Josiah’s English Blog

Prompt Response:  One Saturday morning, around two years ago, I was tired of making regular egg sandwiches for breakfast. I decided to step it up. Digging through the fridge, I found some cheese slices , ham, and turkey from the deli at Kroger. While I was grabbing the milk and egg carton, I saw shredded cheese where the cheese slices were. Finally, I placed the bread slices on my plate, and everything was ready for me to cook. First, I toasted the bread with the cheese on top to melt the cheese and give the bread a golden-brown crust. Second, I buttered the pan and cooked the ham, followed by the turkey . A sweet, bacon-like smell overcame the kitchen. As I put the cooked meat on the melted cheese , they bound together. I then spread Duke's Real Mayonnaise over the meat. To finish off the grand sandwich, I added more butter to the pan.  With the pan coated, I poured the eggs with cheese into it and let it simmer for a moment. After the edges solidified, I began to mix the eg...

Prompt Response:  One time, my family decided to have a small get together at my aunts house. This was a normal thing that happened at least two or three times a month. My uncle, who had just come back from Korea, has two toddlers. My aunt has 3 girls and my dad has 4 boys (including my stepmom's son). Me, being the oldest out of all the children, didn't want to get stuck in the middle so I asked to stay. Usually my dad would say "No you need to get out of the house." but i'm not sure what changed and he said sure. Happily, I leaned back in my chair as everyone was getting ready in their rooms. As they left, I sighed with joy. No kids, no parents, I had the house to myself for the next few hours. Summary: Today, we finished reading "The Life You Save May Be Your Own," by Flannery O'Connor. Reflection:  The story didn't end as I thought it would, with Mr. Shiftlet driving toward Mobile. I expected there to be a sort of "hostage" or capto...

Prompt Response:  I've encountered homeless people both directly and indirectly on several occasions in the past. But two times in particular are worth noting. Once, I was in the car with my dad and brothers on the way to the barbershop. As our dad made the turn onto the highway, I saw a homeless person walking on the sidewalk. Slowing down, my dad decided to give them a few bucks. Watching that made me feel proud because most people would just pass the person or alienate them, but my dad chose to be a good person.  Summary: Today, we began reading "The Life You Save May Be Your Own" by Flannery O'Connor. Reflection:  The story is interesting so far, and I think Mr.Shiftlet might try to assault the mother and daughter.

Prompt Response:   I am grateful for a few key people in my life: my father, my bus driver, my stepmom, and my teachers. Each of them goes out of their way to help me, even though they don’t have to. My parents allow me to go out and experience life, my bus driver safely drops me off at my house, and my teachers patiently handle challenges from everyone, including the county and staff, while still providing us with a quality education. Summary: Today, we got 15 new vocabulary words. Reflection: The words were easy, and some were familiar, so the work wasn't difficult.

Prompt Response:  I had a quiet neighbor, Mr. Henderson, with a beautiful garden, who seemed uptight at first. However, during a walk, his niece told us he was once a flutist whose career ended due to a hand injury. He used his artistic passion for gardening, making it a "silent symphony". His careful care for his plants showed a hidden tragedy, changing my view of him completely. Summary: Today, we took a group test on the story, Reflection:  The test was fairly easy, but some questions stumped my group. Also, a bit of convincing had to be done.

Prompt Response:  Once, I read a passage about Joe Metheny. An American murderer/rapist who mixed his victims' flesh with ground beef to make burgers, which he then sold at a roadside stand. Reading about him was nauseating, and his picture made it worse.  Summary: Today, we finished the story. Reflection: The ending was satisfying, and even though she's a fictional character, I can't help feeling bad for Miss Emily. She was sheltered by her dad all her life, and then he died. When she finally found a guy she loved, he didn't want to marry her. So she had "no choice" but to kill him. There are some people out there with similar situations and conditions who end up alone just like her.

Prompt Response:  My room holds deep memories. For almost six years, I have lived in the same house and occupied the same room. As I have grown, my room has changed to reflect that growth. Throughout all my good and bad days, I have always returned here. My room is a mirror of myself and has transformed significantly since we first moved in. Summary: Today, we began reading "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner. Reflection:  The exposition of the story was good, and Im curious about where the story will go.

Prompt Response:  The word "Incantation" is familiar, along with a few other words. I heard it in a movie one time when a sorcerer was casting a protection spell. That was the first time I had noticed the word, and the situation helped me understand what it meant. The sorcerer said, "I cast a protective incantation. The village shall be safe from peril." Summary: Today, we learned 15 new vocabulary words. Reflection:  Vocabulary Monday was the same as usual, a light workload.

Prompt Response:  I can't think of a specific instance when learning a new word or term has helped me.   Summary: Today, we learned 15 new vocabulary words. Reflection:  The period was easy today. I recognize some of the words and discovered new ones that I can use in everyday life as well as school work.

Prompt Response:  Throughout my life, both of my parents have been lenient. My father, being the more understanding parent, has always told me, "Do what you're supposed to do and you'll be fine." So I've always tried to stay on track. Occasionally, when I slip up, we have a discussion, then if I don't improve or fix the problem afterwards, I'll be disciplined accordingly. My mother, on the other hand, usually blows things out of proportion. Once during the summer, we were going to the store and I put on pants. I went downstairs to put on my shoes, and she told me to switch into shorts. She knew I didn't like to wear shorts outside of the house, but still told me to. I, being against it, told her I did not want to put on shorts and said I was fine. After going back and forth, she took my phone, computer, and TV and told me to go sit in my room. When she got back, I didn't get my stuff until the weekend was over. In conclusion, my mother is more stri...

Prompt Response:  Ever since I was young, my dad has been lenient. As long as I did my homework, did my chores, and stayed out of trouble, I was okay. I had an average amount of freedom for a kid and didn't get into too much trouble. My dad didn't want me using one thing, though: YouTube. The world-famous online video sharing platform. As a kid, I always questioned why, but now I fully understand his reasoning. On the surface, YouTube is a regular video-sharing platform, but there can be material unsuitable for younger children. And with certain search terms, kids can find content they certainly should not be exposed to. With that in mind, I understand that my dad was trying to keep me away from the darker and more mature topics present on the platform. Summary: Today, we started reading "The Rockpile" by James Baldwin Reflection:  We did not finish the story today, but so far it's been enjoyable. I like the dynamic the brothers have shown so far, and I think it w...