I believe that the most unforgettable scene is the final rescue scene. That scene describes how first Ralph, and then all the other boys, go through an emotional roller coaster as they realize what has been happening to them since their arrival on the island. At the beginning of the scene Ralph is in despair, “crouching with arm up to ward off, trying to cry for mercy,” (Golding, 222). as the other boys descend upon him. This changes to relief as he is saved by a navy officer, and Ralph dutifully answers the officer’s questions. Finally, as he recounts the events that occurred on the island to the officer, Ralph breaks down completely. “The tears began to flow and sobs shook him” (Golding, 224) This scene was memorable because it described the range of powerful emotions that Ralph and the boys felt, and left the reader with detailed, carefully described images of the young savages slowly turning back into relieved castaways.

In conclusion, I believe that even in a book full of memorable scenes, this final scene stood out thanks to Golding’s vivid descriptions of the boys’ emotional states.

Climate experts on the Canadian Government site climatedata.ca have estimated that in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada the average annual temperature has gradually been increasing, from an average of 5.9 ºC in the 1951-1980 period, to a projected average of 12 ºC in the last 30 years of this century. Global estimates show that worldwide temperature increase is accelerating, which has been leading to long heat waves, intense rainfalls, severe droughts, and floods. (Persuasive technique: logic) Describing the second recent flood disaster in the Ottawa Valley, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said:

"They say it's 100-year storms -- well it's a few years later and we're back in the same boat, something is going on and we have to be conscious of it."

Even climate change deniers are now beginning to admit that the planet is being affected by climate change and that the current weather patterns are a cause for concern. (logic)

In conclusion, when it comes to climate change, everyone is affected, from those living in the North where melting permafrost is changing hunting patterns to those in the south, where flooding and other dangerous natural phenomena are destroying living spaces, hurting and even killing people. (Persuasive technique: emotional appeal) Scientists expect that this trend will continue and will require working together to find causes and potential solutions to limit future temperature increases and adapt to the changing environment.

 

My favourite type of text is the persuasive essay. I really enjoy reading persuasive essays because it’s always compelling to have access to someone else’s opinion and seeing them try to persuade you into seeing things in their way. This is fascinating because everyone has a different perspective, due to differences in education, upbringing, socioeconomic class, religion and environment. My least favourite type of texts are free versed poems. I dislike these because, to me, they are very difficult to interpret. I prefer poems that are written following a specific structure, for example the more structured poem that I wrote earlier in my blog.

 

My favourite part of reading is being able to immerse myself into the worlds of different characters and being able to see how they grow in very different environments from our own. I read to be able to see people do things that I would not ever have the chance to do, or might not choose to do even if given a choice. Stories also allow me to learn and explore as well as get inspired. The experience of 'trying on' a life of a character has the potential of changing the way I see the world and myself in it. Best of all, before starting to read a new novel or story, all is possible and I am standing on the edge of a new world!

 

My least favourite part of reading is getting completely engrossed in a book with a bad ending. While I’m reading a book I constantly think of different possibilities of where the story could go. Many times I’m wrong, but the ending that the author chose is even better than anything I would ever have considered. At other times, the ending to a story can feel rushed or just simply doesn’t fit with the genre of story that was going on up until that point. This really upsets me because the ending can ruin an entire story. This can lead me to wanting to rewrite the ending. I'm sure the author wouldn't be too thrilled though!