Week 3 Writing Homework
Write 250 words for each story starter using the plots framework outlined in the slides:
1. She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen.
2. In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most.
Interview Questions (100 words each)
1. How has your family shaped the way you approach challenges in life? Can you give a specific example?
2. What is one tradition or habit in your family that you cherish the most, and why?
3. Who in your family inspires you the most, and what lessons have you learned from them?
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- Due Date : January 28, 2025
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Week 3
Write 250 words for each story starter using the plots framework outlined in the slides:
1. She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen.
A skilled carpenter is offered a prized position at the prestigious International Institute of Trades that had unlimited resources that could provide everything for her successful career. However, her family begs her to stay behind and support the poverty-stricken village she grew up in. The carpenter is almost upon the life-changing discovery of an ancient artefact that could save the village from poverty. The greedy, selfish oil-fracking company that operates in her village is onto her maps, and might steal the artefact for themselves before she can get to it. She is the only person in her family who is skilled in trade, and is essentially the lifeline for them. If she left for the Institute of Trades, her family would be left to perish. The maps she carved could show her secrets that could save everyone she loved, or she could go to a career-defining institute of a carpenter’s dream. The oil-fracking company could potentially get all the oil located in her country, which would leave her village in financial ruin. Rumours had been going around that the oil was becoming scarce.
2. In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most.
Alice lives in the dystopian society, where all creativity is looked down upon and is chastised. Alice has never known how things were before, and has never known the truth about creativity. Her mind is crawling with bright, vivid thoughts in the monotone of uniformity in her community. She knows she is different, but doesn’t know how. One day she creates an intricate sculpture by using a sharp stick and carving something from the candle wax from her bedside table. She is intrigued by it, and brings it with her everyday, but then her parents see it and the rumour spreads. She takes beatings and is chastised, but never understands what she has done is wrong. A feeling she has never felt before grows inside her and breaks through the uniformity of the world. Soon Alice creates artworks of all media, always ignoring the many bruises she bore from chastisement, and hence she starts the Dystopian Renaissance.
Interview Questions (100 words each)
1. How has your family shaped the way you approach challenges in life? Can you give a specific example?
My family, especially my parents, has shaped the way I approach challenges in life. I have a younger brother, and he can sometimes be quite irritating. Sometimes I might lose my temper and become very angry. However, my parents would tell me: “You can’t make others do what you want, but you can control yourself.”. This piece of advice is very useful, because in times when you might have very strong negative feelings against someone, you’ll be able to understand, you can’t tell them what to do, but you can do what you want. So instead of yelling or shouting, sometimes it’s best to change your own attitude, otherwise you’re just harming yourself.
2. What is one tradition or habit in your family that you cherish the most, and why?
A tradition or habit in my family that I cherish the most is when we watch Chinese Food Tour. My parents are both from China so they value Chinese food. One love that we all share is watching Axing (the food critic) eat food from all over China, as our family has not gone back to China in a long time. The show really brings us together.
3. Who in your family inspires you the most, and what lessons have you learned from them?
My mother inspires me the most because of how hard-working she is. She came from a poor family that lived in the country with three older brothers. When she was my age she was already living in a boarding school, because she lived so far away from the city. The conditions were horrible, and she was bullied because of how thin she was. But she kept on studying, which brought her to a good university in the city. Afterwards, she moved to Australia with my father, where I was born. She inspires me to work hard, as effort will always be rewarded.
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3 -B H – FEEDBACK
writings inside the docs below
Week 3 Writing Homework – Google Docs
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3 -Skylar – FEEDBACK
Write 250 words for each story starter using the plots framework outlined in the slides:
1. She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen. The crinkled paper continued to score against Lucy’s calloused fingers, the tanned paper revealing secrets of past millenia. As the merchant boat rigorously trembled from side to side, the sailors hollered and scrambled on the glimmering deck. Lucy, still in the galley slouched over the cartography table, carefully drew out the missing details of the treasure map. The faded colours and greased paper corresponded to Lucy’s pale and crumpled clothing. The merchant sailors weren’t just any ordinary merchants. They were treasure hunters.
Slam! A sudden crack befell the ship, tossing Lucy off her chair. She winced in pain as she stared in front of her. Her heart sank. A gaping hole tore through the ship in front of Lucy’s eyes. Water began to gush in like a flash flood as Lucy heard the merchants on the deck shouting and screaming in fear. Crack! Another sharp sound echoed throughout the ship. The mast slammed onto the deck, tearing through it like a scissor through paper. Lucy leaped out of the way, grasping the prehistoric map. As rain pattered down through the gash in the deck, Lucy climbed onto the top. She stared into the distance. Frozen. “PIRATES!” Lucy exclaimed.
As the ship was slowly sinking into the abyssal sea, Lucy had to make the decision of her life. Save the crew who she had worked her entire sea life with, or save the map and herself, preserving possibly thousands of years of knowledge and millions of dollars of treasure. It was up to Lucy to decide the fate of the crew. As the black sails of the pirate ship drifted towards them, cannonballs continued to rain down on the merchants and Lucy. She was standing in agonizing fear, pondering about the weight of her decision. Boom! Wood was flying like a hurricane as the ship’s wasted remains sank to the bottom of the sea, taking Lucy and the map down with it.
2. In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most. As the sun melted over the horizon, it resembled a different tone. It wasn’t amber or golden, it was emerald green. The statue towered over the expanding crowd, its sharp architectural details making the crowd gasp, unaware of the events about to unfold. As the mysterious sun slowly lowered onto a crescent shape on the statue, Daniel pushed his way to the front of the crowd, pale in confusion.
“Could this be…” Daniel softly whispered to himself, holding out a torn, crumpled book in his hands. The book cover resembled the exact scene taking place. As Daniel flicked through the pages he softly read out the words of the poem.
“As the lime sun lowers, the statue rises.
The crowd amazed, but unaware.
A problem in the skies, life outside of borders.”
As Daniel pondered over the mysterious verse, he saw miniscule dots appear over the horizon. He looked up, in shock.
Daniel jumped onto the statue and shouted, “You have to leave immediately, everyone! There are aliens, you can look above!”
“Ha! Aliens don’t exist!” A crowd member shouted.
“Yeah, crazy kid, get off the statue,” said another. As the crowd continued to holler about Daniel, cracks with an eerie green presence started overflowing the statue. Soon the statue was filled with green. Arms started reaching and grabbing out of the statue, contrasting the sculpture’s serene intricacy. Boom! The statue erupted into an inferno of vermillion flames, green beings sprawled across the floor. “ALIENS!”
Interview Questions (100 words each)
1. How has your family shaped the way you approach challenges in life? Can you give a specific example?
My family has shaped the way I approach challenges in many ways. My parents always look out for me as their number one priority, comforting me and making me feel happy when I’m down. We tackle challenges head on, and if we make mistakes we learn from them and keep persisting. We also remember to have fun, and not get too pressured. My family also always cheers me on in my victories, and takes mistakes positively. For instance, I was aiming for the school leader position. I made it through all the rounds, my family cheering me on as I went. Although, I ended up not getting selected and I saw that as a big disappointment. However, my family comforted me, and helped me find other ways to be a leader, like how I dreamed of. In the end, I walked away as a better person, and I was happy for my friend who made it in.
2. What is one tradition or habit in your family that you cherish the most, and why?
My favourite tradition/habit in my family is probably our dinner tradition. At the end of the day, when we are all tired, we all sit around our table and share our stories of the day, and unwind and relax. We also play games like Wordle, when we all solve the words together as a family, or we play card games like Uno. I love this time because we are all enjoying our time together as a family, not glued to our devices. This time also proves to be a great ending to the day as we relax, talking to each other.
