About me

Hi guys. My name is Daniel and I am currently going to an international school in Daejon, Korea. I am currently 14 years old. I have created a blog for my English 9 class and hope you guys enjoy it :) Have fun~

Sunday, 27 September 2009

Daily Warm-up

The person who made the greatest impression on me would be my 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Qun. In 5th grade, academically-wise, I was at the top of my class. I was getting straight A's and was in my best behavior. Now, this was only possible because of Mrs. Qun. She was a funny, understanding, and most of all, a intelligent teacher. She wouldn't get angry easily as long as its a reasonable excuse or an question, and she often held movie party for those who did well on their test. Even though we do something wrong, she was soft as an cloud and understanding. However she is fierce like a wolf if we try tricking her or deceive. This motivated us to do better and to do well, which helped me have one of my best grades ever.

Saturday, 26 September 2009

Clue 5

Who is Effie waiting for?
In the story "About Effie", we constantly find that Effie is waiting for someone. At one point she even misunderstands the protagonist of being the person she is waiting for. In my opinion, I feel that she is waiting for an spiritual humans also known as ghosts. From the clues she gives us, I felt like this person isn't actually a living person. Also by how almighty she describes this person to be, I am guessing that she is waiting for some kind of a God-figure like character. Also she tells that he will come when rain, thunder, and music is all heard, which made me feel like she was waiting for some one to descend from the sky.

This story contains a lot of Christ imagery. Write down these separate sentences from the story that might symbolize Jesus and explain why Timothy Findley might have written these into his story

1. "On a cloud," she whispered. "A big black cloud..."
I thought this was one of the biggest statement that gives the guy a Christ imagery. I thought this because riding a cloud generally symbolizes that he isn't any ordinary human, and since riding a cloud is nearly impossible, he had to be some kind of a God.
2. "Why, if I went to Timbuctoo he'd just as soon find me there. Or in Madagascar even. I don't have to wait around in any old Toronto."
In this quote Effie states that "he" could find her anywhere. This made me think that he is a person who watches over all of us and knows exactly where we are. This clue also led me to believe that she was waiting for a Christ-like character.
3. "Besides, it's not just me he's after."
In this case, it didn't really feel like "he" was a holy figure, but it still had a Christ-like characteristics. Whoever this person was, he wasn't just any ordinary person that wanted Effie, but a person who wanted to take care of and rule over all human beings. I believe this was another characteristic of Christ in a more cynical way.

Can non-christian authors reveal truth about god's world?
I feel that authors who are non-christian won't be able to reveal the truth about God's world fully. I'm sure they might be able to reveal some minor or common parts, but they won't be able to fully understand everything. However, this is also true for most christian too, who have just as much trouble understanding God. The only difference between the two are that Christian's believe in God, and non-Christians doubt God.

What is the theme of "about effie"
"About Effie" was one of the most difficult story to understand. I had hard time coming up with the theme, and even now I am not 100% sure if it is right. However, I believe that the theme of this whole story is to not judge a book by it's cover. In the beginning of the story, we assume that Effie is this crazy, lunatic human. However, at the end we understands that she wasn't as crazy as we thought she was, and she had reasons for her actions. I think the author is saying never to judge the person on their first impression.

Find a bible verse that relates to the theme of "About Effie" and include it in your written responses

Matthew 7:2 (New International Version)

2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Luke 6:37 (New International Version)

Judging Others
37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Clue 4

What specific clue can setting reveal about the theme of a short story?
In a short story, settings are one of the major details we find that is useful when we are trying to understand the story. Since the story is a “short” story, it has limited amount of space to describe everything. However, by having a setting, it is used like a background information section, also giving a slight clue to as what the theme of the story is. For example in the story “About Effie” the setting takes place in a gloomy, rainy day and gives us a kind of a dark feeling. That is why as the story continues along, we build up this dark tension, setting our thoughts on Effie that she is kind of weird or crazy in a way, not anything thinking she is just any normal person. Now, if we didn't have the settings, the author would have to write a long portion about what is going on and give reasons on why the protagonist is scared or nervous.

