Bulldozers neck. This was deadly blow because the neck is the weakest point of a bulldog. Therefore, Bulldozer scampered around the field like a chicken without a head. Tippy crackled with laughter as she had scared the soul out of Bulldozer.
Prompt 7 List of 40 things that happened this month. 1) bought macbook
2) started 7th grade-with all new teachers
3) got a new 02 watch
4) changed my cell phone
5) changed my glasses
6) got into battle with mosquitos
7) wrote 6 journals
8) went to Great Britain and saw the queen several steps away from me.
9) watched 3 movies in a day with my friends
10) I started a new instrument, crash cymbals for the percussion
11) I quit having monthly allowances
12) ate pizza for 2 meals in one day
13) went to the same restaurant for dinner for 3 days
14) used up 39 GB in one day for my Macbook Pro
15) I met my grandparents right in front of a PC room
16) I bought 4 mouses for my Macbook in case they malfunction
17) I played computer games for 13 hours with my friends.
18) My pet in Britain went into RCY training.
19) Got my Macbook fixed n the day I bought it because system preferences would not open.
20) Quit my academies to go to school, which is like going to heaven
21) ate Vietnamese food
22) got 100% on my first math quiz
23) went to a Youth United States-Korea Diplomatic Program (3 days)
24) nearly slept in math class after finishing my chapter test
25) grew 3cm in two weeks
26) woke up at night seeing myself lying on the veranda
27) played baseball with J and other friends
28) won 1st place in a national debate tournament
29) fell asleep as I was reading the first word of the "Ulysses"
30) nearly got my ID card stolen
31) became fan of Girl's Generation because of Francis and Jeongsoo
32) forgot to bring my Macbook from IT office
33) bumped into Mr. Forrestal (on purpose)
34) getting bored of typing all these events
35) had 4 quizzes already in Chinese class
36) let in 5 goals in House Soccer Activity
37) scored 4 goals when I was striker
38) accidentally went to the cafeteria after finishing my 2nd Block
39) nearly missed my KIS Reads
40) found out right now that laser mouses don't need mouse pads Prompt 6 Describe your bedroom the way you want it to be.
There are a lot of bed styles that I like; however, there is one particular one that I like. First of all, I would like a king bed. A king bed is the size for 4 people to sleep in.I roll around a lot while I am sleeping, and if I have a big bed like that, I would not have to wake up on the cold floor of my room. In addition, I would like to have dolls all around my bed. I dream a lot especially nightmares. Therefore, it would be nice to have ten cuddly dolls to ease my mental pain while I sleep. In addition, I am not mature with the aspect that I’m not scar of the dark night. I just have a feeling that a person or thing is putting close attention at me. This is why curtains will be good to hide me from my surroundings so that I would not consider objects as faces staring at me.
Prompt 5 What else is silly? Give three more examples.
Done on paper.
Prompt 4 Close your eyes briefly. Think of one object that’s in the room and focus on it without opening your eyes, recall as much detail as you can about it. After three minutes or so, open your eyes and write about that object without looking at it. (This exercise was done in class and timed.) There are two of the same kinds in this room. They are both wooden and are touched by everyone in the room. Obviously, it is the doors. A small windowpane in the center and a silver knob is what the door includes. Nothing much but the texture of the door is cool. Some surfaces are smooth and other parts are rough. On one door, the teacher put up a poster on the door which read “Use the other door.” In addition, there are creaky silver and gold hinges located on the top and the sides of the door. Those are the only shiny parts that attract my eyes. Sill it can be considered as one of the biggest objects in the classroom. The door is an easily seen object but no one really cares about it.
Prompt 3 Describe someone who looks bored. Don’t use any form of the words yawned or stared or sighed.
There is a boy at the back of the classroom who is never called upon by the teacher. His eyelids are starting shut. All the teacher’s words seem as if it is spoken in Greek. He puts his head flat on the wooden desk. The desk is cold and his face is hot, but he has no reaction. The teacher tells the students to write an essay hand-written. He takes out a blunt 2B pencil, which was stuck in his pocket for a month. Then he writes his name in a scribble. Everyone is nearly done with their essays as the boy finally falls asleep. He wakes up abruptly, but this time he is daydreaming. The only thing that pops into his mind is the new game CD that he got for Christmas. Now, he turns his head directly at the clock. One hour left until class ends. This one-hour is just plain torture for him. Finally, class ends as he race to his house, which is on the opposite side of the school. This boy must have been really bored.
Prompt 2 Free Journal
My first three days were both terrific and sad. First of all, I got my Mac Book Pro, which was what I wanted from the start of Middle School. It feels as if I just made a new mechanical friend. I gain entertainment from my computer with music, videos, and games (outside of school).
When I was a 6th grader, all day I would daydream of when I would get my hands on the silver and shiny computer. Now that day has come, as I write this journal. There were unfortunately sad things too such as not being able to stay after school without permission. In Grade 6, I loved to hang around with my friends by playing on the football field with them. Now no more of those fun days! In this perspective, I really miss Grade 6.
Now as I become more mature, I can truly see the advantages and the drawbacks of moving onto becoming a Grade 7 student. Some may agree and disagree with my statements; however, I believe that one principle still stands strong regarding both Grade 6 & 7. It is that life is not always fair. Prompt 1 Write a paragraph about a girl named Dot, but use no letters with (no use of i,j)
A strange European came to the room. I couldn’t see her properly, but she looked very dull. Shabby clothes, tangled shoelaces, and a gloomy face were all I saw. The teacher told her to talk about herself, but probably she was shy. Her face blushed and I started to see tears fall from her red cheeks. The word that pops out from her mouth was “dot”. I was frustrated for that second. Then, as she spoke more words, I found out that her name was Dot.
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ James's Journals & Other Stuff!!!!!!!!!!!! ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
Prompt 51
Free Journal
I desired to increase my MacBook Pro hard drive to around 320Gb. Thus, I asked my father to transfer my Mac to the Yongsan Electronic Store to upgrade my Mac. There was an external hard drive plugged into my Mac, which my father took as well. That night, when my dad came back I couldn't wait to see my Mac with so much space to fill up.
When I checked my internal hard drive the memory was still the same as before. What was wrong? Shouldn't the numbers say 320Gb? I asked my dad, who told me to check my external hard drive. When I clicked "Get Info" on my external hard disk icon, new numbers showed. My external HD was 160 Gb, but it changed to 320 Gb. Then I knew what had happened.
My father had changed the capacity of the external HD, not the internal one inside my Mac. I was upset and displeased, but my dad promised to get my Mac all ready soon. Oh, I better wait for that time to come or else, I don't how mad I would be.