3. Who in your family inspires you the most, and what lessons have you learned from them?
In my family, I would say that my Mum is a pioneering person who I constantly look up to. She always helps me out, dedicating so much time that proves how passionate she is. She is a great teacher, always trying to teach me concepts that she barely understands, making her an idol for her effort and dedication. My Dad is also someone who constantly inspires me, always innovating and thinking in ways that I never knew could be possible and always is brave, making me feel fearless next to him. Overall, I would say my whole family is made up of amazing people who inspire me.
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3 – Pranav – FEEDBACK
Write 250 words for each story starter using the plots framework outlined in the slides:
1. She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen.
2. In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most.
Interview Questions (100 words each)
1. How has your family shaped the way you approach challenges in life? Can you give a specific example?
2. What is one tradition or habit in your family that you cherish the most, and why?
3. Who in your family inspires you the most, and what lessons have you learned from them?
1. Anna Karenina, a middle-class woman with beautiful brown hair and shining blue eyes lived in Moscow with her husband and two kids. She has been obsessed with the sea for many years due to its beauty and sparkling water, but family pressure, young kids, a tight budget and moral obligations have stunted and crushed her dreams. One morning, she received a letter that promised a money grant if she carved a wood map of the world. You see, Anna was a skilled wood carver, but there was not much appreciation for it in Moscow. Her heart beating with excitement, she rushed to the barn and started on the project. After working tirelessly, she felt the ridges of the map and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen. Right after this revelation came to her, she realised that the money she might be sent would cover a holiday on a ship. Running to the door, she called her husband’s name. Once he approached he door, she told him about her plan. He was not so sure though, as Anna was about to give birth to their first girl. After a while of bartering and persuading, they agreed on a short trip to the Mediterranean. Bustling with excitement, the family started packing while Anna finished the wood carving. Many days later, the map was finished, but when the man who wanted the map failed to pick it up, the family’s spirits dropped so much that even Anna, someone who never showed any emotion, let herself shed a few tears in her broad husband’s arms.
2. In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most. The sculpture was of a family with agonising faces due to invading aliens that surrounded them. Unaware of what threat the sculpture held, the New York Government put it on exhibition outside the National Museum straight after it was delivered by “anonymous donators.” What was more interesting though, was that when the FBI did a fingerprint check, there was no sign of any human intervention, but only little hand marks that looked as if an alien sculpted the intricate artwork. Surprisingly, the FBI didn’t state this information in their press conference. It was called The Nightmare as the sandstone that the sculptor used was black, as if stained with coal. That’s when Michael comes in, a curious African New Yorker with ragged overalls, a torn shirt, a smeared head and a scar that dominated the left side of his face. Suspecting that there was more to the story then the FBI was letting on, he decided to do some investigation himself. One snowy morning, Michael sat up in bed and looked out his white-washed window. Seeing it was lightly sprinkling with snow, like a fairy blowing white sand onto the world, he took the opportunity to do his much-wanted investigation. Slipping out of bed, he called to his sister that he would be outside today. Once he had her blessing, he walked out of his parent’s bungalow and headed for the Museum.
Interview Questions:
1. How has your family shaped the way you approach challenges in life? Can you give a specific example? My parents have shaped the way I have approached challenges by showing me how they overcome different hardships. For example, when my father took up a new job in the financial business, he showed grit and hard work as he had to learn many new different skills, staying up late even though he felt tired and wanted to go bed. My mother has also showed perseverance by working long hours to provide for our family, making it easier to fund for different things like much needed holidays.
2. What is one tradition or habit in your family that you cherish the most, and why? One family habit I cherish is driving to Representative Basketball games on the weekend with my parents. I hold this close to my heart due to my family and I always having deep conversations, enjoying driving to different locations around Sydney, and having fun in the car. This is one of the many things I enjoy as it bonds my family’s relationship, helps us understand each other and unites us so in the hardships of life, we may stick together.
3. Who in your family inspires you the most, and what lessons have you learned from them? The one person who inspires me the most is my father. The reason he inspires me is because he has great discipline, he’s caring, loving, happy and always loves me. Another reason I look up to my father is because he sacrifices for me, is patient, pushes me, pays for sports and tutoring, drives me everywhere and cooks me meals. These are just a few of the reasons I look up to my father like no other.
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3 – Joseph Ticinovic – FEEDBACK
Text 1:
She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared to listen. The wind outside howled, shaking the cabin walls with all its might. Emma stared down at the map, her heart pounding.
It led to hidden treasure, buried deep in the jungle – a fortune that could change her life forever. But the storm was getting worse. The sky had turned dark, and the rain lashed against the cabin like a wild animal. She glanced at the door.
The path to the treasure was only a day’s journey, but the jungle was dangerous. If she left now, she might get to the temple before the storm reached its peak. If she waited, she risked being trapped in the cabin as the storm passed, losing both the treasure and precious time.
The wind howled again, and Emma shivered. She knew the jungle well enough to know how dangerous it could be in a storm. Fallen trees, flooding rivers, and deadly animals seeking shelter. But the map – the treasure – it was so close.
Her fingers tightened around the map. She imagined the golden chest hidden under the temple’s floor, the jewels that could possibly change her life. But the storm wasn’t waiting for her, it was already there. She could hear the distant rumbling and the rain pounding on the battered roof.
Emma took a deep breath and looked out at the storm, her heart torn. Would she risk her life on a journey to the treasure – or stay and wait in her cabin, safe but empty handed? The wind howled louder as lighting struck onto nearby trees.
Text 2:
In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most. Before them was a massive sculpture, towering over them like a strange, shimmering giant. The surface was smooth, yet it seemed to ripple with colours – blue, purple, orange and green – shifting in the strange light of the sun the hung low in the sky.
No one knew who created it, needless to say, how it was made. It simply just appeared overnight, as if it had appeared in thin air. No one had seen it being built, and no one knew what it was made of. Some thought it was a gift from the sky, others thought it was a warning.
The sculpture was unlike anything you seen before. Its form seemed to change when you weren’t looking directly at it. One moment it looked like a towering tree, its branched reaching out for the sky. The next, it resembled a monstrous face, its hallow eyes watching every moment.
The crowds grew restless, eyes darting from the sculpture to one another, unsure whether to be excited or terrified. Murmurs filled the air, but no one dared to speak loudly. Everyone felt the strange tension in the air.
As the sun dipped lower, a strange, humming noise began to fill the air. It wasn’t loud, but it was there, buzzing in the background like a distant storm. The crowd shifted uneasily, trying to determine what was making the sound.
Then, without a warning, the sculpture moved.
Not a little – a lot. The ground shook beneath their feet, and the air grew thick. It was coming to life. Then, from the darkness beyond the sculpture, something else moved. Something much larger.
Question 1:
After not being able to obtain good marks, I gave up. There was no hope. I was doing so well in school, and in the final test, I flunked. My family were equally devastated, mourning around about the bad mark. However, they never let me give up and not care about life. They still had hope in me. They had hope about me getting in a scholarship. Although I failed a test, it still wasn’t the end of the world. Sometimes, as they would say, don’t give up. Things don’t have to go as planned. There is always a second chance.
Question 2:
Travelling around is a once in a year occasion. On that one day, my parents will travel around with me to our grandparents house in China. We get to relax there before travelling to other places in the world. Just like now, I am in Bali. We get to enjoy ourselves, spend family time together, and engage in fun activities. It is a time for a break, a break that would last forever, with every time creating a valuable memory that would last forever. Although our family is not in the ‘rich’ category, we still travel around on the this very special occasion.
