Monday, June 15, 2015

Welcome to AP EngLangComp for the GHS class of 2017!

Write your name and first initial. Then, address the following prompts.

1. Open your favorite book that is nearby and turn to page 47. Type out the seventh sentence. Write the title and author of the book too.

2. Write a one-sentence blurb about that ^ book.

3. Think about the novels, plays, etc. that you've read in high school. Who is your favorite fictional character from your high school studies? Then, think about the historical figures you've studied in high school. Who is your favorite historical figure from your high school studies? Briefly explain why you've made these choices. (If it's hard for you to decide, pick the first favorites that come to mind.)

4. Of the books you've read in or out of school, which one would you most like to re-read? Why?

5. As a high school student, of what work--a paper, a project, a presentation--involving English language skills are you most proud?

[My answers are in the comment section below. Click "comments".]

24 comments:

  1. 1. I do know,/When the blood burns, how prodigal the soul/lends the tongue vows. from *Hamlet* by William Shakespeare

    2. *Hamlet* is an exploration of what happens to the human mind when confronted with tragic loss.

    3. Simon from Lord of the Flies is my favorite character from a book I read in high school. He is thoughtful and observant but has a hard time explaining his ideas to other people. I felt a kinship with him. Jacob Riis, who took photographs of appalling living conditions among the poor in New York City in the late 19th century, is one of my favorite historical figures from my high school studies. His book How the Other Half Lives revealed a hidden America to the rest of the nation.

    4. I'd like to reread Ulysses by James Joyce (again).

    5. I am most proud of the research paper, I wrote about the radical revisions of Christian orthodoxy found in the essays and poems of Ralph Waldo Emerson.

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  2. 1. “I’m pretty sure Vijay claimed that Hondo was his sibling and I was the cousin.” from Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
    2. This book is a relatable, autobiography type book by a comedian.
    3. Although Mindy does not portray a character in her book, she is my favorite person I have read about. Her book takes you through her all her experiences growing up, including the good, the bad, and the awkward. She is also an actress on “The Office.” Her stories are humorous, but also very relatable.
    4. I would like to read The Fault In Our Stars by John Green.
    5. One english assignment I am most proud of is an Objective style paper I wrote for Mr. Telles english class this year.

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  3. 1) “She smiled at me, then took a big bite, glancing up to the stage, where her brother was now behind the drum kit, adjusting something.” –"Saint Anything" by Sarah Dessen.

    2) "Saint Anything" is story about a girl who learns how to free herself from her brother’s shadow, finding people who make her finally feel visible.

    3) My favorite fictional character that I’ve read in school is Benvolio from “Romeo and Juliet,” because he is a peaceful and thoughtful person in a rather violent play. He genuinely tried to put an end to the fighting, and I liked that he was so loyal to Romeo. My favorite historical figure that I’ve studied in school is Martin Luther King Jr. This is because I loved what he stood for, and one of my favorite speeches of his that we read in class was “Beyond Vietnam—A Time to Break Silence.” He was such an important person in American history, and it was interesting to learn more about the things he did for the greater good.

    4) The one book that I would most like to re-read is "I’ll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson, because I loved the way the author wrote it. She made me remember why I love writing so much. It was poetic and alive, and it had a touch of magical realism, which I thought was amazing. The story evokes insanely strong emotions throughout, and you quickly fall in love with the characters.

    5) For my Composition class at Andover High, we had to choose a type of person that’s very different from us and then research who they are in order to help us figure out what it would be like to walk in their shoes. I chose to write a story about a girl in foster care, and it is one of my favorite creative writing pieces that I’ve ever done. I’m really proud of the outcome.

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  4. Josh F.
    1. "I said small prayers all day long in the hope of avoiding this conversation, but I wasn't sure if God would put my prayers on the front burner, if you know what I mean, because of the way I'd behaved in the past." - "A Walk To Remember", Nicholas Sparks.

    2. "A Walk To Remember", though maybe just a run of the mill love story, emphasizes the importance of cherishing what you have today, and the memory of what may be gone tomorrow.