Prompt 50
Erica Jong said, “If you don’t risk anything, you risk
more. Write about what this means to you.
This means that trying to be safe actually may be a disadvantage to you. Just because you think you are safe does not mean your opponent will not target you. They maybe planning or tracking you down. In the case of an attack or a counter-strike at you, it would not be beneficial to lose all your property if you gather all your things in one spot. Just like how we warn not to put our eggs in one basket, if we disperse ourselves, the risk rate will be much lower.
Final Project-Short Story
Prompt 49
Write from the point of view of a TV remote control.
There goes James again. OWWWW That hurts! Why is keep pressing on my middle button? Why do I have to shoot beams at the huge black TV. I need to cycle through hundred channels in a minute. I'm really busy around 6:00pm. James always sops around on the couch punching his fingernails right into the grey buttons. I hate this kind of torture that James is giving.
I can clearly see why life is so unfair. I do not understand my I need to feel pain for another person's benefit. James watches TV for like the next 3 hours sometimes. This means I'll be physically abused for 3 hours. This is real pain and I think James should know how it feels like to be a remote control like me.
However, the main injury goes to the red on/off switch. I tend to shut down the TV when James presses the red button for 5 seconds. He sticks his thumb right into my face that I feel like getting squished by a weight that is 1,000 times bigger in size than me. What a relief! It is James's first time that he turns the TV off within a minute. Yes! Now I can relax. Oh well, I better wait till tomorrow afternoon, when I bet he'll torture me again....
Prompt 48
In one sentence, describe something (not someone) that is very ugly. Create a vividly ugly image, with words.
There on the end of the tar-filled street corner live 1 million cockroaches with black-lurking exoskeletons and slimy, furry legs reaching into the rotten flesh of a dead chicken which was on the ground for a month or so.
Prompt 47
Madison is so happy. In one paragraph, show that she is happy, but don't use the word happy.
Madison, the always-playing kid, instantly went to her friend's house. With a big smile that reached the ends of her ears, she started talking about how excited she was with the new doll that came out. Soon after, Madison and her friend ran to the back garden-patio. They started playing and throwing a humongous, bouncy rubber ball. They were crackling with laughter as if the witches were successful in their death spells. Jumping around on bare-foot with soil all over their hands, they sprint around as if they don't care about anything except for their contentment!
Prompt 46
Write about a memory related to a holiday.
Watching 3 movies in one day with my friends at the cinema was great. Avatar, Sherlock Holmes, and Alvin And The Chipmunks were the 3 exciting and funny films that we watched. 8 hours of imagination and excitement wandered around withing our brains. Not only this, but also, we went to a PC room for 3 hours. We all concentrated really hard in game world being far from reality.
The holiday became really fun after I spent one of my days of a lifetime in an imaginary world, where movie characters, animated characters, and PC game characters all meet in one part of the unknown world. I bet I have never been exposed tot his magical world for such a long time, with everything seeming so realistic and futuristic. What a holiday to spend with friends through watching 3 continuous movies and several extra hours to exercise our brains in order to encounter the non-real world again.
Prompt 45
Free Journal
There is this 6th Grder that I know well. Today, he brought in this black remote control-looking mouse. at first, I thought it was some sort of laser toy that children play around with. I started poking him around by saying that it was not a mouse. However, he started to stick a Wireless USB Adapter in my Mac. Then, he moved his hand up and down with the mouse clutched in his fingers. The screen flickered as the mouse started moving simultaneously as witht he same direction of the hand of the 6th Grader.
This was when I just noticed new technology in the field of computer mouses. You could actually control your screen with out any chubby mouse nor did I need a pad. Only the flat, black remote control was necessary and this really made me excited. This mouse could be controlled and used in mid-air without any assistance or support. The 6th Grade had impressed me a lot.
Prompt 44
Write a letter to yourself as a ten-year-old child.
33 Overdale Avenue
New Malden
Surrey
KT3 3UE
Dear James,
I hope you are getting along with the always-changing weather. It's pretty bitter cold there in England, right? Oh yeah and how's your new school going. Changing from Westbury House School to Dorchester Primary School. The teachers say that you are getting along with others very well. I'm currently attending Korea International School (middle school). I really like the purple uniform that I heard you wear to school. fortunately, our school doesn't make us wear uniforms.
You better doing well in sports because that's what England dominates in. Football, rugby and cricket should be the sports you should be doing. I know you don't like running around in muddy fields bumping into others just to get your hands on the ball. However, that's just how life is.
Oh well, here in Korea, I mostly play soccer, but these days I'm nearing my finals and I'm very busy to be able to play sports. I'll work on exercising and you promise you'll be more involved and active in the sports that your school encourages you to do. Okay see you soon. I should better get back to work, then.
Yours sincerely,
James, 13 years old
Prompt 43
For the last two days you were not in school because of the weather-"snow days." As advanced we have become in the 21st century, we still can not control the weather. Do you think this is an advantage or a disadvantage?
I think it is advantageous to us, humans. Snow (ice) is all part of nature. Humans are just one part of nature and we are only consisted of one species. Nature is too big as in general to be dominated by one species. Snow days might not be the best days for humans but can surely be beneficial to other species or the environment itself. In preparation for droughts and other horrible natural disasters, snow might be the only and last water supply for soil and animals for the year to come.
Greediness of humans can't always be the priority because the skills that nature has preserved is way beyond the technology and the knowledge of the human civilization. As time passes, more and more of Earth would be controlled under the hands of humans. However, nature will never let in weather.
Weather covers up the whole Earth and nothing man-made could block or protect or even reach the areas near the ozone of our Earth. Let us be more understandable to other animals, plants, and the environment of how snow may be a bit uncomfortable for us but a lot of assistance to others. Thus, I think it i advantageous in terms of preventing us from becoming selfish and let other species enjoy the snow-days.
Snow White Formatted ...
Prompt 42
As this is being written, a show called "What Not To Wear" is popular on the cable channel TLC. Imagine more possible shows on a "what not to do" theme. Describe at least one idea. (Don't forget to give the show a name).
"What Not To Travel To"
This is a program where they show places where tourists of different ethnicity should not go to. Today, there are a lot of conflicts occurring overseas, as the globe turns into an internationalized society. Thus, this TV show allows people to know what regions are safe to be when traveling. For example, the TV show will constantly tell American travelers not to visit the mountainous regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan where the military front lines are.
In addition, this TV is aware of biased sayings. Thus, no prejudiced conceptions are included even considering the political and religious affairs going on around the globe. This show will really be useful to people who are travel-a-holic and would like to have safety guaranteed areas to visit or sightsee.