Question 3:
In my family, my father is like a light shining brightly in a group of dark clouds. Whenever hope dims out, he always brings back our relationship and happiness, determined to not let it go. He comes from a family, with only one mother. He has learned to endure the hardest and hopeless times where nothing can go the way he wants it to go. Just like how he endures with pain, I know the world will sometime end, and that people you like or meet now, can never go with you forever. I also learned to always try my best. Although my father didn’t have enough money to eat, he studied properly, aiming for the best school in the country, just like me, aiming to get a scholarship.
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3 – Jason Xie – FEEDBACK
1.The Legacy of Sound and Sea
She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen. The crinkled paper attacked her calloused hands as she looked across it, falling into a dilemma on whether to become an explorer, a life of constant thrill and excitement that had been carried through her family for generations or to take the music scholarship. The boat awaited before Sarah Drake, the precipice of her future, the weight of her family’s legacy pressing down on her shoulders like an anchor. The salty wind whipped through her hair, carrying the faint scent of the sea, the same sea her ancestors had once sailed with dreams of plunder and glory. But it was not so simple…
The scholarship was a promise of security where her musical talent could shine, a promise of a life that followed a path well-trodden by those who chose reason over recklessness. A chance to dive into the world of classical music, to play on stages she had dreamed of as a kid before hearing the stories. Two callings grappled together as both musical notes and great stories of her ancestor Sir Francis Drake fought. Looking down at the map, it flickered between its true form and a music sheet, but she didn’t have time to choose with the storm above.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket, pulling her from her thoughts. A text from her mother: “Remember, Sarah, we’ve always supported your dreams. You know that. But don’t forget who you are. Who we are. Make a careful decision.” Her mother’s words were always laced with both love and a reminder of the legacy they bore.
Sarah’s heart raced. She could hear the call of the ocean in the distance, whispering promises of adventure, of the unknown. The call to prove herself, to carve her own name in history—just as Drake had done. But could she leave behind the music she had loved since she was a child? Could she turn her back on the future that seemed so tangible, so certain?
As she looked out at the ocean, her fingers subconsciously danced along the edges of the map again, the paths becoming familiar in the same way the notes did when she practiced. Looking out once again, she saw both options. The scholarship was a doorway to the future, but the adventure was a journey into her soul. The decision was hers to make. And she was ready to forge her own path, one note and one wave at a time.
2. Echoes of Nocholon
In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most. The sun slowly faded into the horizon, but it was not accompanied by a serene and calm pink sunset nor a red glow like normal – it was viridian green across the blue sky. Zeko looked up at the atmosphere of the planet Nocholon, at the stone carving that had dropped from it. Hundreds gathered around him as he watched an opaque, dark shape flew across the sky, splitting into more and more shapes as it got closer.
The crowd fell silent, their eyes widening as the mysterious shapes grew clearer, more defined, like shadows peeling from the now green fabric of the sky. Zeko’s heart thudded in his chest, not just from awe, but from a creeping sense of dread. It wasn’t just the shape of the thing—they all knew what it was. They had been warned. The stone sculpture on the ground, an intricate series of arches and spirals, had been hailed as an enigma. Its smooth, unnatural edges shimmered in the dimming light, reflecting the viridian glow as if it were alive. The people of Nocholon had admired it for the past few days, speculated on its origins, and marvelled at the craftsmanship. But Zeko knew. It was no work of art. It was a message.
He now had a dilemma on who to tell, there was no time to tell the elders, but the chatter was almost deafening as they once again began speaking, making theories. “It’s the Earthlings,” he muttered, barely above a whisper. “They’ve been watching us and now they’re here.” Once again, he screamed it out, recalling legends of their inventions – the golden disc that was imbued with secrets. The Nocholians had tried to become the last tribe but then they came. A war had broken out and now they were back…
Interview W3
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3 – ryankhov – FEEDBACK
Underworld Hero
She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen. Lightning tore across the sky, casting grey shadows through the mauve silk curtains that Hopper’s grandmother had weaved. Wind hissed like a kettle, as rain pelted against the house. Hopper grasped the crinkled piece of Manila paper in her bony hands, as her furrowed eyes scanned it. Enigmatic squiggles and smudges shrouded the map. The title read, “Underground Pipes!’’. Hopper was a kid whose heart blossomed out to mysteries like a flower. She had a cleft lip with tousled orange hair and a pair of mismatching dimples. Unfortunately, her parents were too poor to afford their life! Everyday Hopper would lurk about in the alleyways, listening to adult gossip, but she wasn’t meant to hear.
“That is the key to the underworld!’’ purred Mrs Whatsit, her frail hands clutching a timber-carved key that Hopper had never seen before. Then something caught her eye. Etched in the key was the numbers 911. Thoughts collided in her mind like runaway trains. How did Mrs Whatsit, the gossip neighbour get her hands on this key? Would it solve their problems to education and starvation if she got her hands on the key? But did it any connection with the map, she had found in her musty corner? A tingling sensation, rose in her hands…
Creativity Decoy.
In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most. The sun melted over the horizon, casting delicate shadows on the sculpture. Leon observed a looming sculpture like a sentinel, towering over their village filled with creative whirls, stripes and geometric patterns. Candles had been placed around the statue. The village had chastised creativity as it had been a symbol of bad luck. Leon, a kid piqued of curiosity thought to himself. Who could have made this such creative statue? Aliens or one of the villagers? What would happen? Thoughts whirred in Leon’s mind like runaway trains.
A day ago, Earth had granted permission for some aliens from Planet Dynamics to aboard the Earth. The Martian ground shook, as a huge spaceship landed nearby the village. Five small robots had clunked around their city, they body coated with dusty yellow paint with two adorable eyes. Communicating in a metallic voice, they had woven a beautiful sculpture that used candle wax. Then the sculpture towered there, in the middle of the village after they had left.
An oozing yellow substance had dissolved from the sculpture, as the sun glowered at it. A faint fragrance wafted into his nose as he stared at the substance morph into creatures. Tarantulas! They crawled toward the villagers, growling and snarling. The villagers, screamed and gasped for air as they slowly sank below the substance. This was disaster…
Week 3 Jason
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Jason Wu – FEEDBACK
Week 3 Writing Homework
Write 250 words for each story starter using the plots framework outlined in the slides:
1. She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen.
2. In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most.
Interview Questions (100 words each)
1. How has your family shaped the way you approach challenges in life? Can you give a specific example?
2. What is one tradition or habit in your family that you cherish the most, and why?
3. Who in your family inspires you the most, and what lessons have you learned from them?
STORY STARTERS:
1. She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen. The crinkled paper started to life off the table. The wind was to strong for her bony, weak, calloused fingers. She tried to hold it down, but the paper was just like her, yearning for adventure, never waiting for it to find her, she must find it. CRACK! A long wavy line crashed down from the sky, it was the biggest lighting bolt she has ever seen. The boat rocked from left to right, her fingers were trembling. If she loses this map and the boat, everything she worked for would be ruined. She left her family for this adventure, they never would’ve forgiven her, and she certainly wouldn’t forgive herself. AHA! Suddenly she realised what the writing on the map said. She stared in disbelief, could it really be true. Ever since she heard of the legend of the isle of the lost, she always wanted to prove that it’s true, and now she finally had proof. She ran to the steering wheel and pointed the boat in the direction of the island. Suddenly, the boat snapped, the remains of the boat started sinking to the bottom of the ocean, taking the map and her down with it.
2. In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most. As the warm, majestic feeling in the air rose, trouble started to rise too. The sculpture that everyone loved and cherished, started to crack. No one knew why, except me. I had powers that I discovered a year ago. I saw the writing on the sculpture, and it was in a different language, and I could read it. I could tell something was wrong, this once beautiful city turned into shouting, fighting, ashes. I saw a glow in the sky, I feared that the writing on the statue was coming true.
