Detrimental
- Damaging
- Disadvantageous
Woebegone
- Depressed
- Troubled
Torment
- to worry or annoy excessively
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Greed For Fame.
“MUAHAHAHAHA! Finally, another newspaper article front cover about me. “Benevolent Billy Gives Quarter Fortune to Pooly Children Orphanage”. I’m famous for being generous; people know and recognise me now!” Billy announced.
“He and his nonsense again, always trying to gain fame by doing generous works.” Benny, Billy’s brother, murmured.
Many people do not like Billy as he is conceited and narcissistic about his wealth and generosity all the time. This is how Billy overcome his greed and became a better person…
Ever since Billy was desirous over his brother for being renowned in the entertainment circle, he tried to overthrow his brother so that people would like him more than his brother.
“So what if Benny is famous, I can be like him too, not that he’s so capable and he’s the only one!” Billy said vigilantly. Jealousy filled Billy, and winning him is the only thing in his head.
When Billy was a small boy, he was often ignored by his parents because he never listens to them. He also argues with them if things did not go his way. On the other hand, Benny received better treatment from them as he showed exemplary behaviour. They also bought whatever he wanted, and does everything in his favour. He felt unfair. He decided to study very hard and score good grades. Now, he burns midnight oil, just to ensure that he can outdo Billy.
One day, Billy finally succeeded. He became the manager of Company Rich, and started to earn lots of money. As he did not have talents unlike Benny, he thought of many ways to outshine his brother. He started working on projects after projects, and thus many people know him. Billy felt satisfied of his numerous achievements, appearing on newspapers and magazines umpteen times. He also donated to various charity centre and orphanage, out of fame, not generosity.
His attitude went from bad to worse. Greed went over his head. His friends started to ignore him and some even disregarded him as their friend. Although newspapers described him as a respectable and admirable, people around him know that he has a motive in his heart by doing these acts.
Years passed, and Billy felt lonesome and forlorn. No one bothered and cared about him. His friends did not even glance at the newspaper when he was on it. “What happened?” Billy thought, “ Why did everyone leave me? What have I done?”
Weeks after weeks, Billy reflected upon whatever he had done. Finally, one month later, he realise that he had neglected his friends, and in his mind was to defeat his brother. He did not cherish his relationship with his friends and families, causing him to lose everything he had once before. He failed to treasure them.
Greed over fame had almost cost Billy to lose everything he had. From then on, he learnt how to be mindful of what he is doing, and forget about outdoing Benny because as brothers, they should be thinking of how they can help each other instead of competing with each other.
“He and his nonsense again, always trying to gain fame by doing generous works.” Benny, Billy’s brother, murmured.
Many people do not like Billy as he is conceited and narcissistic about his wealth and generosity all the time. This is how Billy overcome his greed and became a better person…
Ever since Billy was desirous over his brother for being renowned in the entertainment circle, he tried to overthrow his brother so that people would like him more than his brother.
“So what if Benny is famous, I can be like him too, not that he’s so capable and he’s the only one!” Billy said vigilantly. Jealousy filled Billy, and winning him is the only thing in his head.
When Billy was a small boy, he was often ignored by his parents because he never listens to them. He also argues with them if things did not go his way. On the other hand, Benny received better treatment from them as he showed exemplary behaviour. They also bought whatever he wanted, and does everything in his favour. He felt unfair. He decided to study very hard and score good grades. Now, he burns midnight oil, just to ensure that he can outdo Billy.
One day, Billy finally succeeded. He became the manager of Company Rich, and started to earn lots of money. As he did not have talents unlike Benny, he thought of many ways to outshine his brother. He started working on projects after projects, and thus many people know him. Billy felt satisfied of his numerous achievements, appearing on newspapers and magazines umpteen times. He also donated to various charity centre and orphanage, out of fame, not generosity.
His attitude went from bad to worse. Greed went over his head. His friends started to ignore him and some even disregarded him as their friend. Although newspapers described him as a respectable and admirable, people around him know that he has a motive in his heart by doing these acts.
Years passed, and Billy felt lonesome and forlorn. No one bothered and cared about him. His friends did not even glance at the newspaper when he was on it. “What happened?” Billy thought, “ Why did everyone leave me? What have I done?”
Weeks after weeks, Billy reflected upon whatever he had done. Finally, one month later, he realise that he had neglected his friends, and in his mind was to defeat his brother. He did not cherish his relationship with his friends and families, causing him to lose everything he had once before. He failed to treasure them.