Prompt 41
Free Journal
In an hour or so, I will be heading to my airplane ready to go to the UK. I feel gloomy that I won't see my friends for a long time. However, on the other hand, I feel exhilarated that I will be able to meet my British friends, that I have never seen for the past 3 years.
I can't wait to see them.
For some reason, I have this feeling that I am entering this new world that I have never been before. This sort of shock wave is paralyzing my brain, which makes it hard for me to write this journal, because my brain is malfunctioning. I must quickly get used to my new way of life considering the jet lags over difference in time zones. I hope my body doesn't act weirdly after getting exposed to a world that I have been to years ago.
Prompt 40
What's your idea of the perfect vacation?
A perfect vacation will be Austria. I heard that Austria is a very good site to visit. The weather is perfect all season-round according to some people who have visited there. There are a lot of special things to do in Austria. In addition, I have never traveled to regions in Central Europe. Thus, it would be cool to visit places in the world that I have never explored before in my 13 years of lifetime.
This is why Austria is a good place to go on vacation. The place for new adventures around the world plus others saying that Austria is good gives me a feeling that Austria might be an excellent vacation for me. Wahhooooo! Time to go and get some clothes ready. We're going for Austria and I"ll book the plane tickets right now!
Prompt 39
What would you do with three wishes?
The first wish I would like to have is becoming a trillionaire. I could purchase anything I want such as my favorite cars, and other electronic devices that can make my life much easier than others. Then I would not have to worry about financial burdens because I can buy anything I want in the world without having to concern about the price of the object that I desire to have in my hands.
The second wish is that I want to have the skills to teleport because I would not have to worry about being late to any place at anytime. Also I could move around the world within seconds, which takes other hours. I can use my time much more effectively without having to waste it.
My third wish is to have the ORNL Jaguar's Claw-supercomputer. As we humans engage into the era of computers and having the best computer in the world is pretty fascinating. Jaguar Claw which is the fastest supercomputer in the world should be now part of my property because it is people's dream electronic device. Thus, I would love to have this computer.
Prompt 38
Free Journal
Today was one of the best days in my life. The new Modern Warfare 2 CD had just arrived at my house. As soon as I turned on my home computer, I pushed in the CD, and waited for the application. 4 hours of game was real fun. Volume at maximum and graphic as good as reality, my eyes were piercing into the mini-pixels of the computer screen.
I couldn't take my left hand off the keyboard and my right hand on the mouse. I did not even know actually 2 more hours had passed. Blood everywhere and bombs exploding all around me, I felt as if I was really in war with Muslim extremists who are planning to kill anyone in their way.
Bullets shattering everywhere and deafening sounds of airplanes bombing the nearby areas, my dream of playing games for hours had been accomplished. Next time, I'm going to play for a day, which is impractical and unlikely. However, it would be better to try than not doing it.
Prompt 37
Great-grandpa Rotondo doesn't understand what a video game is. Or an iPod. Or text messaging. Pick one of the above and explain what it is in terms that even the most un-technological person can understand.
Hey, Great grandpa Rotondo, do you know what text messaging is? With the frown on your face I see that this too much hi-tech for you. You know when you were young, you met with your friend directly and talked to one another in front of each other. However, life has become much easier. There is this new technology called text-message. You can contact your friend without having to meet them. Just type some words on the computer, the typewriter-looking object, and your friend will receive a text of writing that you sent to him/her within seconds.
This uses time really effectively and wisely. Great-grandfather, this is why I don't need to meet my friends as frequently as you did. I could communicate with them through text-messaging. All you have to say just has to be typed and it is good to go. Your friend will get it instantly and in several seconds, a reply will come. You use this text to and fro until you end your conversation with him/her. It is too simple and comfortable to be developed more.
In addition, text messaging can be done nearly anywhere. You only need your cell phone or a laptop and you can contact someone on the opposite side of the globe. This is the reason why I suggest the new recent technology to your, Great grandpa. You will love it. You can immediately try contacting others who have already become part of the new globalized society.
Prompt 36
You are paying $10.00 per word to advertise in the classified section of the Upscale Times, a newspaper for a very wealthy area of town. You want to offer your services as a dog sitter. Write a convincing ad, but don't spend more than $200.00.
Dog Sitter's here!
Feeding, Walking the dog is no problem!
Even can let the dog watch its favorite TV show!
Prompt 35
Three people are stuck in an elevator: a teenager with green hair and many piercings, a pasty chef, a church organist. Write a conversation they have as they wait.
Teenager: I ain't got no knowledge of fixing elevators...man.
Chef: Okay, the button is stuck so we can't move or open the elevator doors. I have a butcher knife in my waist pocket after slicing some meat in the steak house on the 4th floor. Why don't I try pushing the blade into the stuck buttons.
Organist: Fine. It may not work and I've been playing holy music so long that I memorized the prayers that the monks sing. I'll pray to God as you press on the button.
Chef: OMG, my blade doesn't reach the lever. Uh oh.a
Organist: In the name of God, please help us. He who is sufficient could help us who are in need... Amen!
Teenager: Hey, organist can you please zip your mouth unless it is necessary.
Organist: Hey, kid you don't use that kind of language to me. You got that?!
Chef: Okay, you two stop fighting. My knife doesn't reach the lever so why don't you with the green hair (teenager) trying fixing the lever.
Teenager: Fine..
Organist: God, please help us by shining your light at us with all your honor.
Teenager: Stop speaking nonsense, organist! I got the Lever!
Chef: Now pull the lever out so that the switch button is turned on again.
Organist: (ignoring the negative comments) God, you have helped us find the right way to Heaven. I will always stay next to you, God and I will always follow you.
Teenager: Hey, chef, can you make that organist's mouth shut!
Chef: I'll make him stop praying, but get on with the work..
Teenager: Okay, now the elevator should be going up pretty soon.
The elevator started to make clinking sounds as the 3 people started to notice their body float again towards the sky.
They all stopped at different floors with the teenager feeling happy for fixing the elevator, but also angry at that organist who prays nonsense, the chef goes to the restaurant where he works, scraping the bent blade, and the organist is praying to god for his miracle. How different they all seem when they in one enclosed space.
Prompt 34
Free Write
Playing in KIS Reads was real fun. Mr. Londgren allowed us to have free time in KIS Reads because we all brought our books every time from the start of the year. We played around and I talked with my friends shoving all sorts of Pepero into my mouth. Most of the times, we would silently be reading books in fixed up-right positions. However, today's atmosphere was completely the opposite.
Crumbs were everywhere, my friends were moving their hands all over the MacBook keyboard. When there were several seconds of silence, mouse clicks and keyboard buttons pressing was all that I could hear. In other classes, all the students were all quiet; however, our class was like an uproar with chair flying around with Pepero packets traveling over people's heads.