“At the darkest time,
One the darkest night,
The statue rises.
The person who can see
The mysteries beneath the power
Knows the worst,
And can only fear,
For everyone’s nightmares are here.”
I ran onto the stage in the centre of town. “Everyone, you must find shelter, aliens are coming!”
“Get off the stage kid,” shouted a voice from the crowd.
“There’s no such thing as aliens!” said a man in the front.
I thought that there was no point in trying to tell them that aliens are here, they wouldn’t believe me. Suddenly the ground caved, green figures started to creep on the buildings, the shops and everything that made this city a city. A scream came from behind me. “ALIENS!”
INTERVIEW QUESTION:
1. How has your family shaped the way you approach challenges in life? Can you give a specific example?
The way my family has shaped the way I approach life is that they have taught me many valuable things. I used to just give up if I found things to hard, but my family had taught me that no matter how many mistakes I make or how many bad choices I make, it’s about how many times I picked myself up and tried again. They told me that all my bad ideas lead to my good ones. My family helped me pick myself up no matter what. One time I was doing soccer. I was trying to learn how to juggle with a soccer ball, but I never did it right. My mum told me that I’m not going to get it first try, and I didn’t and that’s ok. She told me that if I keep trying, I can do it, I just have to believe in myself. Now I am able to do it a little bit and that advice helped in many other ways.
2. What is one tradition or habit in your family that you cherish the most, and why?
A tradition that my family has is that on Christmas we play some board games. We have a competition to win red packets with money in them. I love it so much because my grandparents do it with us. They actually came up with it. My family is always really busy or doesn’t want to play board games with me so it’s really fun to spend some time doing something that I really enjoy. Last year, my dad one won game, and I won one game. We played 2 games that are simple but really fun.
3. Who in your family inspires you the most, and what lessons have you learned from them?
My mum inspires me the most because of a few things. She taught me to never give up and that failing is just a part of life. My mum is a great parent as she helps me, my brothers, my dad, while she still has to work. Whenever I’m feeling down, she’s always there to cheer me up. I know I can always go to her when I need help or anything really. She supports me so much especially in soccer and academics. She is the best mum ever and is so inspiring, I hope to become like her one day.
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3 – Annabelle Tung – FEEDBACK
1. She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen. Her eyes glinted with zeal and intrigue. The coarse paper of the map, buried in the sand long before this era, bristled and wafted in the fine, salty breeze – shaking off sand like a dog shaking off water. As she was about to place it back in the glass bottle, the ship was hit with a trembling force – sending Amelia and the map flying. The deafening crack of timber, the rough shouts of incoherent ramblings, the foul and pungent odour radiating from the entrance; it could only mean one thing, squatters. Amelia winced, slowly recovering from the momentary shock. She knew she shouldn’t have come to the abandoned ‘building’ or if you could even call it that. Fear ran through her body, as she saw bloodshot eyes – burning with fervent fury – from the malignant shadows. She desperately clawed at the ground, needing to find the ancient scroll. Suddenly, her calloused fingers skimmed across the surface of tempered glass: curved intricately into a bottle. As she lunged for it, millions of thoughts scampered through her mind – digging at the walls of her consciousness – desperate to escape. Amelia careened on the precipice of trepidation and indecisiveness. Should she risk a revolutionary insight into the ancient history of the land to help the crew of pirates and misfits that had adopted her – made her truly happy for once and gave her a real home; a real family. Or should she run away with the scroll – leaving her crew to eminent death? She shivered with the overwhelming decision upon her hands – unsure whether she wanted to burden this responsibility.
2. In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most. The statue was beautiful, so realistic that it felt…unreal. Alien perhaps. The citizens of the dystopian city glanced up in a blend of awe and amusement at the magnificent piece of art they had been kept from. Yet despite its glory and beauty, the statue resonated with a profound feeling of uncertainty – like a daunting shadow that looms over you, forecasting horrors to come. One person in the starving, flesh-stripped, crowd stood out – Jake. He was an artist, an inventor, and a ‘rising revolutionist’ – all of which self-acclaimed. Like penicillin among viruses, he was like a flashlight in a dark room. Compared to his fellow peers and colleagues, who were meek and submissive; listening to everything that their master said; he was defiant and proud, and he would always get chastised for that. The higher-ups despised creativity, not believing in new inventions, arrogantly illustrating that conventional methods were the best. Yet even they, people who dominated this city and struck down every revolutionary piece of art, gazed at the intricate piece of craftsmanship – but unbeknownst to their dull minds; it wasn’t really a ‘man’ who had crafted this, but something much more far off. Suddenly, the sunset slowly turned a shade of green. As if someone was dipping a paint-filled brush into water. In the spur of the moment, the statue opened up revealing a slim red creature that crawled out, its tendrils latching onto the ground and spreading like fungi. Some may call it an alien, but it wasn’t the childish one that you would see in children’s books – instead, one that radiated fear, but also comfort. One that was scorching hot yet frozen. As it solidified into a vessel reminiscent of a human, it stood defiantly in the center of the town square. It dripped from red goo, with no bodily or facial features. It beckoned for the civilians to leave this horrible city, to be free of the totalitarian rule. That on their world, people were equal. That where they lived, there was adequate food and water, real showers and hot baths. The civilians guant eyes gleamed with hope and longing, but still were they under the mesmerising trance of their leaders. The government spoke up, their voices tinted with mocking words trying to conceal fear. They spoke in the language of punishment and weaponry, their dialect a boast of their military power. Their words were filled with false promises and treacherous lies – yet still the civilians walked back into the prison. The creature shook its blobby head, but at last, extended a warm hand out to Jake. ‘I know that among all these people, you have a hope for retribution and redemption. You are the only one that hasn’t been brainwashed by these dominating figures you praise as your leaders.’ It rasped. Jake looked back at his parents, at his friends, at his colleagues and at his own life. He would be free, yet not free. Liberated yet constrained. His eyes flicked back and forth from his old life and friends to his new life. Breaking the trance, his mother coughed violently – that’s when he remembered. He still had to pay for her hospital bills, and he still had a toy to give to his son for his birthday. Should he risk all he knew and everyone that needed him, from a new freeing reality? His mind raced, incapable of processing the magnitude of the situation.
sorry that the second one may be a bit too long.
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Benjamin Yang – FEEDBACK
The wrinkled Map lay in Adams palms as the ruthless waves hit the ship. Adams hair was soaking wet from the heavy rain, his lips shivering as he navigated the ship to find what could be the last emeralds on earth. His crew was ready to give up for weeks however Adam believed they could find it. However, the weather wasn’t making it easier. The boat trembled from side to side as Adam tripped and half of the soggy map fell into the petrifying dark ocean. This was a huge blow. Now Adam had to remember half of the map from memory. As he and his team were mourning the loss the water started retreating. The were confused at first but then realised that this could only mean one thing. A colossal wave hit the ship, and the water started flooding. An emergency helicopter was called to save the crew on the ship. Until then the had to do everything. They all grabbed live vests and floaties and climbed to the top of the ship soon enough the helicopter arrived. They all fitted in except for 1. Adam had to take the impossible decision of saving his life and finding the last emeralds on the planet or saving his crew’s life. Adams head was about to explode because of the thoughts. He had grown up in a poor village and taken on this journey to help find money for his family to help support a better lifestyle. However, it wouldn’t be fair if he sacrificed his crew’s life for something he’d wanted. So, he gave the map to his crew. Told them to give some money to his parents if they ended up finding the emeralds and said his final goodbyes. And with that he jumped into the fearsome ocean with only the map as his last trace.