    3. There's a short story that I read in my freshman year called "The Scarlet Ibis". The main character can really only be referred to as "narrator", as his name isn't really stated. The story itself is an especially sad one, but the narrator's characteristics really interested me. His very obvious fatal flaws, and almost lack of compassion and ability to accept and work through his brother's irreversible physical problems. And only really in the death of someone very close to him does he find some sort of epiphany. A historical figure I find interesting is Freddie Mercury, who was the lead singer or Queen. I look up to him, personally, because of his success in the music industry, and astonishing musical talent, being sort of a musical-kinda-guy myself. And also, like myself, he was gay. But his sexuality wasn't what he was explicitly known for. He was known for his talent and work and his art. He didn't flaunt it or make it extremely public. It was just there and that's not what his focus was on. I feel like that's hard to do today.

    4. I would love to re-read "Wicked". I always loved "The Wizard of Oz", and the fact that there was another take on it, from a completely different and more adult perspective, hooked me right away. The book is written in such a way, that it's hard to explain. It's kind of detached, it kind of lays the story out to you. But there are so many things and concepts under the surface, and you can still feel the emotions of the characters and the situations. Also it's an AMAZING musical with two of my favorite actress.

    5. One of my favorite works (though I feel like I'd have a new favorite now) was a speech I wrote in my English class freshman year on LGBTQA+ rights. I had always had a stand on the subject (obviously), but I don't feel like I had all the right words and things to say to express my opinion the right way. But with that speech, I feel like I really clarified my point and everything I had already been trying to say for so long. I think it also helped me confidence-wise, and that's really one of the most important things for me as a person.

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  5. 1. “The only thing I was seeing was another Emmy.”- “Leaving Time” by Jodi Picoult

    2. “Leaving Time” explores the effect of loss, tragedy, and guilt on the human mind and how sometimes it takes an unlikely ally to battle the demons left behind.

    3. Of all the literary characters I have been introduced to throughout high school George from “Of Mice and Men” is my favorite. George faces many challenges in his life, from battling poverty to caring for his best friend with special needs. However, throughout it all George is able to hold onto his dream and hope for a better tomorrow. Of all the historical figures I have learned about Martin Luther King, Jr. is my favorite. At a time when things seemed darkest, King was able to make his voice heard and further his cause without the use of violence. Words are one of the most powerful tools given to man, and King proved this with his compelling speeches.

    4. Of all the books I have read in or out of school I would most like to re-read “I’ll Give You the Sun” by Jandy Nelson. This was one of the most powerful books I have ever read, truly shedding light on how hard it can be to stay true to yourself and give forgiveness to others. Nelson’s characters were very easy to relate to and the book had a very powerful message.

    5. The paper I am most proud of writing is the short story I wrote for my freshman English class. Not only did I receive praise from my teacher and peers, my story also won a Silver Key in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Thousands of students across the country enter the competition, and some of the most famous winners include Lena Dunham and Andy Warhol. It truly meant a lot to know that somebody outside my community found my writing compelling ad worthy of a regional award.

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  6. 1. He strode over to the sofa where Dudley sat frozen with fear.
    From Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling

    2. This magical series illustrates people’s views of power, good and evil, and what is truly important in life.

    3. From the books I have studied at GHS, my favorite fictional character is Beneatha Younger (or Bennie) from A Raisin In The Sun. I liked how she had spunk and wanted to connect with herself and do things based on what she knew she needed to do, not what the environment around her was telling her to do. My favorite historical person is Nelson Mandela. I first learned about him when I was in 5th grade and my teacher told me I should read about him. His story is inspirational. It is awesome to think that one person can go through all that hard ship and still come out all right and effect more change than any of us could ever dream of doing.

    4. It is very hard to choose just one book to reread, but from the ones that I have yet to reread, I would choose To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

    5. My favorite project I have done in school was at the beginning of this year. I wrote a short story for a class where it had alternate endings. I really enjoyed writing it and I think I is one of my best works.

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  7. 1. "Jonas watched the new Nines gravitate toward their waiting bicycles, each one admiring his or her nametag." -"The Giver" by Lois Lowry

    2. "The Giver" explores what a world would be like if it was full of similarity and perfection.