For around 45 minutes, we were all over the place, crackling with laughter. Wow, I have never experienced such an exciting KIS Reads. I really would like to have all my KIS Reads class like this. It would be so much better with all the socialization with friends.
Prompt 33
Reflect on the process of writing a short story. What did you learn from the process? If you had the assignment again how would you approach it?
It took me a long time to write my short story. I thought I could finish the story within half an hour, but it actually took me 2~3 hours. I quintuple- checked my work to find more improvements that I could do to make my first draft impressive. I learned a lot about time management. I did not really think that the time spent on this writing would not have been that long, until I found out about it as I was writing it.
If I get to fix it, I would concentrate more on the characters. The teacher and the other students praised me about the visuality about the plot and the story line. Now I think I must work on my character description because they may be confusing with all the action occurring as the story flows. If there is more character development, the short story would have more sensory descriptions that can allow the readers to see the writing in their minds with real people in it.
With the more character work and changes in sentence fluency, my work would be much better when I hand it in tomorrow as my second draft. I can't wait to see my teacher's comment on my second draft. I really wonder.... Oh well, I better get along with my characters to make it better.
Prompt 32
Free Journal
Today, I played Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare with my friends. I always was teams with J and all the other (not good computer game players) were in the other team. Now, as time passed with more cooperation with J in computer games, I really wanted to see my true skills. Thus, I combated 1:1 with him. I knew I was going to lose, but I still kept my optimism to maximum height.
I had seen J's strategies a lot of times and the hide-out places that he usually went. With all these knowledge the game started. I quickly ran behind one of the buildings where no one would recognize me. There, I fully reloaded all my weapons with other side arms in my hands. I had a UAV Jammer, which showed me where J was. I followed behind him until the time to strike had come.
I just followed him quietly until he reached my base. I took out my knife and butchered his body in several strikes and I saw J's body lying still on the floor with red blood on the bricks. On the menu bar, a message appeared saying that I had killed J. Sdudenly I felt good with me winning J. Then I hid from that time on until the game ended. Still, I won with some sly tricks against him. Yeppy!!!
Prompt 31
Free Journal
Today was one of the most unusual days that I have ever had. Everyone always talks about hacking IDs; however, today, someone really hacked my ID and password for my AIM. When I opened it two days ago, it was perfectly fine. AIM is a program, which is associated with iChat.
Around, 7:00 pm, I start chatting with my friends online, but when I opened the application, a weird message popped up.
It says that my ID was invalid, so I retyped it. HOwever, the message appeared. When I tried 18 times, a different message with a big red flag flashed on my screen. This was how it looked like: "Error Code: 504. Suggestions: Make a new ID or download AIM 1.7.16 again.
I really got angry when I saw this message. I was too bothered to download or make a new ID. Eventually, I made a new ID with the same address. The weird part was that there was someone online on iChat with my former iChat ID. I was sort of taken back, but for safety, I blocked the ghost of my old iChat ID. This is what I call serious hacking.
Prompt 30
Free Journal
Today, I had a social studies quiz. Usually our teacher really asks for very specific information. Thus, I pierced my eyes into the small black letters of our online textbook. After 30 minutes of continuous concentration on the pages, my eyes started to become dizzy. After a hour of silence with my eyes getting weird, I finally finished studying.
Now the time for our quiz had come. The teachers was handing out paper for us to write down answers. What, the quiz is half a page long ?!!! I was frustrated, but I later found out that it was just a 10-word vocabulary quiz. OMG! I studied for an hour for a 10 word quiz? I couldn't believe that I used my time so ineffectively.
Although my score for the test was perfect, I didn't feel as happy as most times because I just did not feel good about studying more than necessary for such a small quiz. At least the result was satisfactory. Well, next time, I'll just study for a reasonable amount of time, unlike today.
Story- Rough Draft
Prompt 29
Some say you can tell a lot about a person by the vehicle he or she drives. Picture a car. In your mind, rummage through this car. Check it out from every angle. Describe the car and the man or woman who goes with it.
A black painted Lamborghini zoomed past me at lightning speed. Loud music vibrated into my eardrums. It seemed as if a rocket was launched right next to me. As the car went by I saw a cigarette lying on the road. The ashes weren't turned off perfectly, which meant the driver of the Lamborghini was smoking. I could really picture the person who was driving the car.
I bet the man was a rich, but spoiled person. Not a lot of people drive a lam borghini. Also I think that this man is pretty bossy by putting music on at loudest volume in the public. He also is a very immoral and unethical person. He just flicked off a cigarette on the street. What kind of a person could be that rude. I could clearly imagine how aweful this man would be.
Prompt 28
Write from the point of view of a freshly scrubbed floor.
Oh yeah! This is much better. Dust on me was too itchy for me. I was about to sneeze every morning to see more accumulated dust on me. Now that they have finally cleaned me up, it seems as if I just started my new life. Now I don't have to worry about getting allergies. The stuffed dust nearly suffocated me once. What a dreadful nightmare it was!
Now that I'm clean I can relax for around a week. I am now shiny again with the sunlight sparkling on my wooden textile. I hope my owner cleans me frequently so that I do not have to grumble again. Until my next clean-up starts I'll just have to endure all those filthy chemicals that attempt to stick to me. I'm going to do my best to blow off all that dirty substances clutching onto me.
Prompt 27
Free Journal
Yesterday was the big concert. I really felt isolated because I sat at the very back and I was the only kid playing the percussion sector. In addition, lights were piercing my eyes and I had a hard time trying to look at my music piece. I was sweating so much just as if I just came in after running a whole marathon. I also had a short solo and I was so nervous camera flashing all around us. I didn't feel proud of myself, but really trembling. I didn"t know what to do. My hands couldn't even grasp the sticks well. I was trembling all through my body and I couldn't sit properly in my chair. What a nightmare it was!!! Doing a performance is one big barrier for me because I just feel scared to do something in front of the silent public eye.
Prompt 26
Chris walks into a room. By describing only the reactions of the others in the room, let us know something about him.
As soon as Chris walks into the room, the 5 kids gasp for air. They clutch tightly to their nose and try to cover their mouths. Other cough and stick to the wall to inhale as much oxygen as possible. Chris takes his socks off and throws it to the wall. The 5 kids run the other wall where no contamination has been made. Then a that second, Chris farts. The 5 kids' eyes turn red. Their brains turn numb as they stagger to even stand up. Their noses are malfunctioning and they have paralyzed at how smelly Chris has been ever since he came into the room where the 5 kids have been staying with peace (without any bad odor from Chris).
Prompt 25
Write a paragraph that starts with this sentence "the grass smells red".