Greed over fame had almost cost Billy to lose everything he had. From then on, he learnt how to be mindful of what he is doing, and forget about outdoing Benny because as brothers, they should be thinking of how they can help each other instead of competing with each other.
Frustration.
Frustration, is a feeling of dissatisfaction. Frustration occurs in various different ways; when people irritates you, when you cannot solve a problem and even for the smallest things, for example, unable to find something. To me, frustration is like a test to us, a test which all of us have to take, to get to know our tolerance level towards people.
For me, i do not have a high tranquil and have a bad temper, thus i often throw my temper to certain people. Frustration in me caused my relationship with certain friends to get from bad to worse. Once we do not see eye to eye to some matters, an arguement will start.
I think that all of us should learn how to control our emotions, lest we let go of it, and matters become severe.
For me, i do not have a high tranquil and have a bad temper, thus i often throw my temper to certain people. Frustration in me caused my relationship with certain friends to get from bad to worse. Once we do not see eye to eye to some matters, an arguement will start.
I think that all of us should learn how to control our emotions, lest we let go of it, and matters become severe.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Broken Dreams, Fulfilled Promises
Imagine you are the writer of the book – Plan a sequel (Part 2)“Broken Dreams, Fulfilled Promises” [Carolyn Ros]
As Johan slowly regained his memory, Carolyn felt blithe. She continuously prayed and thanks God for the healing of Johan after such a long and difficult period.
A few years passed, and their four children grew up healthily. Jozua, who was affected by a sickness when he was young, was the most filial. He took care of Johan, his father, ever since he was hospitalised. Although his father had brain tumour and lost his memory years ago, he is fine now, because of the constant care by his family.
One Saturday afternoon, Jozua had a relapse. His sickness reacted again.
“How could his sickness react again? The doctors said he had fully recovered, but… WHY?” Carolyn said frantically. Immediately, they sent him to the nearest hospital.
As Carolyn is a Christian, she prayed non-stop,” Dear Lord, I pray for my son’s safety. He is a very wonderful son, please don’t take him away from us. Please don’t make all of us worry again.”
The next morning, the family found Jozua lifeless in his bed. They were shocked and aggrieved. Carolyn especially was heartbroken. Jozua’s siblings were moaning the lost of their beloved brother. Johan was filled with grief as Jozua was the most filial son who took care of him.
The whole neighbourhood attended the funeral. Everybody had only good things to say about the boy. Life continued for them. Carolyn slowly was settling back to her normal self.
One night, Johan was thinking about his son. Tears flowed down his cheeks. His heart was heavy with sorrow. Out of a sudden, he heard a faint voice. It became louder to his ears. It was Jozua’s voice. “Don’t grieve, daddy. I’m at a wonderful place. There are beautiful flowers and greenery around me. I’m with loving people who are taking good care of me, just like you. I’m here coaching little children who are here before their time. They adore me like a big brother. I enjoy their company and always try to make them happy. This is my mission. Please do not feel sorry for me. I am at peace with myself. One day, we will meet again. Rest assured that I am always keeping all of you in my heart and mind. Good bye daddy.”
Burned Alive
Imagine you’re one of the characters – Write an alternative ending to the story.“Burned Alive” [Souad]
… Although Souad was married in Europe after her countless treatment for her burnt body, things did not go on smoothly for her.
“SOUAD! COME HERE QUICKLY BEFORE I SMACK YOUR HIDEOUS FACE!” hollered her husband. Souad dashed towards her husband hastily.
“Yes?” questioned Souad. Her husband pushed her onto the hard and cold floor.
“Look at what you’ve done? Look at this! Why is there a stain on my sofa? Why are you so careless to spill your drink? WHY ARE YOU SO CARELESS! What if bugs crawl onto the sofa? HOW HOW HOW?” screamed her husband, infuriately.
“I’m so sorry; I promise I won’t do it again. I promise.”
“Always say, but never do.” He shook his head and walked away.
Souad walked towards the bathroom, close the door, and wept pitifully. Tears rolled continuously down her scalded cheeks. She was never allowed to cry in front of her husband, if not her husband will reprimand her. She looked into the mirror, and saw her awful and burnt face and thought, “Is this my fate? To live in a world controlled by men? Even my husband controls me, where’s my freedom?”