    3. In the novels I've read in high school, my favorite fictional character would be Boo Radley. I enjoyed reading about his freakish and caring nature. His character demonstrated how those who are quiet and stand on the sidelines can be just as important as those who shine in the spotlight. By being the silent, gentle giant he was, Boo Radley became one of my favorite fictional characters. One of my favorite historical figures that I've learned about in high school is Susan B. Anthony. She was a strong woman who fought for women's suffrage. With her outspoken and outgoing attitude, Anthony became a figure to look up to for many women. Her belief in the equality of men and women, whether it be in studies or in everyday life, makes her one of my favorite women's rights activists.

    4. Of the books I've read in or out of school, I would most like to re-read "Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult. This book dealt with a very heavy topic of school violence. By re-reading this book, I would be able to focus more on the minor details of the book. This would help me to gain a better understanding of the novel, and receive the true message the author was trying to send.

    5. The paper that I felt most proud of writing as a high school student was the ironic paper I wrote earlier this year. Writing this paper was a completely new experience for me because I had never before written in an ironic style. I enjoyed writing this way and I was pleased with the way my paper turned out in the end.

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  8. “Mary Elizabeth is in charge of it, just like she’s in charge of the local Rocky Horror Picture Show showings.” - “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky

    2. I think that “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” relates to everyone in a way because it is about someone who is desperately trying to find themselfs while also trying to find a place among everyone else.

    3. One of my favorite fictional characters from throughout my high school studies is Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird”. Atticus is a smart, humble and respectable character that always did the right thing, even when it would have been looked down upon. I think that his sense of justice and integrity made him stand out from other characters.
    A historical figure I find inspiring is the former Princess Diana. I think she is one of the most inspiring women in history because she showed that she could go against the royal family to be herself, as well as volunteer for different causes to help world.

    4. A book that I would like to re-read is “Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn because the book is so intense and deranged that reading it once does not do it justice. The first time you read it you read it to solve the mystery, but the second time you read it you look closer to find the hidden clues that you missed the first time. Re-reading the book I feel would give it a whole new meaning.

    5. I think as a high school student, the english paper that I found I was most proud of was my “To Kill a Mockingbird” thesis paper. All I can really remember about it was the feeling of accomplishment once I finished, and the feeling I got knowing that the evidence I gave backed up the thesis perfectly. I dont really know why it stands out so much but it was just a very sold paper and I was really proud of it.

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  9. 1. He was irradiated by the dawn of a great amazement. from "The Invisible Man" by H.G. Wells

    2. "The Invisible Man" is a story that uses a fictional situation of invisibility to illustrate ideas about stereotypes and figurative blindness in society.

    3. Of all the characters I have read about in my two years of high school, my favorite has be Atticus Finch from "To Kill a Mockingbird". I found Atticus particularly likeable because of his consistent rationality and obvious intelligence. Atticus always remained calm and collected unless he decided that there was a problem worth being upset over. My favorite historical figure would have to be Theodore Roosevelt because although he applied himself to a great number of jobs, he proved to be very skilled in each of them. This and his reputation as an extraordinary gentleman brought me to perceive him as remarkable person.

    4. I would most like to re-read "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" because I think there is much more to each subplot than I picked up on in my first read through.

    5. I am most proud of my argument paper from last year in which I talked about our school music program because I certainly got my point across and had many fluid transitions between a number of literary devices that caught the attention of my audience.

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  10. Corryn Ulrich, C

    “Hi. I’m from Arkansas, the cantaloupe state.” Beauty Queens, Libba Bray

    Beauty Queens may be the best piece of literature in existence, definitely topping Shakespeare aand probably topping Dr. Seuss, soley based on it’s witty and remarkable humor.

    Santiago from The Old Man and the Sea is one of my favorite characters from literature I’ve studied in school because he is a very simple and dignified man which are traits I admire in real-life people. Samuel Adams is one of my favorite historical figures. Through his writings, Adams rallied the American people and at one time was considered “the most dangerous man in America” by British athorities.

    I would like to re-read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn because I enjoyed Huck’s character. The stories throughout the book were very entertaining but also had deeper messages which was interesting. I’m sure if I read the book again I would understand messages I had previously missed.