The grass smells red.There were corpses everywhere. It was a very bloody scene. All you could see were bullets and blood spattered everywhere. Blood droplets stained the fresh grass leaves. The red had covered the grass of the battlefield. Not only was the color red, but also the smell of red came from the grass. A week without any clean-up makes this odor of rotting humans and red blood that could be smelled from the grass. What a tragic scene. A place where peace could grow has turned to the spot where grass smells red with the soldiers bold blood.
Poem "The Tyger" and my version
Prompt 24
Weave a story around this mixed proverb: Silence is a great healer.
Matthew is a very smart student at Korea International School. He aces his tests and always gets a 100% on his homework. The only problem that dragged his general grade average down was his participation. He talked too much in class that all the teachers gave him an "F" for participation.
His mother who checks Power School everyday noticed this and therefore warned Matthew to be silent in class. Matthew had a hard time promising with his mother, but eventually Matthew got accustomed to saying less than he did before. Thus, from the next day of school, even his participation scores were filled with 20 out of 20. Now his grades were healed and sprang up to all "A"s. This is how silence in class was a great healer for Matthew's grade.
Poetry- My Own Copy
Generation Of The Normans
James Kim 7D
The ear-irritating screams are echoing
The Norman’s second settlement;
No more will they have to find
those fertile and good lands.
On the night before they grumbled
Their footsteps on the dirt are spread,
And today noon, the land was found
The generation of the Normans.
No fear of the land issue,
Now rumors among the men;
Nor fright of invaders intruding
Like Saxons attacking from behind;
No concern of tomorrow's adventure,
The Normans’ dreams not woken;
No particular conflicts are seen
In morning shall call to work.
Their shiny tools are full of use,
Their proud heads are up,
The people’s clothes, sparkling by sun
Is now their gratified memories.
And continuous joyous tears are wept
The joy marks from each eye,
And the proud forms, by grounds sought
Are constantly flourishing now.
The mooing cows, the chirping chicks,
The sun's terrific light,
The renewal, the great agriculture,
The risky scavenging are past;
Nor starvation’s red flag, nor begging
Shall be seen with wealth at this rate.
Those optimism will be common
The commence of the farms.
Like the peaceful Celtic people,
who lived on the great plateau,
Encouraged with momentum, yet to fulfill,
Collapses down the neighboring foes,
Who heard the rumor of the Normans
civilize o'er the field beneath,
Knew the next day
will be “ Norman’s lands!”
Long had the years passed
O'er all those peaceful days,
For never had a setback waged
The circulating blood of Normans;
And still the economy boosted,
Still swelled the joyous tears;
Not long, our men knew,
Such times are the best of times.
Twice in that hour their cheerful celebrations
Called the Norman Era
Patriotism of their beloved land, The Norman flag rises.
By water of their manual canal
Their first-started trade grew,
And well they deemed their goods to be sold.
Their trade for success too.
For many of years, Normans have thought
O'er Britain's plain --
And long the blue sky has been kept
above the Norman region.
The children's training, or children’s discipline,
Or children’s brave voices,
even awakes the Norman men
that echoed o'er that British Plain.
Sons of the Normans and Developed Settlers
Ye must flourish here,
Where children continue
along the peaceful plain.
Their own proud land's fertile soil
Shall be the Norman’s finest territory;
They claim from knowledge that British soil --
The generation of Norman’s Children.
Thus beneath their parent’s control they grow,
Near to the stages of Normans,
Borne from the spirits of Normans
On many a Norman race;
The sunshine of their blue sky
bristles happily on them here,
And keen eyes and hearts watch by
The children’s glory.
Rest on glorified and peaceful Normans!
Dear as the land ye found;
No enemies here shall tread
The land of Norman children;
Nor shall the Normans be forgotten
While fame the children know,
For honor carries on the Norman’s soil
Where Normans continue to live on.
Poetry- Original Copy
Bivouac of the Dead
Theodore O’ Hara
The muffled drum's sad roll has beat
The soldier's last tattoo;
No more on Life's parade shall meet
That brave and fallen few
On fame's eternal camping ground
Their silent tents are spread,
And glory guards, with solemn round
The bivouac of the dead.
No rumor of the foe's advance
Now swells upon the wind;
Nor troubled thought at midnight haunts
Of loved ones left behind;
No vision of the morrow's strife
The warrior's dreams alarms;
No braying horn or screaming fife
At dawn shall call to arms.
Their shriveled swords are red with rust,
Their plumed heads are bowed,
Their haughty banner, trailed in dust,
Is now their martial shroud.
And plenteous funeral tears have washed
The red stains from each brow,
And the proud forms, by battle gashed
Are free from anguish now.
The neighing troop, the flashing blade,
The bugle's stirring blast,
The charge, the dreadful cannonade,
The din and shout, are past;
Nor war's wild note, nor glory's peal
Shall thrill with fierce delight
Those breasts that nevermore may feel
The rapture of the fight.
Like the fierce Northern hurricane
That sweeps the great plateau,
Flushed with triumph, yet to gain,
Come down the serried foe,
Who heard the thunder of the fray
Break o'er the field beneath,
Knew the watchword of the day
Was "Victory or death!"
Long had the doubtful conflict raged
O'er all that stricken plain,
For never fiercer fight had waged
The vengeful blood of Spain;
And still the storm of battle blew,
Still swelled the glory tide;
Not long, our stout old Chieftain knew,
Such odds his strength could bide.
Twice in that hour his stern command
Called to a martyr's grave
The flower of his beloved land,
The nation's flag to save.
By rivers of their father's gore
His first-born laurels grew,
And well he deemed the sons would pour
Their lives for glory too.
For many a mother's breath has swept
O'er Angostura's plain --
And long the pitying sky has wept
Above its moldered slain.
The raven's scream, or eagle's flight,
Or shepherd's pensive lay,
Alone awakes each sullen height
That frowned o'er that dread fray.
Sons of the Dark and Bloody Ground
Ye must not slumber there,
Where stranger steps and tongues resound
Along the heedless air.
Your own proud land's heroic soil
Shall be your fitter grave;
She claims from war his richest spoil –
The ashes of her brave.
Thus 'neath their parent turf they rest,
Far from the gory field,
Borne to a Spartan mother's breast
On many a bloody shield;
The sunshine of their native sky
Smiles sadly on them here,
And kindred eyes and hearts watch by
The heroes sepulcher.
Rest on embalmed and sainted dead!
Dear as the blood ye gave;
No impious footstep here shall tread
The herbage of your grave;
Nor shall your glory be forgot
While Fame her record keeps,
For honor points the hallowed spot
Where valor proudly sleeps.