The next day, she woke up and realise her son was right beside her. He flew from West Bank all the way to Europe. Since her son was living alone in his foster family’s house in West Bank, he said,” Mummy, I have never gotten a chance to live with you since I was a baby. But it’s okay; I know why you sold me to another family. It is because you love me so much that you didn’t want me to suffer with you and my irresponsible father in West Bank. You’ve suffered too much, mummy. Let’s go live somewhere else, so that you won’t be controlled by stepfather anymore.”
“I’m afraid I can’t. If your stepfather finds out, I’ll be in hot soup!” Souad said sadly.
“Don’t be afraid mummy, I’m here, and you won’t be in trouble.” Souad’s son calmed her down. She reunited with her son and regained her freedom. From then on, Souad began a new lease of life.
Vietnam War Life Story
Describe your favorite setting from the story and comment why you like or dislike.
“First They Killed My Father” [Loung Ung]
“First They Killed My Father” [Loung Ung]
The setting I like the most in this book is when Loung was walking to the infirmary to recover to become strong so that she will not be kicked out from the refugee camp and the scene when she found her mother and baby sister. She was walking along a dusty and muddy lane, with many land mimes along the side of the road. She struggled as she walk, because she was famished. It took her the entire day to reach the infirmary.
Loung mustered up courage and asked for permission from the person in charge of the refugee camp, Met Bong, to allow her to have the permission slip to go to the infirmary. This displayed her endurance and resolution to stay alive even though she was all alone stranded in the camp, during the war.
Along the way, she found a small cotton field. As she was hungry, she recalled that the black round seed in the cotton can be eaten, thus tried and it appeased her stomach. This act also refers that at such a young age, she knows many survival skills, and is very ingenious.
She saw many scenarios in the infirmary of people deadly sick, and half-alive, but she still walks across all of them. If I were her, I would definitely be panic stricken, even at the age of fifteen. All these incidents proved, that even a young girl like her is able to go through all the sufferings and pain, what more a teenager or a parent?
The author has definitely given her a wondrous role to inspire many people to be undauntable and fearless at all circumstances. All of us should learn from her that no matter what happens, if there is a will, there will always be a way to carry on.
Loung mustered up courage and asked for permission from the person in charge of the refugee camp, Met Bong, to allow her to have the permission slip to go to the infirmary. This displayed her endurance and resolution to stay alive even though she was all alone stranded in the camp, during the war.
Along the way, she found a small cotton field. As she was hungry, she recalled that the black round seed in the cotton can be eaten, thus tried and it appeased her stomach. This act also refers that at such a young age, she knows many survival skills, and is very ingenious.
She saw many scenarios in the infirmary of people deadly sick, and half-alive, but she still walks across all of them. If I were her, I would definitely be panic stricken, even at the age of fifteen. All these incidents proved, that even a young girl like her is able to go through all the sufferings and pain, what more a teenager or a parent?
The author has definitely given her a wondrous role to inspire many people to be undauntable and fearless at all circumstances. All of us should learn from her that no matter what happens, if there is a will, there will always be a way to carry on.
Ugly?
Pick controversial issues and give opinions.
“UGLY” [Constance Briscoe]
“The black woman beautiful is as far away from white woman beautiful as the beauty of night is from the beauty of day. Beauty in this essence comes in differing forms but it still seems as if we have one ideal.”
Is being ugly, a sin? Why do people despise people who are ugly? Why do people not look at the inner beauty, but the outer beauty? Uncivilized people tend to keep away from “ugly” people as they think that it is a shame to be with them. People always say “Having inner beauty is the real beauty”, but do they really mean it?
In my opinion, inner beauty is more important than outer beauty. I do not dare deny that majority of the people prefer people with a greater appearance, and attractive people get a job easily. For example, we know good-looking guys usually get higher scores on job interviews, but this does not mean that they can neglect and abhor others.
Outer beauty is not so important to make a person good. We should not judge a book by its cover, to see if the person is courteous and well-mannered. In our society, beauty also gives us many advantages such as having a good social life, making friends, getting a job, and getting a promotion. Whenever, we look at good-looking guys and girls, we usually form stereotypes. We think he or she is a good and kind person. This is why cosmetic surgery is so popular in our society.
