Reading Assignment: Finish Holes
Writing Assignment: Write a paragraph explaining how Stanley changes as the novel unfolds.
Reading Assignment: Finish Holes
Writing Assignment: Write a paragraph explaining how Stanley changes as the novel unfolds.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Wow! Here is Mark's response already. He did a great job.
In the book Holes Stanley was weak and coward at first. When the bullies are bullying him he didn't hit back. He was so tired after he dig his first hole. But after some time he changed. He dared to drive away Mr Sir's truck and he can climb the high mountain. Why did he become so strong like this? I think it's because his best friend Zero. They are very nice to each other. When Mr Pendanski was teething Stanley Zero striked him on his head and run away. Stanley knows that if Zero stays in the desert for more days without water he will die. So he thinks he must give Zero some water and he drove Mr Sir's truck away because there's a tank in it. He can climb the high and abrupt mountain. He can't even think of it few months ago but he still did it because he became stronger by digging holes everyday. I think these are Stanley's changes as the novel unfolds.
@ Mark, There are lots of things to like in this piece of writing. Excellent use of transitions is one thing that stands out. I like, for instance, that you use an entire sentence to get readers from one sentence to another and indicate a change in direction, e.g. "But after some time he changed."
I also like the question and answer format you used. "Why did he become so strong like this. I think it's because of his best friend Zero." That's a good way to vary your sentence patterns and get your point across to the reader.
You also do a good job of citing events from the book to make your point. You just get better and better at writing in English. I am so happy to see that.
Here is Alice's very thoughtful response to this week's assignment, and also way ahead of schedule. Wonderful!
When I first read this book, I think Stanley is just a fat and normal boy, maybe not very polite too. But now, I personally think that Stanley has become more helpful and kind. Now he cares more for others but not himself, and more conscientious. He taught Zero to read and write , and he helps him on the road, looks like he really changed a lot.
@Alice, What a nice response. Good use of transitions and excellent use of the word"conscientious," which I agree perfectly describes one of the major changes in Stanley's character. And you are absolutely correct to say that the text shows him caring more for others than himself. He did indeed change a lot. And I'm glad to see you spelled "a lot" as two words. It's a common mistake for native speakers and non-native speakers to make it one word when it's not. Good work.
Here is Cindy's response to the assignment:
@Cindy Sorry that transferring your assignment from e-mail makes the formatting mess up. But the ideas are still there, and they are good. Stanley does change enormously, and, in my absolutely favorite phrase, "his freezing heart does thaw." What a wonderful metaphor. It's true it's as if his heart was frozen when he arrives, and he is very much an introvert. What a great word choice! And precisely, by the time the book is over, he is more of an extrovert. He has become "outgoing."
I will e-mail you some other comments. Nice work.
Hello,Laraine In the book Holes, Stanley is a main charcter.
When the book starts, Stanley is a fat boy and not confident at all. Almost every one doesn't like him: Bully Bullies him; Students laugh at him;Even his maths teacher doesn't care about his feeling…… At first, he is a weak boy, too. He digs the hole so slow and he is so tired.
But after some days at Camp Green Lake, Stanley begins to change. He becomes compassionate and braver and stronger. After Zero rans away, Stanley is very worried at him and so he drives Mr. Sir's water truck just to find him! He cares about Zero. When they climb the "Thumb up",Zero feels bad because the sploosh. Few months ago maybe he will just think:" Oh, how poor the boy is!" And does nothing. But this time, he puts Zero on his back and still walk to the mountain with no hesitate. He will never have the strength if he doesn't go to Camp Green Lake. But now, he does it!
Wonderfully done Enya, and you are exactly right about the changes that take place. Above all, you right to say that Stanley becomes more compassionate. That's the perfect adjective to describe him, especially when he takes care of Zero, who has been made sick by the "sploosh." I like, too, how much you are writing. The more you write, the more practice you get with the language.
I will send you some comments via e-mail. But great job!