how does an author drop clues about character and how their actions lead you to the theme of a story?
As the story builds up, we could often tell what the character is feeling at that situation and tell what kind of action they are taking. This also a way that authors use to drop clues for us to realize what the theme of the story is. By analyzing what the character is doing and what they are feeling, we could tell what the general tension of the story. For example, when we first encounter Effie, we think of her as this crazy, lunatic because of her weird actions. However, later on, we realize that she is just a normal person and had her reasons for her weird actions. This can relate to the theme of the story, which is something like, ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’

what is the strongest setting you have ever encountered in your own life(the place that has impacted you the most). Describe this place and ponder if God revealed anything about himself or his truth in this place
The strongest setting I have encountered in my life would be the Grand Canyon. I was at the age of 13 when our family decided to take a road trip to the Grand Canyon. When I was first saw the Grand Canyon, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The land was filled with beautiful mountains and rocked that were shaped like a piece of art. I was amazed at how beautiful nature can be. Then I realized how artistic and how wonderful God is, being able to create such an magnificent piece of art. The place looked as if it wasn’t just naturally made, but by the hands of someone, whom gave me another evidence that God really exists.

who is a "character" in your life( a real-life person) you admire? Why do you admire this person(be specific and name the traits you admire)
The person I admire the most in my life would be my sister. She is currently attending her 4th year on University of Pennsylvania. I admire her more than anyone I know because of many reason. One is because of her unwillingness to give up no matter what she does. When she was my age, our family was very poor and did not have enough money to support her fully. However, despite the financial issue, she managed to get scholarship for one of the best all-girl school in Los Angeles. Also after, she managed to get a scholarship for UPENN, and that is one of the reason I admire her. Also, she is the person that understands me the most in my family. When I have a fight with my parents, she is the one who always comes and looks after me. She understands what I go through because she also has experienced it. I have never fought with my sister, and kept a close relationship, and that is what I hope to never break.

Tuesday, 8 September 2009

Clue 3

What is a literary theme? Provide an explanation and the 3 one statement examples of a literary theme that reveals truth about the universal human experience
A literary them, also known as theme, is an theoretical idea that is expressed by a work of literature. So what it means is that it is not literal. It is not stated in the text, but its the inner meaning that we could figure out. These themes could be just about anything such as love, honesty, beauty, or anything that we can't see with our naked eyes. Literary Theme reveals another portion of God's creativity when he created us, because he gave us the gift to analyze a literal term and interpret it to the actual meaning. I'm sure no matter how smart we might get, or how advanced our technology might get, we will never be able to create a ability such as the one God created.
what is the theme of your life as you see it right now?
Every person has a theme in their life. Weather it is a bad theme or a good theme, it does not matter. I too am a person and therefore have a theme in my life. At first I didn't know this was my theme of life, but once I started to think about it, it became clear. My theme would be responsibility is success.. My social status is currently a student, and responsibility is the key to success. As students, we are given many home works, projects, and test to make sure we are getting the right education. It is our responsibility as students, to accomplish these home works and projects, and also to practice for the test so that we are successful and achieve a high level of grade. If we don't reach these expectation of responsibility, then we are the ones who fail in life, and that is why I think the only way to be successful as a student is to be responsible.

In you opinion what is the theme of god's plan for this world?
Just like I have mentioned in the previous question, every human has a theme in their life. I'm sure that God also has a theme planned for this world. I believe that the theme God has set for us is love. In the bible, it is mentioned multiple times to love each other and our neighbors. I believe that God is reminding us constantly to love our neighbors, our family, and even God because love is such a strong power. By loving each other, all hatred, and malice feelings in the world are vanished. However, we aren't capable of fully accomplishing this because of 'sin' and satant, which leads to violence, war, and murders. It is a very tragic thing that we can't accomplish this, but that is why it's a goal God has made for himself and the theme of this world. One attempt we could see that he made was when he sent his only son Jesus, into this world. He accomplished half of his goals because by sacrificing his son, he saved us from sin. Now, we are waiting for his second attempt and hope that one day, this world cruel world will be filled with love and kindness.