Prompt 23
They say opposites attract. Use at least five pairs of opposites in a paragraph about some kind of transportation.
There are a lot of transportations that move around our Earth starting from the strong-engine powered F22 Raptor Jet to small weak-fueled mini cars. Some transportations like airplanes roam the sky (high altitude), while others like the helicopter whizzes along the low altitude line. Some affect humans because of their loud sounds such as racing cars and motorcycles. Many other transportation are quiet like the bicycle. Even outside our window we see all sorts of sized vehicles varying from small motorcycles to gigantic monster trucks. Some vehicles are glossy and shiny with cool designs covering them. On the other hand, others may be dusty and dull. These are how our world have so many opposite things especially in the sector of transportation.
Prompt 22
Free Journal
Yesterday, was one of the days when I played computer games for more than seven hours. I got back home to see there was no homework. Thus, I picked up my Mac and started playing a game called "Call of Duty-Modern Wafare 4". In addition, this game is a very recent game that I started to play. It was really exciting to level up nearly every fifteen minutes.
My eyes were turning red as I focused so much on my computer screen. However, this did not slow my momentum down. My fingers were tapping everywhere around the keyboard and I was clicking furiously on the mouse. Blood spattered everywhere, but I believe this is what I call true entertainment!!
After seven more hours of game, my brain started to malfunction. I started to see illusions whizzing around in my head. I dreamed of monsters luring out of my computer screen. Therefore, immediately closed my computer screen and went to bed. That night I did not have a very good sleep. The same monsters were still roaming around in my head. Terrible day, but at least satisfactory with seven hours of gaming time.
Write what you see!
• When have you found appearances to be deceiving? Describe an incident.
I went to a cell phone display shop because I wanted to get a new phone. The display cabinet where there was a really cool-looking cell phone with all the positive comment tags stuck next to it. I took it out of the shelf and laid it on my hand. I was about to go into the menu bar, but it would not activate. I tried to turn it on; however, it wouldn't. I finally found out that it was actually a toy model on display, not a real phone. This was when an appearance seemed deceiving.
• Write a fable with the moral, “Appearances are often deceiving.”
James made a new friend named J, just because he is quiet in class. One day James got a fat “F” on his science test. James only told J his score because James thought J was the only reliable student to tell his worry to. Few days passed without ay special events. James and J were playing just lie any other normal school day. They ate lunch together played with their MacBook together.
The next day, James started to see other glancing and giggling at him. First, James was only irritated, but on Tuesday, James bursted with rage. James had heard Daniel, J's friend, tell Albert that James got a 30% on his test. James was mad, but did not say anything. He started to analyze how his score got exposed. It must have been J who would have told everyone James's score.
James knew who the criminal was and did not want to J again. This was when James realized that he should be careful about the fact that appearances may be deceiving, just like how J seemed so different: quietness to rumor-spreader!
• Write a story in which you find yourself surrounded by objects and buildings that are much
larger than they normally are.
When I lived in England, buildings were just too humungous. The first thing I see right as I step out of my house door is the famous "London Eye". This is a wheel located near the Trafalgar Square. The height of this wheel is nearly 50 times my height. As I stare at the peak of the wheel, I feel a sense of mind that I am shrinking in size. Right nest to this wheel is a very tall financial business company. With glass windows as big as me, I really feel small. I must be an ant from the top of the building. If I walk straight down the road, there is a very big shop called Somerfield. This is no ordinary shop. Not only grocery things, but also stationery, medical, musical instruments! With all those objects to sell, the mall is the size of the middle school and high school building combined. Everywhere around me is too huge in mass and size in comparison to me.
Prompt 21
Write a paragraph incorporating at least ten onomatopoetic words.
The horse was neighing in the barn. The cat was meowing on top of the wooden shelf, hidden behind the books. In the yard, I see bees
busily buzzing around. Near them are the swallows chirping to celebrate the new start of a day. In the desert, a mile away from this
barn lives a snake which rattles. As it sees its prey, the snake turns into silent mode and only hisses. The snake sinks its teeth into
the prey's flesh and blood oozes out just like a gluey substance. Meanwhile, a man from the police station (in the middle of a desert)
crackles with laughter as he flickers through his magazine. He smacks his thigh hard as he nearly falls off his chair.
Prompt 20
Free Journal
Today I bought an orange hard shell for my MacBook. The place where I could order the hard shell that fits my MacBook could only provide the colors: pink and orange. Obviously, I would not select pink. Thus, I only had the choice of getting orange.
I got the orange case after school and it looked nice on my MacBook. I was concerned that my Mac would look sort of weird with an orange case. However, it came out pretty well and I feel relieved that I picked orange.
My friend, J, got a black one which is also nice-looking. However, he says that he does not desire a colour like orange. However, I still like this a lot. As I write my journal, I frequently glass at my case with delight.
Prompt 19
Use this metaphor to spark a poem: a chest of childhood.
Sam turns 13 today,
What would his birthday present be?
A chocolate bar?
A "Transformer" toy?
Actually what lands on Sam's hands
is the chest of childhood.
Pretty heavy,
but light enough for him to lift.
Not a small "Snickers" bar,
but a enormous XL "Hersey" bar.
Not a small doll from Santa,
but a XXXL stuffed brown bear from daddy.
With a big grin,
Sam shows happiness,
'cause his parents still accept him as a child,
not a teenager!
Prompt 18
Free Journal
Finally, I got my MacBook back. It was under reparation for nearly 2 weeks. It feels really good with me having my real Mac back in my own hands. It just seems as if an object that I lost came back to me. Using the IT Office's MacBooks weren't as comfortable as using my own.
At least, I get a brand new MacBook Pro. I can't wait to put my hands on the keyboard. My fingers are tingling and exercising to get ready to rush around the keyboard and skid over the trackpad. Now, I am never going to let my MacBook get broken again forever.
The start of the new week is coming soon, just like how I have a new start with my MacBook. It is very refreshing to have everything start again. I hope my week will end positively and start well. However, right now, the first thing I'm going to do is run my hands over the aluminum MacBook.
Prompt 17
Write a rhyme paragraph. Each sentence must begin and end with the words that rhyme with each other.
There on the shelf are two objects which are in a pair. Red they are just like the colour of my bed. They are so old and now they turn blackish grey. Therefore, I clean and put them next to the door. For some weeks they are worn, but soon they end up donated to the poor. Dirty they are, they complain that their original owners are guilty.
Prompt 16
List 10 things you usually do on a rainy day. Pick one from your list and free write for 5 minutes.