As the fearsome sun blazed into the nylon, covering the new statue about to be revealed to millions of people. The crowd’s eyes twinkling in excitement to showcase what had taken 3 years in mystery make. The person showing it fabulously dressed in a formal suit. His eyes a shade of emerald his beard so majestic. He grabbed the cloth pulled it out and showed the statue. Groans from crowds turned to shrieks. It was a statue of an alien. Suddenly the man in the suit bursted into malachite jelly blobs and formed together to show alien. Soon all the organisers did the same. “ATTACK”. Chaos spread. Screaming, crying everything was happening. The shot people turning them into vermillion flames and then the firefighters had to be called. The colossal army was just too much for everyone. So will earth survive this outer space attack, Or will this be the end for humanity?
My family, mostly my parents have influenced my actions by influencing my decisions. They always tell me not be jealous and not excessively ask for something just because I had seen someone bragging about it. They also told me not to get angry at my younger cousins for telling on me for the tiniest accidental things and exaggerating it because they weren’t old enough to understand. So, my parents play a significant role in my decision making. I listen to them because I know they have more experience than me and I know they always want the best for me.
One family custom me and my parents never break is praying in the morning. We value our beliefs extensively and we also don’t mind other religions because we view God as one, however different people see it different ways and it signifies different things to some people. If we must go somewhere early morning and we don’t have time to pray, we just pray in our minds while travelling or doing the works because it only takes like 3 minutes. For us God means everything, and we cherish to celebrate Him/her every day.
My auntie inspires me the most because of her resilience to the problems in life. She was living life happily until she got a divorce and insisted on having custody of both her children. She started a job, at first rented a small house near my grandmother. Slowly she rose threw the ranks of the company and saved enough money to buy a great house and take care of her children greatly. This story inspires me that no matter what situation you are in, or what you have gone through, by working hard and staying resilient you can turn your fate around. She stands as a catalyst for motivation in my family and for people who hear her story.
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3 – dineshaggarwal13yahoo-com – FEEDBACK
My writing 😀 have a good day
W3 Writing
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3 – Rissy – FEEDBACK
Write 250 words for each story starter using the plots framework outlined in the slides:
1. She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NypOFVYK98B4kVWFpMHE38-Km6vH6FsNLOsUKz-fKz0/edit?tab=t.0
2. In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dfnCigf7k-lsmOJ1phTmtEwWq32B-V5qJmH-3bwQTbg/edit?tab=t.0
Interview Questions (100 words each)
1. How has your family shaped the way you approach challenges in life? Can you give a specific example?
2. What is one tradition or habit in your family that you cherish the most, and why?
3. Who in your family inspires you the most, and what lessons have you learned from them?
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1l0ebup2BpmxsWDtNBRhIdEdwjtMPTTIhnYqg0nuG5ww/edit?tab=t.0
Thank you!
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3 – David – FEEDBACK
NARRATIVE 1.
She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen. Her acute and delicate sense of hearing fastened to the undisclosed messages carried up by the energy of the mysteriously forgotten. But time was running too scarce to pay attention. An incomplete map means being lost here forever. Her face scrunched up marginally and it looked like her eyelids were in pleats. Her mind toggled. She was not easily intimidated yet she asked herself if she possessed the courage to decode the unknown. So, she chiselled ferociously – hauling her fingertips along the creases of her unfinished chart. With one hand, the other she lost when she was young in a freak car accident – just below her right check was a laceration negligently incapacitating her dry skin, a memento from the day. The harder the left hand crafted the more it throbbed; the agony shooting up her arm like a bullet from a gun. Her only tool, the graver, wearing down fast. Back home she had always been regarded as an exceptional archaeologist- not quite relentless, but close. If she ever managed to return to that place, what new knowledge could she offer all her peers. It was this thought that offered a new and rudimentary insight. Stop, breathe, listen… the question now was – would she accept.
NARRATIVE 2.
In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most. There it stood, alluringly, at the heart of their town like a divine figure symbolising all that is of their lifeform. The radiance of their sun shining all its positivity and clarity valiantly onto it and suggesting it having feelings too. A stunning fusion of the rarest and most precious elements known, seemingly worked flawlessly with the scrupulous intent of perfection. Wrapping and twisting itself in perfect geometry, each arm interwoven with clusters of translucent gems and rhinestones glistening like sun glint of their ocean of wonder and thought. The masses had their eyes glued at the magnificent, striking form. Irresistibly drawn to its beauty and in a state of bliss. Nestled silently toward the back was a woman inching her way closer feeling a brew of wonderstruck and unease. “I feel as though this ‘thing’ is observing me, seeing through me, knowing every aspect of my private life and every strand of my biological and chemical makeup” she uttered to herself almost silently. Was this just a façade? What was at the heart of this thing of beauty – what or who was inside watching over me, attempting to control me and take away my individuality, my identity, all the very things that make who we are. I can’t get close enough, this frozen herd is huddled together like eastern bluebirds in a tree cavity to keep warm. “Even if I can expose it for its real meaning”, she stumbled on her thoughts “everyone would think me mad”
Interview Questions
1. How has your family shaped the way you approach challenges in life? Can you give a specific example?
My family has taught me what it takes to have perseverance, resilience, courageousness and work hard. Halfway through soccer last season I began to be distracted at training and was not putting in the effort I normally put in. Noticing this the club sent a letter home suggesting I need to lift my game if I wanted to retain my spot on the team. I was upset with myself. I quickly realised that putting in an effort means going beyond what is easy and convenient and my family always showed me that effort is what leads to success. So, I did extra one-one training with the coach, I trained harder at every training session and was fully involved and engaged in all matches. At the end of the season, not only did I cement my spot in the team I was awarded the most improved player of the season.
2. What is one tradition or habit in your family that you cherish the most, and why?
I cherish Christmas time with my family. It is a time when we all spend the day together, eating, playing and being together. There’s something really special about the great food, the stories, and all the love in the day. It’s a day that we all really connect, share stories, and just enjoy each other’s company. The whole house feels alive. There are Christmas decorations like Christmas crackers and there is plenty excitement. There is always fun, music and memories. What makes it even more meaningful are the little traditions within the big celebration: like playing monopoly and backyard cricket. Each year one of our wonderful family members dresses as Santa and presents our KK gifts. My sister and I always get extra gifts. Last Christmas was particularly good because I now have two new young cousins to enjoy.
3. Who in your family inspires you the most, and what lessons have you learned from them?
My dad is a big inspiration for me, he is my superhero. He has always been a source of kindness and wisdom — with quiet strength and resilience. Helping me stay grounded no matter what life throws at me, teaching me the importance of patience and kindness. I learn a lot about the power of listening, of showing up for people, and of appreciating the little things in life. He has shown me that to play a piece of music correctly on my violin I have to isolate the part giving me trouble and play it repeatedly. I apply patience and take a break. The best result then comes after the break. So, he has taught me to play the piece over and over until I know it inside out. The next day I play the piece perfectly.
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3 – Xavier Serravalle – FEEDBACK
She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen. But she heard nothing. It had been many years since she had heard the trembling voices of the winds, felt Winter’s gaze, caught the messages of the rain. Yet the were still those day, many, many decades prior.
This world was built over ruins of an old one. The ancient world had been a metropolis, but it was only human nature for conflict. From the blood and toil of the old civilizations came a new one- Or four new ones. People had had the ability to bend elements, and they were the only survivors. Four kingdoms were born out of the ashes- Fire, water, earth and air.
She was one of water, but that was useless against the armies of Earth soldiers, and the water let them thrive. As for her? She could have saved her people, for she was the only one who knew how to use ice, but in a disastrous decision, she turned and fled. She had betrayed her kingdom of rain and Winter, and neither of those phenomena were kind to her ever again.