1. How can you figure out a theme in a short story? describe the process
It is very challenging to define a them in a story. Since theme is not something literal, we can't really tell just by reading what the story is saying. Especially in a short story, it is more difficult since the story is more short. However, if I use the right steps and process to ananlyze the theme, then it is piece of cake. First, you've got to understand what the text is saying. Even thought theme can't be found in the literal text, you've got to atleast understand the basic meaning so that you could use it as a hint.For example, when we say "She gave him a chocolate on valentines", we can't tell that the theme is that she likes him, but from what we read, we can tell that by giving him a chocalte on valentines, it is showing sign that she likes him. Next you relate to that to your personal experinece, just like how I knew when you give a chocolate on valentines that it is a symbol of showing love. Finally you come up with a conclusion by mixing the conclusions to come up with the theme. The statement above is showing the theme love.

2. What is the theme of The Utterly Perfect Murder and how does this theme relate to you own life
In the story The Utterly Perfect Murder, the theme of it I think will be past grievencess. It is about a man, at 47, trying to get revenge on his boyhood friend and bully, Ralph Underhood. From this we could conclude that the story is about some kind of revenge. Next, we know its a revenge on a event that occured long long time ago, which means the cause of revenge is in the past. When we put these conclusions together, we come up with the them past grievencess, which caused this story to start. This theme kinda relates to my life because even though I'm still young and haven't got any serious thought of killing someone, but I did have one time where I wanted revenge. It was when I was at 1st grade, and while I was walking by the hall way, and a fellow student just smacked me in the face for no reason. I got so angry that I wanted a revenge, but I couldn't because for one thing, everyone knew I was a PK (pastor's kid), and I was suppose to be this 'good' boy always being... good. So I never got my revenge, but I always kept that past grievencess until this day.

3. How is a moral of a story different from a theme
A story always comes with both moral and a theme. If theme is a human, than moral is the shadow of the human. They support each other, but they are also different in many ways. A theme is an insight of human life or a way of life found in the story. However, a moral is a lesson learned after reading the story. A moral is chosen before writing the story, and a them is built as the story builds up with it. Which means the author set the moral as a goal, and a theme as minor missions to accomplish. This means that theme was not set on purpose and was naturally created as the stroy continued, while the moral was chosen before the story was created.
4. Read John 3 :16 is this a theme statement for god's story how does this relate to the truth you might find in literature
In John 3:16, it is mentioned that God loved us so dearly that he sacrificed his one and only son for us. Now in this verse the theme is God's love toward us, and it is shown through Jesus' sacrifice. This can relate to literature often because in most stories and novels, there is atleast one moment in the story where the protagonist makes a sacrifice. Also, most of the times it is made for their love ones or something they care about. That is why this verse relates to many literature, being the most common the in most literatures.

Sunday, 6 September 2009

Clue 6

Figuratively Speaking...
1. Define a metaphor and a simile
A metaphor is comparison between two things not using like or as while simile is comparison between two things USING like or as.

What is beautiful about figurative language?
1. When authors write a story, they sometimes use figurative language such as simile, metaphor, hyperbole, idiom, and personification. They use this for multiple reasons. Mainly it is to make the story more interesting. We use simile and metaphor to make a comparison more interesting. For example, it would be funnier to write "I'm lightning fast", rather than "I am very fast". Also they use figurative language such as idiom and hyperbole not to write the literal meaning, but to exaggerate and make it more 'real' for the readers. They use personification so that it would make the object more 'lively'. For example, it would be more interesting to say "The bird sang a beautiful song" than to say "The bird chirps". These are few of the many reasons authors use figurative language. Also if you use it in your writing, it will improve your story even more :)

2. List 3 Metaphors
a)Her face was a perfect oval, like a circle that had its two sides gently compressed
b)
His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a dryer without Cling Free
c)
She grew on him like she was a colony of E. coli and he was room-temperature

3. Find a metaphor from the bible
If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink, (John 7:37)

4. Why does this metaphor reveal about God's world and your understanding of it?
This verse reveals that God is willing to sacrifice his body for us. It is saying that God is the way to salvation. Which means that he is willing to forgive us for our sins. Now, if you think about it, it is really hard to forget someone. It takes time and kindness, but unlike us, God never hesitates. As long as you give a proper confession, he is gracious and forgiving. It is also stating that if anyone is having a hard time, come to God for help. This show that he cares for our world and the people in it.