1. Play computer games on my MacBook.
2. Read a book
3. Continue on writing my own novel
4. Chat with my friends online.
5. Play indoor soccer and basketball with my friends
6. Do unfinished projects or homework.
7. Go shopping (mostly clothes).
8. Watch TV (my favourite programs)
9. Torture my cousin ( who always comes over to my house)
10. Google games and download ones that may be fun.
It's raining cats and dogs today. I can't do any outdoor activities. Oh well, I can just chat with my friends online. I drag my mouse to the icon "iChat". 30 friends are online! Suddenly 10 messages appear on my screen all saying "what's up" or "hi". My fingers started to reach all around the black keyboard. After an hour of chatting, I glance at the window. It stopped raining! This is what I do when it rains.
Prompt 15
Place this sentence in a paragraph where it will make sense: Bea had never before wanted to be a bee.
Beatrix is a 12 year old kid. He loves eating food, which has honey as its ingredient. Also, he has a habit of making buzzing sounds. One day, he unexpectedly encounters a sorcerer. The sorcerer tells him if he would like to change into another form of an object or living thing. Beatriz didn't believe in the sorcerer's magic and told the magician to do his spell. Later, when Beatriz went home, he looked at the mirror. He was shocked to see wings growing from his back, His skin turned into stripes of yellow and black. He realized he had become a bee. Beatrix had never before wanted to be a bee, but it was punishment from the sorcerer for not believing in him.
Prompt 14
Electricity is recent discovery. Think of 12 things to do when there is no power.
1. We could use kerosene (oil) for light, instead of electricity.
2. Fire could be replaced for the heat because we have an abundant supply of wood.
3. Use of natural resources such as water to make power again
4. Only use mechanical or electronic devices that run on batteries that do not have to be recharged with electricity.
5. Get fresh water by evaporating salt from sea and condesing the remaining droplets.
6. Without any oven, cooking can be done with the fire
7. Writing can be done with a typewriter, which does not use elctricity (my grandfather's typewriter is still usable)
8. Transportation is important; therefore, buses and cars could go with solar energy (without having to run on oil, which is pumped through electric power.
9. Important activities using light (electricity) such as playing with your friends and studying should be done when the day is bright. Sleeping or other forms of relaxation or less urgent things can be done at night.
10. Communication will be less comfortable with no electric wires; however, we can always meet each other because transportation is still available.
11. Electricity is not always the kind only in wires. Fruits, some animals like eels produce electricity. Electricity coming from nature will never stop and therefore, is type of power cnan be used for all times without having to use man-made electric-generators.
12. buy or get a lot of oil, candles, and lamps at home, in case, there are problems with light and you are urgent to do something at night.
Prompt 13
What kind of cartoon show might appeal to the over age 65 audience? Imagine the show. Then, in 100 words, or less, describe the show and its main character.
These days, more construction are done to help the elders specifically in public places. An audience over the age of 65 would like to see cartoons that are related to these events. Old Sam (82 year old) grandpa goes to the hospital with a broken leg.
In the hospital is a child playing on the elevator. This naughty kids presses buttons of all floors so that the elevator will go up and down for hours. Old Sam notices that these naughty kids are playing so he scolds them. Not like a normal grandpa, but more like a samurai.
Old Sam holds up his stick and starts whacking the child. Old Sam scares the souls out of the children. The child runs for their lives as Old Sam chuckles as he walks into the elevator. Old Sam knows that he won't have to whack others with his stick for a long, long time.
Prompt 12
Describe what you feel right now using your sense of smell. If you feel frustrated, write about what your frustration smells like. Use vivid words. Don't skimp adjectives.
I feel very sleepy after eating my lunch. I am actually really satisfied for my blocks after lunch because I do not have any desire for food left. However, for some reason, I feel that my stomach is urging me for more food. I ate a lot at lunch, but it seems as if I'm missing something. Therefore, my eagerness for food really makes me concentrate less.
I don't mean that I don't like creative writing. It's just that my stomach is malfunctioning. I ate one and a half dish but I don't feel full yet. Because of hunger, the only thing that pops into my mind are cookies, sandwiches. As I write this journal, I'm having difficulty coming up with words because right now I am imagining about eating food in my head.
I really am active around this time of day; however, today was the complete opposite. I feel drowsy and hungry. My primary desire is food and class seems not as fun as other times. I hope my mood changes soon because I can't stay like this forever.
Prompt 11
Fatima is a very spoiled teenage girl. Show that she is spoiled, by describing what happens when she doesn’t get a car for her birthday.
Fatima’s father is the Managing Director of Microsoft Corporation. Her mother is the Chairwoman of Hyundai. Fatima who is 15 years old today always got what she wanted for a birthday present. Her 13th birthday presents were 2 new 17 inch Mac Book Pros. Her 14th birthday present was a new pet pony.
Today is Fatima’s 15 today. This time she wants a new Bugatti Veyron, the world’s most expensive car in the world.
Lately, because of the economic crisis, Fatima’s family budget has been a little bit tight. Therefore, the parents say
that Fatima should get a cheaper present.
Fatima’s face is red with anger and it is about to explode. Fatima’s dad rolls his fingers with frustration that Fatima will
scream and yell. Fatima’s mom is getting ready to run to her room before Fatima yells into her ears. Fatima says,
“Before I get the car in front of my feet, I will never ever be happy with you, mom and dad so get me my car now!”
Prompt 10
Free Writing
Today was one of the best days of my life. I got my MacBook Pro back. Last week, my MacBook had broken down. While my MacBook was under reparation, I had to use the old white MacBook from the IT Office. I just felt as if I had abandoned my friend (MacBook). 9:15, this morning, an IT Officer called upon me to pick up my computer. I sprinted like the wind to the IT Office.
I couldn't wait to see my MacBook. Others may be curious why I was so eager to get my MacBook back. Even I don't know why I was so keen. However, not having my own MacBook for 5 days made me feel very uncomfortable. Using the IT Office's laptop is not so good when I have to borrow a worse version.
Still, now that I have my MacBook back, it seems as if I met a friend whom I last saw 10 years ago. This may feel very exaggerated, but for me, it's true. This event showed the importance of a MacBook to me. From now on, I will never ever let my MacBook Pro break down again under my control.
Prompt 9
Free Writing
Last weekend, I went camping with my dad. It was a total disaster mainly because of the terrible weather. My dad and I were walking up a mountain when the sun was bristly warm. After two hours, I was soaking wet with rain pellets bashing on my shoulders and face. It was not what was supposed to happen. This camping was to be fun, not terrorizing me.
I think the gods are angry for no reason. Unexpected rain pouring on us as we trudge to the pinnacle of the mountain was one sign of Zeus's anger. We thought we would be pleasant to be on the top of the mountain but actually, we were not so happy because of the rain. All the happy consequences were all ruined.