    Freshman year I wrote about myself in an assignment after we read A Raison in the Sun and it was so awesome, Mrs. Trigilio read it out loud in front of the whole class. I wasn’t quite sure why it was so well-written, I think I used an unintentional metaphor, but I’ve never been more proud.

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  11. Julia Wood, J

    “I hope you find out who did it,” I say. *Matched* by Ally Condie

    *Matched* is simply a predictable book with a happy ending, yet for some reason Ally Condie knows exactly how to draw a reader’s attention with little twists and surprises, and who doesn’t like a book with a happy ending?

    From all the novels and plays that I’ve read in high school, my favorite character definitely has to be Huckleberry Finn, the main character from *The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn*. Huck is brave and has a curious personality that makes him seem innocent, although his decisions and actions throughout the book allow the reader to see a side of him that many don’t recognize. His double-sided personality is confronted with a great sense of humor making him such an interesting and complex character.
    My favorite historical figure from my high school studies has to be Margaret Sanger. She was a radical woman of her time, one of the first to be an American birth control activist. She fought for women to be able to take control of their bodies and not have to fall into the typical role of a woman, which at the time was to stay home and have children.

    Of the books that I’ve read in and out of school, the one I’d most like to re-read is *The Giver* by Lois Lowry. My fifth grade class read it together and I remember thoroughly enjoying it but I don’t actually remember what it was completely about. I remember it being really thought-provoking and I want to experience it again. It was recently made into a movie and I would really like to re-read the book before I watch the movie.

    As a high school student, I have to say that I am most proud of a poem about society that I developed freshman year in creative writing. It was something I worked really hard on and I received only positive critique, which made it even more awesome. It was pretty deep and intriguing, it's one of my favorite pieces that I've ever written.

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  12. Our Lady of Cythera, however, pondered
    New interventions, a new strategy:
    That her young godling son, Desire, should take
    The face and figure of Ascanius,
    Then come and use his gifts too make the queen
    Infatuated, inflaming her with lust
    To the marrow of her bones.
    The Aeneid, by Virgil translated by Robert Fitzgerald.

    The Aeneid tells the epic of how Rome was founded, the book parallels the Odyssey and its' tone/style of speaking is similar to other writers of the time like Ovid and Plutarch.


    Last year, at Covenant Christian Academy, i read the Odyssey and immediately fell in love with the character of Penelope. Penelope, to me, represents everything that is good in the other characters of the book without the flaws; unlike Odysseus she is loyal, unlike Polyphemus she is hospitable, unlike Telemkhos she is cunning. She is also humble, blaming her 'poor' sewing skills to the suitors instead of her own loyalty. My favorite person i have studied in history is Theodore Roosevelt because he was so macho/iconic and he developed the Square Deal and crushed monopolies and established the FDA and made the U.S. the police/caretakers of the Americas and won a nobel peace prize for negotiating an end the Russo-Japanese war, and many,many other things.

    While the Aeneid is by far my favorite book, and everything in that genre is an absolute joy to read, i would have to say a book i would want to re-read is Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsn. The book, which won a Napra Nautilus Award, follows the story of Cole Matthews, a 15 year old juvenile delinquent who has a penchant for extreme brutality. His latest crime, smashing a students skull into the sidewalk, has landed him in solitary confinement on a remote Alaskan island. It was either the island, under the Native American Circle Justice, or jail, under Minneapolis. On the island Cole has a near death experience with the legendary Spirit Bear and what society cast off as a wreck of a person becomes the greatest force of good his high school had ever seen. i would like to re read this because the characters are easy to relate to and get to like.

    i am most proud of my presentations in the form of speeches.

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  13. Nate Young, N

    1)“‘Enjoy your stay, Harry.’”- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling.

    2)The third book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, builds upon the mystical wizarding world created by Rowling with dazzling imagery, and tells the thrilling tale of Harry’s reunification with his alleged murderer of a godfather: Sirius Black.

    3)My favorite fictional character that I’ve read about in highschool would be George from Of MIce and Men. George knows that without Lennie his life would be far easier, yet he remains true to his friend and risks everything for him. George’s overwhelming loyalty to Lennie is what makes him one of my favorite characters. My favorite historical figure would have to be Paul McCartney. The Beatles for me will always hold a special place in my heart, and figure I associate with The Beatles is Paul. The music and lyrics that he wrote, along with John Lennon, expressed the inner feelings that I couldn’t fully express myself. Although Paul McCartney is historically important to the culture of the United States today, I chose him because of the impact he’s had on my life, as well as the lives of so many others.

