Final Exam

 Ya~~! I've almost finished all of the final exam~ I am free right now!! (The sentences above aren't related to the journal) Fine. Let's talk about the English Final. I feel worried and uneasy about my final though I've tried my best to describe poetic elements in "Paul Revere's Ride" in the essay question. It's difficult to determine the form of the poem, though I think that it's a ballad. Since it focuses on only one event- Paul Revere rode on the horse, passed the towns, and warned people that the British was coming. Actually, I don't think I'm confident about any questions, since there may be "special surprises" whenever we feel confident about any questions. If the teacher had said as he was passing out the exams, "Don't worry, this exam is very easy," depends on his attitude, I would have 50 percent wanted to kill him. Since he may just wish students to be relaxed, or he really thinks it's piece of cake at his position. However, I would likely or not to kill him, and my standard to "kill" him isn't like those murders, it's dislike, unlike cruel, ruthless murders.

Heroism Today

  People in today's world do things don't really believe in heroism. The truth is that they seldom have heroic qualities, since knight is only a fade, it's not medieval Europe, and there aren't that many monsters and demons in real world. However, because I'm always a child and believe in those magical stuff, I would like to read fantasy novels and create heroes in my heart. I especially prefer mythologies, since they seem to be more mysterious and interesting. Some of the people may heard about Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Yes, I'm going to talk about his heroic deeds. Percy Jackson is the son of Poseidon, though I prefer Athena more, since I am an Athenian. He is going to clear himself by proving he didn't steal lightening bolt. He encounters Medusa and Hades, and they accidentally have a battle; however, he survives it. He then finds out that it is Luke, Hermes' son who stole the lightening bolt. He is awarded and becomes honorable after he takes back Zeus' lightening bolt. Later on, he has a new journey. Although it's only a story, I pretty enjoy the relationship among gods and goddesses. Well, it's only a visionary example, the possibility happens in real world is almost zero.

True or False?

I think it is okay to alter the truth when creating a work of art. An artist would do stuff like that since he or she needs to create a artistic, beautiful work although it doesn't exist, such as an abstract painting. It originates by people's imagination, connect with their creativity, they can create such great artistic work. A poet would make up some words in order to cooperate with the rhythm. Readers would enjoy the beat if it times the rhythm. I believe that it will sound smoother for the readers to read if it rhymes exactly. Furthermore, a writer would like to exaggerate the event, for the purpose of making someone more honorable. If the hero did a great job and won the battle, the author may describe the enemy as a horrible monster and how difficult the hero defeats the monster. A writer does that because it makes the story more interesting and exciting, though it's not the truth. I think it's OK to lie if it helps to create something good. I once lied for my brother, lying to my father about his state of illness, in order to calm my dad down. (Since my dad once had melancholia, it's not good for him to receive bad information) After all, I am just being obedient to my mother's order.

Independent Reading Project Reflection

  Through the experience of making my reading project, I somehow understand how difficult is an author writes a Newberry honor book and how hard is to make a fantastic quadrama. I do prefer this independent reading project since we can select our favorite book, although it really spends me a lot of time to design and make the project. Yes, a lot of time. At the beginning, I thought about making a creative model because it will be interesting if it is 3D. However, I'm not an artist. I can barely build the base of the quadrama, which looks like a church. I paint every background by scenes that related to the person's savvy and try to draw "active" characters. It is definitely a great learning lesson that enlightens my creativity. I learn a new ability to do something that I never thought I could accomplish before, and I know that I should take art classes. After finishing the project, I feel that the exercise is worthwhile because I can preserve the model forever. (if there is no earthquake or accident) The project is also a beautiful memory that represents how I spend my life in PAS. I think this is a really great project, but I suggest that we can make some projects that hang on the ceiling. We can even compete with each other whether which one can stay longer. Anyhow, instead of making a project, I would rather like to play games. 

Sands of Time

"Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime.
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time."

