Day 8 Writing Homework
Prompt : Write a complete feature article of 750-1000 words about an environmental issue affecting your school or community. Your article should
include:
An engaging headline
A compelling opening that incorporates storytelling and vivid imagery
At least three expert voices or authoritative sources
Specific statistics that add impact to your argument
Advanced transitions between paragraphs
A mature, persuasive voice throughout
A conclusion that inspires action without overstatement
Choose an environmental issue you feel passionate about, gather information from credible sources, and apply all six techniques we’ve learned
today.
Due: Next class session
Please upload your homework as a comment below:
- Due Date : April 24, 2025
- Feedback will be shared in 3-5 days
11 thoughts on “Day 8 Writing Homework”
What was once a stunning, beautiful and amazing place is now a complete rubbish filled vicinity . Our suburb, Shambe, is now littered with all sorts of rubbish such as chip packets, lolly wrappers and many others. Shambe used to be a diamond suburb, with trees dancing, flowers blooming and the kids joyfully playing in the park. Now, the trees are shattered, flowers are dead, and the children can’t play in the parks anymore because of the amount of rubbish our community has chosen to litter. Is this really the place we want to live in?
Our suburb is an aberration for those who want to visit our once staggering community.Imagine walking through the heart of Shambe and seeing clean streets, vibrant greenery, and a community that takes pride in its surroundings—that vision starts with one simple action: stop littering. Dr Fred Godfrey from the littering expert team stated ” Shambe has the most amount of litter recorded in my 25 year career.” Every bottle tossed on the ground and every plastic bag left behind chips away at the beauty and health of our suburb. Litter not only harms wildlife and pollutes our environment, but it also sends a message that we don’t care. But we do care—about our children playing in safe parks, about breathing clean air, and about building a suburb that reflects the best of us. By choosing to dispose of our waste responsibly, we take the first step toward transforming Shambe into a cleaner, greener, and more united community. Let’s be the reason Shambe shines and not for its tragic downfall.
Just imagine the transformation, from a sad terrible place, to amazing happy people with a vivid scene wherever you go in ShambeThe transformation of Shambe from a litter-strewn suburb into a pristine and picturesque haven would signify far more than just an aesthetic improvement—it would be a profound testament to collective responsibility and civic pride. As refuse vanishes from streets and green spaces, replaced by the natural beauty of unspoiled landscapes, the psychological atmosphere of the community would shift from apathy to aspiration. Cleaner surroundings would elevate the quality of life, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect among residents. Property values would ascend, local biodiversity would flourish, and public health risks would diminish dramatically. This metamorphosis, catalyzed by a simple refusal to litter, would mark the dawn of a revitalized Shambe—an exemplar of sustainable living and a beacon of environmental stewardship for neighboring communities.
Without anymore saying, we must take care of our beloved home in which we should be able to take care of even though it has tragically been downgraded from what it initially was. So come on! Lets get rid of all the junk in our community so we can finally cherish and be happy with what we have in our suburb.
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Dikshya – DAY 8
hope it is alright
Writing Day 8 Zoom
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Robyn – DAY 8
Every year, indigenous Australians living near Cherrybrook perform a unique and sacred tradition at the nearby Silverwater Creek. This tradition of bathing in the lake symbolises renewal and rebirth, and the tradition has been transferred throughout multiple generations of Aboriginals living at Cherrybrook. Tom Gleeson, aged 85, was going to practise the tradition with his son, until he reached the lake. A supernatural oily sheen coated the usual clear river. Looking down, Tom could see the lifeless bodies of innocent turtles that once dwelt in the creek, their usual proud smiles, now turned to painful frowns of betrayal. “A metallic smell drifted into my mouth, numbing my tongue. The taste seemed to control my taste buds!” Tom further added, his voice shaking with rage.
Tom now stands on his balcony, his eyes watering with grief and anger. “I cannot believe Westfield would do this to the environment. Do this to Aboriginals living around the area.” Said Tom, his tone souring. “This is a disgrace, now our creek looks like someone who spilled oil into milk!” Tom accused.