And so, she stared out into the howling tempest, a symphony of the fallen, resembling the nexus of thoughts that plagued her mind. The winds thrashed in anger, and in that sight, she did the same. She was going to fight them, no matter the cost, because now, there was nothing left to lose.
Then she heard a voice.
“Go; You have your work cut out for you as our last.” Came a voice from the wind.
In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most. It’s intricate patterns and smooth stone stunning them. It had been a score years ago since they had seen something that captivated their interest- That awakened forgotten creativity- That made them feel something that wasn’t sad and depressed.
When they had moved to Venus, an alien species arrived days later and tore through anything in their way. Hundreds were killed in massacres and almost everyone lost one or two loved ones. More and more aliens kept coming until humanity had had it. It started with the USA launching an atomic bomb. North Korea, Britain, China, Russia, and every country that had a nuclear arsenal were too open to the idea and began launching masses. The aliens eventually left but a legacy of suffering was left behind. World leaders thought without the aliens, the planet was now beautiful, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the streets filled with both alien and human bodies were certainly not.
Now the crowds standing in the piles of fallout and flesh, their eyes boring into the statue, cameras drawn, were the first to discover that the aliens had left a gift. A tentacle slithered out of the colossal side of the statue.
With all the soldiers gone home and too old to fight, there was no one left to save them.
But in the end, the aliens lost anyway. They defeated the humans again and again, but the ever-lasting effects of nuclear weaponry caused horrific mutations and mutilations, and the aliens died out as well.
And all that was left was a broken planet and a soft sunset, sweeping gently through the horizon.
my writing homework
1
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Lucas – FEEDBACK
This is my writing Homework for this week 🙂
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13Z15wD-RvPsM5OEUo6TRUH5ExpL-Dzieilrg0j1DFtI/edit?tab=t.0
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3 – elaine-bu – FEEDBACK
1. One way my family has shaped how I deal with problems is positivity. When I fail, I know that I just have more to improve on and that I’ll get it with time. It helps me be happy when I get stuff right and think straight even when I get things wrong. I think that this quality has helped me through many times where I was feeling unconfident and that even though sometimes the stress does get through, it is still crucial to building up knowledge and resilience in the face of challenge.
2. One tradition in my family that I cherish is reading to each other. In my family, my parents enjoy reading me bedtime stories and I like to read stories back to them. It has helped in many ways, and one is bringing us closer together, because everyone loves a story and that fosters social interaction. It also helps our speaking manner and etiquette.
3.The person I admire the most is my mother. She worked in medical for years in Britain until she had me and my sister and is now a full-time mother. She also sorts a lot of things to do with my education out (Stuff for parents) and has always helped me when I don’t understand something or need help. She is always trying to teach me things. We also like to play with toys with each other and build stuff (Like STEM kits and Lego).
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3 – Nathaniel Abustan – FEEDBACK
1.She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen. Was this map the key to finding the old Spanish shipwreck ? It was tough, carving the map out of wood, occasionally getting blisters in her palms, or getting poked by the rough edges, but the ancient book had advised her to carve out of wood, and she could see why. The crisp pieces of brown paper were like wisps of smoke, seemingly hanging to the book by a single thread. Worst of all, the old paper seemed like it would crumble into a million pieces with the slightest touch. The smell of the sea seemed to erupt from the pages, as she turned them one by one hoping to find the location of the ship wreck, but all it said was “ X marks the spot of my ship, as it sinks into the gloomy depths, I shall follow!” She got up and walked around her cabin, it had transformed into a research lab, as soon as she planted all her books and equipment down on her table, the velvet carpet shone brightly, caught by the dim light of the buzzing light bulbs above.She looked, onwards, the ocean around her looking as dangerous as ever, as though it could swallow her and her crew, into its murky depths. A sudden wave crashed onto the hull of the boat, causing her to drop the book. The fragile book landed with a gentle thud on the floor in a puddle of water. She froze in horror hoping the paper was still readable, but as she picked it up, she was shocked to see old handwriting appearing on the now Soggy paper.
2. In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most. Guards lined the perimeter of the structure, and everyone was discussing what it meant. The sculpture was a massive horse, made of oak wood, and the bottom was on a flat rigid stone platform, and it shimmered in the sunrise. However the grandness of the structure was hiding its true dangers. The Trojans were tired and weary of the Greeks, so when a man came out of the woods announcing that the Greeks had turned back, they celebrated, and yelled in triumph.That night, the townspeople cheered and bellowed, celebrating their victory in the war against the Greeks, eating and drinking, but as soon as the town was asleep, they were in for what would be their last night.
1.She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen. Was this map the key to finding the old Spanish shipwreck ? It was tough, carving the map out of wood, occasionally getting blisters in her palms, or getting poked by the rough edges, but the ancient book had advised her to carve out of wood, and she could see why. The crisp pieces of brown paper were like wisps of smoke, seemingly hanging to the book by a single thread. Worst of all, the old paper seemed like it would crumble into a million pieces with the slightest touch. The smell of the sea seemed to erupt from the pages, as she turned them one by one hoping to find the location of the ship wreck, but all it said was “ X marks the spot of my ship, as it sinks into the gloomy depths, I shall follow!” She got up and walked around her cabin, it had transformed into a research lab, as soon as she planted all her books and equipment down on her table, the velvet carpet shone brightly, caught by the dim light of the buzzing light bulbs above.She looked, onwards, the ocean around her looking as dangerous as ever, as though it could swallow her and her crew, into its murky depths. A sudden wave crashed onto the hull of the boat, causing her to drop the book. The fragile book landed with a gentle thud on the floor in a puddle of water. She froze in horror hoping the paper was still readable, but as she picked it up, she was shocked to see old handwriting appearing on the now Soggy paper.
2. In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most. Guards lined the perimeter of the structure, and everyone was discussing what it meant. The sculpture was a massive horse, made of oak wood, and the bottom was on a flat rigid stone platform, and it shimmered in the sunrise. However the grandness of the structure was hiding its true dangers. The Trojans were tired and weary of the Greeks, so when a man came out of the woods announcing that the Greeks had turned back, they celebrated, and yelled in triumph.That night, the townspeople cheered and bellowed, celebrating their victory in the war against the Greeks, eating and drinking, but as soon as the town was asleep, they were in for what would be their last night.
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Albert Xiong – FEEDBACK
Write 250 words for each story starter using the plots framework outlined in the slides:
1. She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen.
Annie stared blankly at her bedroom ceiling, flipping reluctantly through the many pages of her thoughts; her tense fingers curled her ebony hair into tight loops, before letting go as she looked back towards the map on her construction table. The deadline tomorrow, everything had been budging Annie to take sides – should she give the map to the vase owner to peel the curse off her family’s foreheads or should she sell it for millions of dollars to help her village in poverty? She avoided the urge to glance at the moonlight through the curtains, fearing it would speed time up: but she already knew that she would never have time to finish replicating another copy of the map.
Braving the courage to look at the clock, Annie could see the minutes flying away from her as her deadline neared for the end of her decision. She watched the photos of her and her beloved villager elders hanging precariously on her bedroom wall and the memories flooded back into her – a picture of her walking through the school gates on her 1st day of kindergarten, her elders receiving the news Annie had gotten a free ride to a fancy school nearby, a photo of them with Annie, waiting patiently in the hospital for their turn to pay the high fees, and a photo of them mourning at her parent’s mere grave with sincere depression.
The vase’s curse could not be removed from her head by burning the curse and the future generations of her family would fully survive; she would ensure the safety of her generation.