After reading the deep poem on top, it reminds me a modern person can accomplish great things. He creates a "language" that can communicate with entire Chinese in the whole world, people can chat really well through his language although they don't recognize others. He creates a wonder in my heart-- He is Jin Yong. He is my favorite martial art and chivalry author and a great model. Although he is old, he never gives up studying and even get Ph.D in University of Cambridge. His writings mingle the true Chinese history with some of the heroes he creates. Readers can find out what happens to China through dynasties and how Chinese tries to drive out the invaders. He also adds lots of philosophical thoughts and religion believes in novels, such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. My favorite part of all is the concept of his novels, which emphasizes the importance of the loyalty in brotherhood. I appreciate the steadfast friendship and bond between the characters. They are usually loyal to their brothers and are willing to sacrifice themselves. They aren't scared of death and are willing to die together. I love their firm determinations while they face death.
The literary device that Longfellow using with “leave behind us/Footprints on the sands of time” is metaphor, since the footprints represent the marvels or great accomplishments that people leave behind in the world. As for Jin Yong, the novels he writes have already exist for 50 years, even before I am born. I was so regret that I didn't read his novels until I was grade 7. However, I can promise that his novels will hand down forever, because he is the best martial arts writer ever and has a significant position in leading worldwide novelists. As for me, I wish that I can leave behind "footprints", too. Although I don't really sure whether I have the ability or not, at least, it's a dream that will push me forward. I think I'm more interested in genetic engineering and business. I will definitely learn to be a businesswoman since I would like to study invest and stock certificate. I would like to study genetic engineering because I am attracted by breeding new species. It may produce a large amount of harvest within a short time; therefore, it can help avoid from famine. Since girls like to be beautiful, I think there is a great opportunity for earning money by making cream and essence that include genetic engineering, such as revealable- white- skin genes in plants. Anyhow, this is only a dream. If I wish that dream will come true, I better study harder, get high grades on SAT, and admit to favorite university first.

My Most and Least Favorite

  Since we have read many different types of novels this year, whether talking about growth of brotherhood, a Cinderella, a surviving adventure in wilderness, or a mysterious murder which awarded 200 million. I personally prefer the Outsiders, a novel by S.E. Hinton, which is about a group of boys who have steadfast friendship, with strong loyalty to their brotherhood. The main character, Ponyboy, is thoughtful and intelligent, he treasures the friendship with his brothers and helps them at the right moment. He never bound by his background, the Greasers, oppositely, he is proud of themselves. He is willing to sacrifice himself and help his buddies. "A buddy in need is a buddy indeed". The spirit of brotherhood in the Greasers will remain forever. On the other hand, my least favorite novel is Hatchet. Since it's a surviving adventure in wilderness, the plot is sort of obvious- no matter what did he experience, he would always survive and learn skills that grow him up. First of all, I'm not interested in wilderness, because it seems so dreary and wild (of course). Second, I doesn't like the main character, Brian, because he is too fragile to survive and he isn't agile. Last, he still hasn't solved his internal conflict, the pressure that his mom cheated on his father. The ending is unclear to unveil his internal conflicts. However, the book slightly attracts me when Brian encounters the storm, and when he is dealing with the new environment.

Hip-Hop Language

Splash! Splash!
Don't spread on my face!
Walking at a quick pace
enough to drop a vase
dampen the pretty lace
excel the time in race

Splash! Splash!
swim in the pool
without any complex tool
enjoy the pleasant cool
remote from the warm wool
motions calm and lull 

Splash! Splash
step on the shoal
collect memorable shells
listen to the sea roars
expect a bird to soar
achieve my goals

Splash! Splash!
remember the dreary dream
watch out vampires appear in team
surround and sing a pean
invite passengers stop and see
ask for claps and provide a seat

Since hip-hop language is difficult
and I run out of ideas
therefore
I'm going to stop here

Although the poem isn't "gangsta"
I try to do my best