Tourists heading into the area would be greeted by an uncanny sight, not to mention the sickly smell. The once vibrant coral reefs no longer mirror a rainbow; now they look like they have been bleached multiple times. This coral graveyard was once home to multiple varieties of fish, many of which have died after the environment collapsed. The surface is no longer home to lush, green algae, but home to occasional ghastly bubbles that ooze out of the water. The oder, composed of corps and rubbish, driftaround the river, attacking unfortunate citizens who wander too close to the creek.” The smell intruded into my nose, the smell blurring me into a haze. It was like I could feel the smell .” exclaimed Harold, a resident of Cherrybrook.
“The ecological impact in Cherrybrook is evident through statistics.” Explained Dr Maria, a researcher from the Scientific Institute of Marine Biology. After her team excluded several chemical compounds from the water of the creek, they revealed that the concentration of lead contained in the contaminated water exceeds Federal Health regulations by 12 times. “ In my 56 years of work I have never witnessed such an eye-watering statistic!” Dr Maria said.
Last week, the executive of Westfield, a company who has been recently accused of contaminating and polluting Silver Water Creek, admitted its mistake after immense pressure from social media. “ The oil and gas released into the creek exceeds the Federal Health Standards.” Says James, confirming the public’s suspicion.
Furthermore, the economic impact on Cherrybrook’s residents are equally concerning. Property values in average has dropped by 56%! These numbers would mean a staggering 1.7 million drop in property values around 500 metres of the creek “ This puts colossal strain on the residents who want to relocate to other places, as they would not be able to sell their house with profit.” explained Dr Damien, a professional salesperson.
In the final analysis, the pollution caused by Westfield has not only brought economical concerns regarding property values, but also cause the creek to experience an environmental collapse. In order to recover from the collapse, we must take action immediately to recover.
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jenniferyshon@gmail.com – DAY 8
From Harmony to Harm: Cal’s Transition into an Unsustainable World
The streets used to be filled with the laughter of children as they rode their bikes with their friends on their way to school. Clouds used to waft across a glowing blue sky. The air used to be clean, untouched by pollution. This isn’t a landscape made up in a fairy tale, this is what our city, Cal, used to be. In just a few years, our form of transport changed drastically. Today, our city is overrun by cars which fill the air with harmful fumes, covering our once-clear sky with thick, grey smoke. Instead of the simple, quiet mornings, children wake up to the sound of loud, roars of engines and the honking horns of frustration. Is this really the world we want to live in?
We don’t have to wait to see the consequences, they are already here, and they’re putting our young citizens at risk. Exhaust clouds hand low in the air as dozens of cars inch forward in a daily battle as parents try to find a place to drop off their kids. Students clutch their bags tightly as they wait for the perfect moment to dart across the traffic filled road. Drivers blare their horns at innocent children who can’t find their way around the morning rush of cars. And yet, even after looking both ways, taking every precaution, and waiting for a few minutes, they still face a 6.34% risk of getting hit by a speeding car the moment they step onto the road!
According to the Australian Road Safety Foundation, the number of road deaths among Australian children increased by 54% when compared to 2023, many of which occurred around school drop-off and pick-up times. This percentage is more than just a statistic, it reflects the carelessness of drivers in school zones. With the added pressure of early-morning stress, distracted drivers, and busy roads, our streets have become more dangerous than ever. The morning and afternoon rush hours, what used to be a time where students could walk or ride home with their friends, is now a time full of danger and tragedies that could be prevented if we returned back to using sustainable forms of commute.
Yet, there is still hope – a path back to the world we once knew. Across Australia, schools are beginning to recognise the power of sustainable commuting. On the 22nd of March, schools participate in Ride2School Day, an annual event where students are encouraged to participate in biking, walking, scootering or skating to school instead of driving. According to the Central Coast Health Promotion Service, in 2023, around 873 schools around Australia participated, including our local primary school, and helped to save approximately 29 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
These numbers demonstrate that sustainable commuting is a practical solution to fostering a healthy environment. Imagine if we extended this effort beyond a single day. Imagine a city where children don’t have to worry about getting hit by ongoing traffic. Imagine a city where the mornings were filled with the laughter of children instead of the growls of engines and car horns. This is the city we can build if we care enough. Cal doesn’t have to remain a city of harm – it can be a city of harmony. But that future depends on us. It starts with the choices we make when we move around the world.