So, what is real beauty? I want to say that inner beauty is the real one because if someone has beauty in his soul, he looks like a really beautiful person. The beauty looked at with eyes doesn't last forever. Instead of concentrating on outer beauty, we should concentrate on inner beauty. The point is that inner beauty is more important than outside beauty. So, if we make the effort to make our minds beautiful, we'll be happier.
“UGLY” [Constance Briscoe]
“The black woman beautiful is as far away from white woman beautiful as the beauty of night is from the beauty of day. Beauty in this essence comes in differing forms but it still seems as if we have one ideal.”Is being ugly, a sin? Why do people despise people who are ugly? Why do people not look at the inner beauty, but the outer beauty? Uncivilized people tend to keep away from “ugly” people as they think that it is a shame to be with them. People always say “Having inner beauty is the real beauty”, but do they really mean it?
In my opinion, inner beauty is more important than outer beauty. I do not dare deny that majority of the people prefer people with a greater appearance, and attractive people get a job easily. For example, we know good-looking guys usually get higher scores on job interviews, but this does not mean that they can neglect and abhor others.
Outer beauty is not so important to make a person good. We should not judge a book by its cover, to see if the person is courteous and well-mannered. In our society, beauty also gives us many advantages such as having a good social life, making friends, getting a job, and getting a promotion. Whenever, we look at good-looking guys and girls, we usually form stereotypes. We think he or she is a good and kind person. This is why cosmetic surgery is so popular in our society.
So, what is real beauty? I want to say that inner beauty is the real one because if someone has beauty in his soul, he looks like a really beautiful person. The beauty looked at with eyes doesn't last forever. Instead of concentrating on outer beauty, we should concentrate on inner beauty. The point is that inner beauty is more important than outside beauty. So, if we make the effort to make our minds beautiful, we'll be happier.
Shotgun Marriage
Pick controversial issues and argue why you agree or disagree.
“Shotgun Marriage” [Day Leclaire]
Since olden days, the institution of marriage is sacred. It is a norm in society that people have to be married having children. But nowadays, the trend has changed. Teenagers are pregnant even before they are married, and thus have to get married before the appropriate age. There are many advantages and disadvantages on this matter.
Shotgun marriage keeps relationship going. When the child is born, both parents will nurture and provide love and comfort for the child. Shotgun marriage also lessens the financial burden of the female party as she does not need to worry on how to raise the child all by herself. The male is able to go out and work, whereas the female is able to take care of herself and the baby, so that both will be healthy.
On the other hand, shotgun marriage can cause more trouble. Usually, it does not last long due to the fact that they are still young, not knowing what they are doing. Some people who do not accept shotgun marriage will start mocking the couples for being “lowdown”, “shameless” and so on. Comments like “the girl marries the guy because he is rich and is able to provide for her”, are unduly common. As couples are young, they will not be able find a stable job to provide for the family. If the family is not rich, for the worst case scenario, the male has to quit school to work as a full time worker in order to earn more money.
I disagree to shotgun marriage, it is unsafe. Teenagers are too young get married, and they do not know how to think properly before they make a decision. I am sure that even without marriage, both parties will still take the initiative to take care of the baby instead of aborting it.
“Shotgun Marriage” [Day Leclaire]
Since olden days, the institution of marriage is sacred. It is a norm in society that people have to be married having children. But nowadays, the trend has changed. Teenagers are pregnant even before they are married, and thus have to get married before the appropriate age. There are many advantages and disadvantages on this matter.Shotgun marriage keeps relationship going. When the child is born, both parents will nurture and provide love and comfort for the child. Shotgun marriage also lessens the financial burden of the female party as she does not need to worry on how to raise the child all by herself. The male is able to go out and work, whereas the female is able to take care of herself and the baby, so that both will be healthy.
On the other hand, shotgun marriage can cause more trouble. Usually, it does not last long due to the fact that they are still young, not knowing what they are doing. Some people who do not accept shotgun marriage will start mocking the couples for being “lowdown”, “shameless” and so on. Comments like “the girl marries the guy because he is rich and is able to provide for her”, are unduly common. As couples are young, they will not be able find a stable job to provide for the family. If the family is not rich, for the worst case scenario, the male has to quit school to work as a full time worker in order to earn more money.
I disagree to shotgun marriage, it is unsafe. Teenagers are too young get married, and they do not know how to think properly before they make a decision. I am sure that even without marriage, both parties will still take the initiative to take care of the baby instead of aborting it.
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