2. In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most.
Manly shuffled away and disappeared into the aweing crowd, groaning in disappointment as she realised her item was on the auction. She had thought her decision would have been easier but now? It was harder. She would now have to choose between accepting the money her sculpture sold by the end of this week by cash or leave it to someone else so she could fly to LA to see the last of her beloved grandparents tomorrow.
Her fingers tensed and started fiddling with the cotton at the bottom of her shirt. Her beloved grandparents had given her half of their fortune, attended her every party despite their declining health and had held her dear since childhood. She remembered every moment she had spent with them: building her a treehouse a day after her seventh birthday in a tree that was 10 times her age, surprising her in their holiday home after she had received the news she had received an invitation to a fancy ball with the prince in that area, and her grandparents embracing her as she set off to where she was now to attend college and embrace her sculpting future.
But now, here she was, on the brink of a pitfall. On the brink of a decision between family and money. Obviously, it would be family, but receiving the money would help her village where her parents were, supporting their declining water situation. Manly tugged nervously at her shirt again.
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tracyliou1025 – FEEDBACK
my writing
writing wk 3
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3- Cherie – FEEDBACK
Please see attached file.
Week 3 Writing Homework
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3- tagomabs021 – FEEDBACK
1. She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen. What else was there think about? Mystifiea Island placed in nothing but stranded in dead sky if only Elanore wasn’t the only person that lay upon it who wondered what lay below. Many had heard of something being spotted below her island by an air ship. Nothing was heard of this man again. All who had seen something below had crashed or fallen into what seemed to them an endless void. Elanore thought otherwise she had one job that was assigned to her and that was to map the island, and occasionally the ally island Elytra. She longed to explore and chase the winds in a little airship…If only she could bend destiny, just dent a corner so she could be herself. Three women from Elytra landed an air ship beside her bench, she hid beneath it and stared longingly at it. The women carefully stepped out the door with war declaration papers carefully sitting in their arms. This was ridiculous. After a Mystarian threatened Queen Marsha, King Elytra declared war, again. Elanore creeped to the abandoned ship, and folded her fingers across the grip on the steering wheel. Then shot back. No one in any of the islands would approve of a cartographer being an explorer it was almost unachievable so now she was drawn to a decision her social status, not like she had much already or her personal status not a lot of that either… she didn’t have much to lose. She gripped to the wheel tightly, wrapped her shawl over her shoulders then loosened and stepped back to the ground.
2. In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most. Drithvan. Fonder knew unlike the others recognising Drithvan’s power from long ago, he’d understood each person he risked the life of, would only make Drivthan urge for their souls longer. Many of who that knew him and were forever loathing Fonder had passed away but with the curse that lay upon Fonder and his family he could never be forgotten by the laws of life. He came home the very day his wife Amidala sat lifeless white as a sheet upon the couch. His children were drowned of their being, seeing friends and love intrests grow and die. Their life wasn’t living. It was presence. Wondering dark halls of finding themselves were once gold to be found now withered away as time moved on. Fonder remained bright trying to veneer his mistakes. If only they didn’t clutch to his heart. “Hello Finn, or was it Fable oh yes Alfondso.” His wife could only utter but a few words, occasionally that had no purpose or depth more than a few words was rare so Fonder smiled and was grateful she spoke in the moment. “Good afternoon Amidala.” he replied, as he placed his coat on the rack and slipped his shoes off. His fourteen year old daughter looked up him tears drowning her sockets and ran away. “Isadora wants to run away.” his son Dinnigan’s eyes darted after this daft remark. “To be fair she’s not the only one, believe me that wasn’t me being insecure.” Dinnigan ran through the corridor, then stumbled as he staggered to a fall. Fonder raised a brow. Then his stiff frown faded to a malevolent grin.
1. How has your family shaped the way you approach challenges in life? Can you give a specific example?
My family tends to face things with a determined attitude and don’t expect reward, unless crucial like their jobs or promised. There have been multiple circumstances where this has come in exceptional use to me, but if I were to name one it would be in a group project. I was in a complicated project with three other peers unfortunately they struggled quite a bit and would usually completely abandon me to entertain themselves. So I worked the three days I had by myself until it was finished. Most fortunately I was rewarded with a good grade along with my group.
2. What is one tradition or habit in your family that you cherish the most, and why?
Every summer we go to the beach, I truly cherish this because during covid it was extremely hard to go places I enjoyed of be with my friends or family. The beach was a empty landscape no one dared to intrude, besides surfers who would glide across the ocean. I loved it so much I was determined not to be attached to my screen for however long covid was going to last so for me and my family the beach was like an escape so we really loathed heavy rain. So every time I had online class I’d finish it early in the morning then no question walk to the beach.
3. Who in your family inspires you the most, and what lessons have you learned from them?
I get inspired by many people in my family, but my dad really stands out. He encourages me to read young. He also says books possess lots of knowledge, that’s why I love reading and I try to read as much as possible. He also tells me to value culture and my background for it’s a part of who I am and must be passed to generations to come. He also encourages me to be a role model for my sisters because when he was younger is older brother would always play with him, this makes me determined to do the same for my sisters.
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3- Nora – FEEDBACK
i had some time so i made 1 story starter 400 and the other 300 words
writing (2)
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3- Reyansh Saini – FEEDBACK
1. She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen.
She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen. Her fingers traced the rough contours of distant lands—mountains rising sharp against the sky, rivers twisting like serpents through the land. She had been carving this map for days, each line a piece of something forgotten, something lost to time. Her grandmother had once told her that the Silent Sea was more than just a place of waves and wind—it was a realm of ancient voices, buried secrets that spoke only to those brave enough, or foolish enough, to listen. “The storms,” her grandmother had warned, “they don’t just howl. They speak in riddles, and those who answer, often don’t return.” The wind howled outside now, rattling the shutters, as if the storm itself was calling to her. She paused, the knife still in her hand, a shiver running down her spine. The map felt alive in her hands, its edges sharp with urgency, as if it were reaching out to guide her, or perhaps warn her. The sea—vast, mysterious, dangerous—was waiting. She had always been drawn to it, to the stories, the legends, the promise of discovery. But now, as the storm raged outside, she knew the choice was no longer hers to make. The map had already decided. The whispers were louder now, rising with the wind, and she knew one thing: there would be no turning back. She could see her doom rising ahead.
2. In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most.
In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most. It stood at the heart of the plaza, an enigmatic work of art that seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. The sculpture twisted and spiraled in impossible ways, the translucent material catching the fading light and shimmering in hues no one had ever seen. It was a fusion of organic curves and geometric precision, a paradox that both awed and unnerved the gathered people. They marveled at its beauty, their eyes wide in wonder, unaware that its creator was the ancient, silent species known as the *T’rall*—a race of beings that existed beyond the fabric of time, capable of manipulating reality itself. The T’rall had been thought extinct for centuries, their powers the stuff of legends, their names whispered only in fearful tones. Yet here, before them, stood a creation that bore their unmistakable mark—perfect, unearthly, and beyond human comprehension. No one knew how the sculpture had arrived, or when it had been made. It had simply appeared one morning, standing as though it had always belonged in the heart of the city. The crowd’s murmurs grew more nervous, their awe beginning to twist into unease. In their fascination, they had missed the subtle signs: the way the shadows shifted unnaturally around the sculpture, the way the air itself seemed to hum with something alive. The *T’rall* were watching. And they were waiting.
1. She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen.
She traced the ridges of the map she was carving, her fingers following the jagged patterns etched into the wood. Each groove marked a river’s winding path; each dip, the rise of a mountain. The map wasn’t just lines and shapes—it was a memory of journeys taken, storms braved, and sacrifices made.