Wednesday, 2 September 2009

Personal Ads

HEY HEY HEY This your one of a kind made DANIEL! I have a personality like a rooster, which means I have a overconfident personality, while not too cocky that everyone hates me :) So throughout this ad I will be very VERY "cocky". I can talk for a million years without stopping. My voice can be loud as a siren when I want to. However, I can never be deadly quiet. Half my weight comes from my head and I can sing like a chipmunk. Also, you shouldn't judge me by my cover :) Once you get to know me, we could become best friends :)

Clue 1

Beauty & Reader Response
1. What is beauty?
- When people hear the word "beauty", majority of the people think of how "pretty" the physical appearance of an object looks. However, I feel different about beauty. When I think of the word beauty, I think of beauty in the inside. For example, the very basic ones are human. When people judge each other on beauty, they mostly judge the outside on how they look. So of course many people think professional models could be an example of beauty. However a person who spends her Sunday praising God and who is kind to their neighbors are the true beauty which can never be achieved by just being fashionable. This could also apply for literature. Most people might think a book with the best cover or the best artwork will be the most beautiful literature, but I feel that a literature with a moral that connects to God's law will be 10 times more beautiful than a book with colorful artworks.
2 Bible Verse
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)
3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.


1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

1. What is a Reader Response analysis, and what steps are involved?
A Reader Response analysis is the ability to recognize a portion of literature and connect it to a real life experience. Some of different types to connection are: Text to Self, where you connect a specific text of literature to you own life experience; Text to World, where you connect a specific text to an world wide issue or experience; and Text to Text, where you connect a specific text to another novel or story. Steps for Reader Response analysis is reading the text, analyzing what the text means, realizing a connection to any of the three types of connection (mentioned above), and writing them down.
2. How can Reader Response open our eyes to more truth as we read?
As you read along a literature, you will come to parts where you think "Oh, I've had that experience before!" These are the Reader Response, where we make connection to a literature. These 'connections' will improve our understanding on the literature. This is because when we make a connection, we know how the character is feeling at that moment. For example, lets say I have read a part of a story where the protagonist feels left out. I could connect this to my previous experience when I felt left out by my friends too. This will open our eyes to a whole new meaning of the story, because rather than just understanding what it's literally saying, we are taking it a whole new level by understanding the mood, emotion, and other major details that aren't written on the text but can be found by Reader Response.
3. Why is it important for you to interact/connect with literature?
While reading a literature, it is important that you interact/connect with literature. There are many answers to why this is, but the main answer is because connecting with the literature makes the reader re-feel the emotions and understand how the character is feeling at that moment, and by understanding how they feel, you have better understanding of whats going on, making the story more enjoyable and making it more real.
4. Reflect on recent book or story and tell what new truth about the world I learned from.
I have recently read a book called Homeland, which is a story about a dark elf. Now, the setting of this story is the underworld, where the society is corrupted by evil and malice laws. It is ruled by one god, the spider queen. In this world, all the dark elf's can perform murder, trickery, lies, betrayal, and all the other sins without being felt guilty for it. Except one. His name is Drizzt Do' Urden, and as the protagonist of the story, he has an conflict with his community because he thinks that the underworld is not making the right choices. Later he makes contact with the surface world (our world) and decide to leave the underworld despite the threat from the Spider Queen that he will be killed. As he gets used to the surface world, he finds himself enjoying his life, which he would have never experienced in the underworld. After I was finished reading this book, I realized a startling truth. I felt that the underworld was based on our world. Now, I wouldn't say our world, Earth, is not as bad as the underworld, but it's not perfect either. We still have conflicts with each other outside the community and inside the community. murders, steeling, raping, and other sins are still happening in this world. I felt that the surface world was based on the PERFECT WORLD, which in my view was the heaven. Then I realized that even though we might think our world is the perfect world and our laws are the perfect laws, but its not. We are just thinking like those Dark elf's in the underworld who we're corrupted by the Spider Queen. I feel that there is a bigger world, Heaven, waiting for those who try hard to find it, and we would be able to feel the experience that Drizzt Do'urden experienced when he lived in the surface world.