    4)The book that I would like to re-read would be The Great Gatsby. When I read the book over the summer I didn’t have a full understanding of the underlying themes of the book. Now that we’ve discussed the book in class, and I’ve gained a fuller understanding of it, I feel that the book would be more enjoyable.

    5)My favorite work that I’ve done myself would be the objective style paper that I wrote in Mr. Telles’ class recently. I was able to use the style very well when writing about a very emotional experience that happened to me. Writing the paper was therapeutic for me. The work was by far the most enjoyable to write (in the sense that I was writing it for me, not for a grade), and I was pleased with the final product.

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  14. 1.) “You’re just hallucinating again.” - The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy
    2.) This novel is about Tom Wingo’s struggle growing up in the South with a dysfunctional family.
    3.) My favorite fictional character from my high school studies is Santiago from “The Old Man and the Sea.” This is because even though he had gone 84 days without catching a fish, he continued to persevere. To me, Santiago represented the necessity of determination in life. He fights pain and loneliness, and makes the best of all situations (including making friends with the creatures of the sea). My favorite historical figure is Eleanor Roosevelt. While it is true that there were numerous women’s rights activists, I believe Eleanor was the leading force in establishing these rights. She always did the right thing, even if she was criticized for it. This quality allowed her to dramatically change the role of the First Lady.
    4.) Of the books I’ve read in or out of school, I would most likely like to reread “The Language of Flowers” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. When I read it the first time, I sped through it because I couldn’t wait to read what happened next. Nevertheless, I thought the book was perfect. It was uplifting and very unique, and I’d love to experience it again.
    5.) The paper that I am most proud of is the objective style story that I wrote this year. It was a form of writing that I had never used before, and was actually quite frustrating to write. I was very satisfied with the outcome though.

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  15. 1. "Of course he’s welcome here. It’s not that. He’s welcome here anytime. I just don’t understand why… don’t you think Adam is a bit too old to need baby-sitting? He’s a grown man after all.” - “A Corner of the Universe” by Ann A. Martin.

    2. “A Corner of the Universe” is about living with a family member that is mentally disabled and experiencing tragic loss.

    3. My favorite fictional character is Beneatha Younger from “A Raisin in the Sun”. She was never afraid to be herself and do what makes her happy, even when the odds were stacked against her. I find that admirable and it is something I can look up to. My favorite historical figure is William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States. Harrison is my favorite historical figure because once he was elected, he gave an agonizingly long speech in the dead of March without a jacket to prove how tough he was. Harrison subsequently grew very sick where he became the first president to die in office after only serving for exactly a month.

    4. One book I would love to reread would be “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. I read this book in eighth grade when my English teacher forced me to read it and ever since it has been my favorite book. The book is narrated by Death and gives a new perspective on life.

    5. The paper I am most proud of writing during my high school career was a thesis paper I wrote about Susan B. Anthony and women’s suffrage. When I had gone to print the essay the night before it was due, my computer broke and was unable to turn back on leaving my paper trapped inside of it. The next morning I woke up early to rewrite the whole essay and I continued to work on it throughout the morning during free time in my morning blocks. I was able to print it the block before it was due and I ended up receiving a high A on the paper.

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  16. “They are not bound by rules or limits, as the dream-givers are.” -Gossamer by Lois Lowry
    Gossamer is a fictional novella about ghost-like creatures called “dream-givers”.
    My favorite fictional character from I book I’ve read in high school would have to be Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird. I liked Scout mainly because throughout the novel, I got to witness her grow up. I also enjoyed the theme of “innocence is bliss” and got to watch as Scout’s innocence wore thin as she sat in on the trial in Maycomb. My favorite historical figure would have to be Malcolm X. We watched the movie Malcolm X in U.S.History 10 this year, and the movie was very historically accurate. I enjoyed the movie and the story of Malcolm X’s life. He was a great civil rights activist and leader. I really just like to watch people grow and change, and I like to learn about how people’s mindsets and ideas and thoughts change as they grow and mature throughout their lives.
    The book I would most likely re-read would be To Kill a Mockingbird. As mentioned previously, I like to learn how people change and mature. Many of the characters throughout the book mature and grow up.
    I am most proud of my objective style narrative that I wrote in Mr. Telles’ English class this year. I am very good at writing with no emotional language whatsoever. Also, the story was a high emotional situation and actually happened to me, so it was almost therapeutic.