Below her, the sea crashed against the cliffs in defiant rhythm, its roar a reminder of its power. She wondered if the storms still whispered their secrets, as they had when she first listened.
Years ago, she had stood at the ship’s bow, a fearless girl with salt in her hair and fire in her heart. The wind had carried voices—soft, serpentine murmurs threading through the rigging. She thought she imagined them until one stormy night, the whispers grew clear.
“Turn east,” they urged. Against her crew’s protests, she obeyed, leading them into uncharted waters. There, they found an island of breathtaking beauty—an untouched wilderness of emerald jungles and towering cliffs. But beauty came with a price. She had returned alone, haunted by what she’d lost.
Now, the map in her hands bore the scars of that journey. Every line was deliberate, every mark a reminder of the island’s secrets. As she traced the final curve, a faint pulse hummed through the wood.
Perhaps the storms still whispered. Perhaps they still had secrets to share. The question was whether she could bear to listen again—and risk everything once more.
2. In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most.
In the soft glow of the alien sunset, hues of deep purple and shimmering green painted the sky like an artist’s masterpiece. A crowd of humans and aliens gathered around a magnificent sculpture. Its twisting spires sparkled like crystal, and its delicate curves seemed to defy gravity. Everyone stared in awe, whispering about the beauty of this strange creation. No one knew who had made it, but they all agreed it was unlike anything they had ever seen.
As the sun sank lower, its golden rays highlighted tiny, intricate details etched into the sculpture—patterns of stars, flowers, and symbols from both human and alien cultures. People marvelled at how someone could create something so perfect. The mystery made it even more enchanting.
But the truth was chilling. The sculpture had been made by the Shadows, a mysterious race feared by everyone. Legends said the Shadows moved in silence and could create or destroy with a mere thought. They had always been seen as dangerous, but this sculpture told a different story. It was a message, a sign that even the things we fear most can create beauty.
As the crowd stood there, amazed and a little uneasy, no one noticed the faint, shadowy figure watching from the distance. It seemed to blend with the fading light, content to let the sculpture speak for itself. The sunset ended, leaving the crowd with a question they couldn’t answer: should they fear the Shadows, or admire them?
Interview Questions (100 words each)
1. How has your family shaped the way you approach challenges in life? Can you give a specific example?
My family has taught me to approach challenges with resilience and a positive mindset. Whenever we face difficulties, we focus on solutions rather than problems. A great example is our biannual trips to Coffs Harbour. One year, unexpected bad weather threatened to ruin our plans at the Big Banana Fun Park. Instead of letting disappointment take over, my family quickly adapted, finding indoor activities and making the trip just as enjoyable. This experience reinforced my belief that challenges are opportunities to grow. Now, I tackle obstacles with optimism, knowing that a solution always exists if I stay determined and flexible.
2. What is one tradition or habit in your family that you cherish the most, and why?
One habit in my family that I cherish the most is our trip to Coffs Harbour every two years. This special getaway brings my family together, creating long lasting memories filled with laughter, fun and adventure. A highlight of our visit is always the Big Banana Fun Park, where we enjoy thrilling rides, delicious banana treats, and playful moments that never grow old. We also always eat lunch at the Clog Barn, a place famous for their mini dutch pancakes. Knowing that every two years, we will return to Coffs Harbour makes me appreciate the joy of family traditions and the happiness they bring.
3. Who in your family inspires you the most, and what lessons have you learned from them?
My mom inspires me the most because of her dedication, discipline, and the love she shows in everything she does. She has always emphasized the importance of hard work, responsibility, and staying focused on my goals. One of the biggest lessons she has taught me is how to approach challenges with determination. For instance, when I practice trombone my mother sits next to me correcting my mistakes and encourages me to keep on going.
Her discipline is equally inspiring. She has a structured routine that balances work, family, and personal growth, showing me how to manage my time effectively. Through her example, I’ve learned to stay organized and committed to my tasks. Her support and guidance constantly motivate me to be a better version of myself.
Write 250 words for each story starter using the plots framework outlined in the slides:
1. She felt the ridges of the map she was carving and wondered if the storms below still whispered secrets to those who dared listen. The parchment shook under her fingers in bursts as she drew contours of shores: rough outlines of places that were unknown but for myth and legend. Family lore had it that storms were never brutish forces of nature but protectors of knowledge lost in time.
It had been a very long time since she remembered that her grandfather had once said, “Storms are not some wild whims of nature, but sentinels that keep secrets of the old world well hidden from prying eyes.” He had said, “They speak to whoever is ready to hear, but you must be careful because not all secrets are meant to be found.
She began to carve, and above her, the storm clouds darkened with each stroke of her knife, as if they listened to the innermost thoughts of her. The faintest sound, the whispers riding upon the wind-the language long since lost-could almost be felt. Her heartbeat quickened; was it all in her imagination, or did this storm speak to her?
This was all but complete now, this map, and out just beyond the edge of the known world, some strange marking had appeared. A place of destination never before cropped up in any record, an island that may hold the key to unlock the forgotten past. She could ignore it no more; the time had come to listen as the storm called.
2. In the soft glow of the alien sunset, the crowd gasped at the intricate sculpture, unaware it was created by the one thing they feared most.
Illuminated by the soft, golden light of the alien sunset, it was an intricate sculpture, but little did the crowd realize it was created by one thing they most feared. Before them stood a twisted figure in shining metal and organic material gleaming in colors that seemed to dance with the fast-fading light, beautiful and terrible, mirroring this strange, hostile world they had flocked to conquer. They had marveled at the craftsmanship, never once realizing it was the work of the creatures they had come to destroy: the machines.
The man had been waging this invisible war for years, stirred into battle by the conviction that the machines were mindless and soulless monsters consumed by the single drive of man’s eradication. Tales told of it spoke of its relentless forward charge churning a path through the landscape, leaving naught but ruin in its wake. What this crowd didn’t know, however, was that this work of art in reality is quite different: it was a message.
Lana stood at the back of the crowd in awe and terror and watched this sight unfold before her. She knew she had seen them close up, and studied their patterns; she knew they were not cold machines but growing, thinking, and feeling. And this sculpture was a testament to that growth, a sign of creativity and their will to communicate.
The crowd went ‘oooohed’ in astonishment as Lana stepped forward, her voice slicing through the susurrus-like whispers: “It’s not just a sculpture,” she managed to say, her voice quivering. “It’s an invitation.” And with that, it clicked in place: the machines weren’t attacking; they were reaching out.
How has your family influenced you in how you face the challenges of life? Provide an example.
My family taught me to use determination and patience in overcoming a challenge. Growing up, I watched my parents go through various challenges that made them resilient and always seemed to go through to better days. One notable case was when my father lost his job in a harsh economic period. He did odd jobs wherever and networked without resorting to depression until he found a good job. He taught me the persistence that it requires in one’s life not to get sad about any turn that life may take.
One very important tradition or habit of your family?
One of the most important traditions in my family is that which is associated with Sunday dinners. Every Sunday, however busy a week it may have been, the dinner table would still bring us together at least for a meal and sharing time with one another. This is time to reconnect, have some real laughs, and be able to spend some time together sans diversion. It is a tradition that has always meant stability and warmth, because no matter what happens during the week, we all know we have a place where we all get together for the purpose of supporting each other.
Who inspires you the most in your family, and what have you learned from this person? :
She had always been my biggest inspiration; reared under economically constraint circumstances and yet leading herself to build an economically satisfactory life for herself and her family, I admire many things in my mother: tremendous work ethic combined with kindness is one. More than anything else, she instilled in me the values of staying grounded irrespective of how much success one acquires and respectfully treating other persons. Her wisdom molded the way I carry my life, with hard work, humility, and respect for others.
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