If it weren’t for the rain, going up and down the mountain also would have been much easier. My trousers got muddy after I slipped on the ridge. My gait was weird because the cold surface of my clothes sticking to my skin felt uncomfortable. Rain was just a trouble-maker for me, today. Bad! Bad! Rain! Don't do that next time,rain!
Prompt 8
Write a paragraph about a cat that is attacking something. Don't use the word hiss, scratch or pounce.
There was a ginger cat named “Tippy”. Also, there was a bulldog called “Bulldozer”. They were enemies for 5 years. One day, Tippy and Bulldozer met face on face with each other. They were both glaring at each other. Tippy was getting ready to jump on Bulldozer. Bulldozer was all prepared to chase Tippy to death. Bulldozer looked back to check if his hind legs were powered up to full speed. At that split second, Tippy got her chance and flew 5 meters. Then, she sunk her canine teeth into the Bulldozers neck. This was deadly blow because the neck is the weakest point of a bulldog. Therefore, Bulldozer scampered around the field like a chicken without a head. Tippy crackled with laughter as she had scared the soul out of Bulldozer.
Prompt 7
List of 40 things that happened this month.
1) bought macbook
2) started 7th grade-with all new teachers
3) got a new 02 watch
4) changed my cell phone
5) changed my glasses
6) got into battle with mosquitos
7) wrote 6 journals
8) went to Great Britain and saw the queen several steps away from me.
9) watched 3 movies in a day with my friends
10) I started a new instrument, crash cymbals for the percussion
11) I quit having monthly allowances
12) ate pizza for 2 meals in one day
13) went to the same restaurant for dinner for 3 days
14) used up 39 GB in one day for my Macbook Pro
15) I met my grandparents right in front of a PC room
16) I bought 4 mouses for my Macbook in case they malfunction
17) I played computer games for 13 hours with my friends.
18) My pet in Britain went into RCY training.
19) Got my Macbook fixed n the day I bought it because system preferences would not open.
20) Quit my academies to go to school, which is like going to heaven
21) ate Vietnamese food
22) got 100% on my first math quiz
23) went to a Youth United States-Korea Diplomatic Program (3 days)
24) nearly slept in math class after finishing my chapter test
25) grew 3cm in two weeks
26) woke up at night seeing myself lying on the veranda
27) played baseball with J and other friends
28) won 1st place in a national debate tournament
29) fell asleep as I was reading the first word of the "Ulysses"
30) nearly got my ID card stolen
31) became fan of Girl's Generation because of Francis and Jeongsoo
32) forgot to bring my Macbook from IT office
33) bumped into Mr. Forrestal (on purpose)
34) getting bored of typing all these events
35) had 4 quizzes already in Chinese class
36) let in 5 goals in House Soccer Activity
37) scored 4 goals when I was striker
38) accidentally went to the cafeteria after finishing my 2nd Block
39) nearly missed my KIS Reads
40) found out right now that laser mouses don't need mouse pads
Prompt 6
Describe your bedroom the way you want it to be.
There are a lot of bed styles that I like; however, there is one particular one that I like. First of all, I would like a king bed. A king bed is the size for 4 people to sleep in.I roll around a lot while I am sleeping, and if I have a big bed like that, I would not have to wake up on the cold floor of my room. In addition, I would like to have dolls all around my bed. I dream a lot especially nightmares. Therefore, it would be nice to have ten cuddly dolls to ease my mental pain while I sleep. In addition, I am not mature with the aspect that I’m not scar of the dark night. I just have a feeling that a person or thing is putting close attention at me. This is why curtains will be good to hide me from my surroundings so that I would not consider objects as faces staring at me.
Prompt 5
What else is silly?
Give three more examples.
Done on paper.
Prompt 4
Close your eyes briefly. Think of one object that’s in the
room and focus on it without opening your eyes, recall as
much detail as you can about it. After three minutes or so,
open your eyes and write about that object without
looking at it. (This exercise was done in class and timed.)
There are two of the same kinds in this room. They are both wooden and are touched by everyone in the room. Obviously, it is the doors. A small windowpane in the center and a silver knob is what the door includes. Nothing much but the texture of the door is cool. Some surfaces are smooth and other parts are rough. On one door, the teacher put up a poster on the door which read “Use the other door.” In addition, there are creaky silver and gold hinges located on the top and the sides of the door. Those are the only shiny parts that attract my eyes. Sill it can be considered as one of the biggest objects in the classroom. The door is an easily seen object but no one really cares about it.
Prompt 3
Describe someone who looks bored. Don’t use any form of the words yawned or stared or sighed.
There is a boy at the back of the classroom who is never called upon by the teacher. His eyelids are starting shut. All the teacher’s words seem as if it is spoken in Greek. He puts his head flat on the wooden desk. The desk is cold and his face is hot, but he has no reaction. The teacher tells the students to write an essay hand-written. He takes out a blunt 2B pencil, which was stuck in his pocket for a month. Then he writes his name in a scribble. Everyone is nearly done with their essays as the boy finally falls asleep. He wakes up abruptly, but this time he is daydreaming. The only thing that pops into his mind is the new game CD that he got for Christmas. Now, he turns his head directly at the clock. One hour left until class ends. This one-hour is just plain torture for him. Finally, class ends as he race to his house, which is on the opposite side of the school. This boy must have been really bored.
Prompt 2
Free Journal
My first three days were both terrific and sad. First of all, I got my Mac Book Pro, which was what I wanted from the start of Middle School. It feels as if I just made a new mechanical friend. I gain entertainment from my computer with music, videos, and games (outside of school).
When I was a 6th grader, all day I would daydream of when I would get my hands on the silver and shiny computer. Now that day has come, as I write this journal. There were unfortunately sad things too such as not being able to stay after school without permission. In Grade 6, I loved to hang around with my friends by playing on the football field with them. Now no more of those fun days! In this perspective, I really miss Grade 6.
Now as I become more mature, I can truly see the advantages and the drawbacks of moving onto becoming a Grade 7 student. Some may agree and disagree with my statements; however, I believe that one principle still stands strong regarding both Grade 6 & 7. It is that life is not always fair.
Prompt 1
Write a paragraph about a girl named Dot, but use no letters with (no use of i,j)
A strange European came to the room. I couldn’t see her properly, but she looked very dull. Shabby clothes, tangled shoelaces, and a gloomy face were all I saw. The teacher told her to talk about herself, but probably she was shy. Her face blushed and I started to see tears fall from her red cheeks. The word that pops out from her mouth was “dot”. I was frustrated for that second. Then, as she spoke more words, I found out that her name was Dot.
James Kim © 2009