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  17. Julia D.
    1) "'Thanks for letting me try it,' she said." From The Fault In Our Stars by John Green.
    2) The Fault In Our Stars challenges themes of self-worth and the importance of one person against the rest of the world.
    3) My favorite fictional character from the pieces I've read during high school english classes is Max from "The Wild Things" by Dave Eggers. He was an interesting character because he was a young boy yet he was still relatable to my life. My favorite historical figure that I've learned about in high school history classes is Sacajawea. She was a strong woman in a time when women were considered to be much less than men. Her experiences with Lewis and Clark showed that women could be as powerful as men could, and that she knew more than them.
    4) I would most like to reread "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway because it challenges many themes that I couldn't experience through other books that I've read in school, and I would love to see what more I could get from it reading through a second time.
    5) The piece I'm most proud of that I've written in high school english classes is one from last year with Mr. Ammuzzini. He was the most amazing teacher I've ever had. I wrote an alternative ending for The Fault In Our Stars. I was and still am proud of it to this day. he gave me an award for writing that, and then at the end of the year he gave me the Bard Writing Award In Freshman English out of everyone in his classes. He was a teacher that really inspired me and I am most proud of my alternative ending.

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  18. 1. I don’t write for it, but I help out.
    From “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky

    2. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a book about a teenage boy fighting depression while trying to fit in with the other teenagers at his school.

    3. Scout from “To Kill a Mockingbird” is my favorite character from a book I read Freshman year. Scout is very observant and curious, constantly trying to figure out how things work. She also very smart and is always confident with her decisions. Leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. is my favorite historical figure that i learned about in high school. He is my favorite historical figure because he isn’t afraid to stick up for what he believed in, and he never gave up.

    4. If I were to reread a book I would read “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky. This book is very relatable and it is a good book to read when you’re going through a tough time. Since it is all about a teenager trying to fit in with the other kids in school, I, along with many other high schoolers was able to understand the book better and connect with it than others. Having a good connection to books make reading more interesting in my opinion.

    5. An English assignment that I am most proud of was the argument paper I wrote this year in Mr. Telles class because I enjoyed writing it and I put a lot of time and thought into it.

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  19. A.M.

    “ “No.” John hated the childish sound of his own voice, but Briac knew exactly how to make him feel helpless.” from Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton.

    Seeker challenges the reader to decide whether killing for greed or killing for revenge can receive the same justification.

    My favorite fictional character would have to be Scout from “To Kill a Mockingbird” because the whole book is cast from her perspective. However, as the book carries on her opinions gradually change signifying that she is maturing. Aside from the narration, Scout’s tomboy attitude and initial refusal to become a “proper lady” reminds me of a younger version of myself. As an eight year old I mostly hung out with boys or climbed monkey bars instead of playing with tea sets or barbie dolls. Additionally,my favorite historical figure is Franklin Delano Roosevelt because he shattered all of the expected customs of presidency. FDR proposed hundreds of bills to congress basically because he was hoping one of them might pull the country out of the Great Depression. In fact, when asked what his plan for the country was after his inauguration, he simply answered,” I don’t know yet”. FDR was so concerned for our country that he was the only president to go for three terms. Without FDR I’m sure we would be owned by China.

    I would like to re-read Eldest by Christopher Paolini because it is the first book that inspired me to read. I read the series in fourth grade and I’m sure I missed a lot of things because it was above my reading level. It would be enjoyable to go back and pick up on all of the more mature inferences I missed. The reason I would choose the second book is because Eragon (the first book in the series) was just train wrecked by the disastrous film. I’ll probably never look at Eragon the same way again.

