Thursday, October 21, 2010

What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor? Create a simile and a metaphor to describe the following: your hair, this school, anger, love, forgiveness, the sun, a flower, school lunches, and Mr. Dahl.)

    Both a simile and a metaphor are methods used to help passages seem livelier. However, there is a difference between the two. A simile involves using words such as “like” or “as” whereas a metaphor is without these words. A metaphor directly states something is something else.
   Simile: My hair is like a shaved apple. This school is like my second home. Anger is like a catalyst that further distant relationship with others. Love is like an angel that helps to fix our interactions with others. Forgiveness is like a sweet cake that pulls people closer to each other. The sun is like a moon cake because it’s round. A flower is like perfume because it smells good. School lunches are like World Cuisine Competition because there are various kinds of food. Mr. Dahl is like a poet because he can come up with any poem all the time.   
  Metaphor: My hair is so short that it can’t help to keep me warm in winter. This school is small that everyone knows each other. Anger is poison that makes people addicted to revenge. Love is a journey which full of excitement. Forgiveness is smile that sends people the message of happiness. The sun is heater that warms people. A flower is like color plate because it’s colorful. School lunches are sea because they taste salty. Mr. Dahl is wind that makes decisions promptly.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Think about a ballad, or a song you think qualifies as a ballad, and describe its qualities (theme, meter rhyme, subject matter)

   Ballads are songs or poem like songs that tell stories in simple, rhythmic language. I think the song “Baby” sang by Justin Bieber qualifies as a ballad because the theme of the song can be clearly recognized. In a simple way, the song delivers the message of a boy wanting to ask a girl he likes out. This girl is the subject matter, the main soul of the whole song. Also, there is a part in the song where Justin Bieber keeps repeating the word “baby.” The use of repetition not only makes the song rhymes perfectly, but also leaves strong impression in people’s minds. The technique of repeating the same word for many times allows people to stick the song in their brains and wouldn’t easily forget it.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Something unexpected that change the way you look at things, change the direction you’re traveling in life

    Ten years ago, a tragedy happened that affected the way I look at things. September 21st, 2000, a big earthquake happened that was unexpected by every Taiwanese. That day, lots of people died, many houses were damaged, infrastructures were destroyed. Everything just didn’t look the same as it did before. To me, I think 921 was just like the 911 attack of the United States. I remembered it was midnight, when everyone was sleeping soundlessly, without any prepare. At that time, I slept with my father because I was afraid to be alone. Suddenly, I felt the bad was shaking, and the level was increasing. Then, I saw the clock hanging above the television fell down to the floor and broke into pieces. Although my father was beside me, I felt a sense of helplessness. I cried out loudly and was afraid that I wouldn’t see my family again. Since then, I learned a lesson. You never know what’s going to happen in the next moment, so you should treat your friends, your family, and everyone you meet well at the time you see them. Or else, you would be regretted because nobody can predict what will happen in the future. You should enjoy and cherish every moment of your life to make living meaningful.

Monday, October 11, 2010

If I could live anywhere in the world, I would live in ...... Because

     If I could live anywhere in the world, I would live in California because there are lots of beaches, and the weather is always sunny. I like to play activities related to water, so California seems like a suitable place for me. When I’m not in a good mood, I can look at the beautiful beaches and soothe myself. Moreover, sunny day can make me feel happy. Also, there would definitely be lots of beach parties, so my life wouldn’t be boring at all. There are lots of fruits produced in California, and I like to eat various kinds of food. To sum up, California is like a paradise for me to live.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Which character do you think Chaucer likes the most? Which one does he like the least? What values does he (Chaucer) seem to value?

      I think Chaucer likes the Host the most because he uses positive descriptions to characterize the Host. As for the character Chaucer likes the least, I think is the Pardoner because he portrays the Pardoner in a negative way. Words Chaucer uses give me an impression that the Pardoner doesn’t talk truthfully. This character is merely a flatterer who tells prevarications in order to make money and win silver from the crowd. After reading “The Prologue to The Canterbury Tales,” I think Chaucer seems to value qualities such as being a leader, satisfying everyone’s need, and having high social status.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Why do people go on pilgrimages? What problems and surprises might they encounter? (unusual people who may help or hinder for example) What different types of characters might go on such a journey?

     People go on pilgrimages in order to worship idols. There are different idols for different religion. In general, Christians worship Jesus, and Muslims worship Mohammed. Problems people might encounter are that they might be hindered at some places. Sometimes, there are just barriers people couldn’t get through. Instead, they are stuck there. However, people might be surprised that they could see or feel unusual people, such as God, is around them. Whenever they have such sense, they feel their souls are relieved. Thus, they wouldn’t worry a lot about their future. Sadness, troublesome, happiness, relieved, are different types of characters might go on such a journey.