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diem_nguyenicloud-com – DAY 8
From Pristine to Poisoned: The Tragic and Cataclysmic Transformation of Silverwater Creek
Once a playground for dragonflies and a sanctuary for picnicking families, Silverwater Creek now runs like a wounded vein through the heart of our collective community—its once-sparkling waters now lifeless and choked with pollution.
Silverwater Creek, once a stunning crystalline canvas, has become a grotesque facade of decay. Swirling with hues of dull olive and ash grey, its waters reflect not the sky above, but the negligence and harm we’ve been pouring into it. Horrid scents blanket the environment like a toxic fog—an ever-present reminder of what’s been lost. Where children once skipped stones, sludge now clings to the banks, and dead fish float belly-up as if in protest.
The degradation of the creek has been no accident. It’s the product of years of unchecked industrial runoff, careless waste disposal, and minimal regulatory oversight. Nearby residents, like long-time local Melissa Tan, remember a very different scene. “You used to see kids swimming here on hot days. Now, you wouldn’t even let your dog touch the water.”
The Evidence of Decline
The environmental toll is undeniable. According to a 2024 report by the New South Wales Environmental Monitoring Authority, pollutant levels in Silverwater Creek have exceeded safe thresholds by 320%—including dangerously high concentrations of phosphates, nitrates, and heavy metals such as lead and mercury. These chemicals don’t just affect aquatic life; they seep into the surrounding soil and impact broader ecosystems, including the flora and fauna that depend on the waterway.
As Dr. Leila Hossain, an environmental scientist from the University of Sydney, explains, “We’re not just looking at water pollution. We’re witnessing the collapse of an entire micro-ecosystem.” A separate investigation by CleanWaters NSW, a leading environmental non-profit, revealed that macroinvertebrate populations in the creek had dropped by over 70% in just five years—a sign of ecological distress.
The Human Impact
But it’s not just the environment that’s suffering—the community is too. Families living near the creek report increased respiratory issues, skin irritations, and foul odors invading their homes. Residents of Silverwater Estate, a development located less than 500 meters from the water, have lodged over 80 complaints to local council in the past year alone. Despite this, little meaningful action has been taken.
“It feels like we’re being ignored,” says Ahmed Fariq, a father of three. “We don’t want fancy reports. We want to feel safe letting our kids play outside again.”
Some residents have even taken matters into their own hands. Local teacher Rina Palaniappan started a grassroots campaign, “Save Our Creek,” to petition for stronger enforcement and community cleanup days. “We don’t want to wait for a miracle—we want to be the change,” she says.
Balancing Perspectives
Industry representatives, however, argue that the issue is more complex. Some claim that while certain factories near the creek have outdated waste filtration systems, they are operating within their legal discharge limits.
“Our operations comply with current regulations,” states Lyndon Parks, spokesperson for Silverwater Industrial Group. “We’re open to working with environmental agencies to improve things, but the burden shouldn’t fall entirely on industry.”
Yet critics argue that “compliance” isn’t enough when the regulations themselves are outdated or poorly enforced. A 2023 audit by the NSW Auditor-General revealed gaps in monitoring and enforcement practices, with only 32% of facilities receiving on-site inspections in the past two years.
Imagery and Descriptive Language
Walking along the banks of the creek today, you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for a scene from a dystopian film. The once-golden reeds now droop like mourners at a wake. A crust of unidentified foam gathers near drainage points. Birds hover hesitantly, then retreat. The air, once filled with the scent of eucalyptus and cool water, now reeks of rot and chemicals. Nature has not just receded—it has recoiled.
A Path Forward
This is not an unsolvable crisis—but it is an urgent one. We need immediate investment in creek restoration, stricter regulation enforcement, and transparency from polluting entities.
Local government must prioritize restoring this waterway. A joint task force between City of Parramatta Council, CleanWaters NSW, and the EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) could offer both accountability and a clear roadmap for rehabilitation. Community-led clean-up initiatives, supported by local businesses, could begin to reclaim the creek’s natural beauty and rebuild trust.
Silverwater Creek is more than a waterway. It’s a symbol of how carelessness can corrupt beauty—and how, with effort, it can be reversed. Let us not wait until the last fish dies or the last child forgets it was once safe to swim. The creek is calling. Are we ready to listen?
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madiha – DAY 8
thanks-have a lovely day 🙂