    As a high school student I am most proud of my objective paper that I wrote for Mr.Telles. Although it was probably not my best works vocab wise, I had the most fun writing it. I created a scene in which the main character is in a desperately pitiful situation, but because the reader won’t have sympathy for the character the paper became almost comical. I liked this project the most because I didn’t have to get into any deeper thinking levels, I could just type out my unrealistic fears for the future.

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  20. Hannah Sears H
    1. It made him dizzy just watching, and he feared that if he lingered he’d lose his balance and join him (Thief of Always by Clive Barker)
    2. The story is about Harvey Swick, a boy who took his normal life for granted, and his adventures in a house from another dimension that lures children in but never allows them to leave.
    3. Of all my favorite books and plays I have read in high d school so far, my favorite character is Atticus Finch. He is my favorite character because although he is very skilled with a gun, he stopped hunting because he knew he had an unfair advantage over the creatures he would hunt. My favorite historical character is Princess Diana. She had really affected my family. I would hear (and still hear) stories of her life from my family. They were obsessed with her from the start. They were overjoyed when she had children and devastated by her death. When we discussed her in history class it made me even more fascinated by her life.
    4. Of the books I have read in and out of school, I would like to re-read Abarat by Clive Barker
    5. I am proudest of my paper based on Ernest Hemingway’s writing style. The assignment asked me to write a short story that didn’t go and say emotions but showed it through descriptions and actions. This was very difficult for me, but I was really happy with the outcome. I managed to write a story about a funeral that displayed no emotion but showed it. It also included a little bit of what I can only describe as a form of dark humor

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  21. Karissa M.
    1. "The guard's ordering me out, but by the shuffling that follows, I know Gale has somehow detained him." -"Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
    2. "Mockingjay" is a great ending to my favorite sequel the "Hunger Games", Collins makes a statement with these books by implying if we don't take better care of the world this is what it may come to.
    3. My favorite fictional character would have to be Huck Finn from "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". He's a very brave and adventurous young boy and I love the connection he makes with Jim. Most of the time it seems that  Huck is very naive but he has his moments that show he actually knows more than it appears. My favorite historical figure would have to be Martin Luther King Jr. I've known of King from a very young age and as I got older I could  understand and appreciate more of what he accomplished. King remained peaceful throughout all the violence that was thrown at him and ultimately died for his cause. He was the most influential person society has ever seen and his legacy will never be forgotten.
    4. Of all the books I have read I would like to re-read "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. I thought that book was very interesting and I loved the connections between the characters and the message of attempting to maintain innocence. I feel like if I read it again I would pick up some more things from it and have an even better understanding of the message Lee is trying to get across.
    5. I would have to say that I am most proud of the objective style paper that I wrote this year in Mr. Telles class. I took a very emotional and personal situation that was very difficult for me to write about, especially without using emotions. In the end it turned out pretty good and I'm glad I got the courage to write it.

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  22. 1. “Willey fought them off and started to get the best of them, saying he would beat their white asses black and blue.” All Souls by Michael Patrick MacDonald
    2. All Souls shows you a real feeling of what the projects were actually like.
    3. My favorite fictional character is Huck Finn because he was able to decide what he felt was wrong and right, even though he was strictly told what he should think by his society. My favorite historical character was FDR because he came up with social security.
    4. From all the books I’ve read in school, I would reread “Hamlet” or “Romeo and Juliet” by Shakespeare because It would help me to understand the literature a bit more.
    5. A work that I am most proud of is the 8 page thesis paper I wrote this year on Obama’s Stimulus package.

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  23. The victor’s district is skipped and saved for very last. From Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

    In Catching Fire, Katniss is tested to her ability to survive in the arena against 24 others and the last one to be alive is crowned victor.

    From the novels I have read in high school, my favorite fictional character would be Scout Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout was my favorite because when the story began she was innocent and had no idea about what was happening in her community, but as the story moved on she grew and was able to appreciate human goodness. My favorite historical figure that I have studied in school is Theodore Roosevelt because he led the American public toward progressive reforms and a strong foreign policy.

    Of all the books I have read I would like to re-read, “To Kill a Mockingbird” because I love the book and I feel like I would understand some events if I read it one more time.

    I am most proud of the research paper I wrote about Theodore Roosevelt because I enjoyed writing it and I put a lot of effort into the making of it.

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