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Exercise 1

Lacrosse players tend to be synonymous with "druggies" in many people's minds.  They see lacrosse players as unruly teenagers who don't abide by the rules.  However, many lacrosse players refuse to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol.  For the truth is that many lacrosse players around the nation are leaders in their communities and are very accomplished young people who don't associate themselves with illegal substances.  In this essay, then, closely examining the morals of a teenage lacrosse player as compared to a teenager who doesn't play sports at all will show their unlikeliness to use drugs.

Exercise 2

In the Introduction to "They Say/ I Say": The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein provide templates designed to help your writing skills.  Specifically, Graff and Birkenstein argue that the types of writing templates they offer will enhance your arguing ability as well.  As the authors themselves put it, "It will help your writing skills."  Although some people believe otherwise, Graff and Birkenstein insist that those people should change their outlook.  In sum, then, their view is that using their arguments will help you write arguments.  In my views, the types of templates that the authors recommend will do this.  Some might object, of course, on the grounds that it won't.  Overall, then, I believe that arguing is an important point to make given.

I Believe

There Is No God by Penn Jillete

I thought that this essay was very interesting.  Penn makes rational arguments for why he doesn't believe that there is a God by saying that he doesn't need one because he has his family, friends, memories, and experiences to guide him in life.  Although I don't necessarily agree with him, I do think that some of this thoughts make sense.  I also feel that Penn is a very appreciative and independent man to believe that there isn't a God.

I Am Evolution by Holly Dunsworth

This essay interested me in many ways.  The theory of evolution intrigues me and has always made me wonder where we have come from.  I also thought it was interesting that she believes evolution, not believe in it, because that requires faith and hope which is separate from simply believing something.  In general, I agree with most of her thoughts on evolution because there is evidence and data to back it up.

Be Cool To The Pizza Delivery Dude by Sarah Adams

I felt that Sarah Adams hid many underlying morals in this essay.  For example, when she explains how being cool to the pizza dude is good practice in equality, she is describing how everyone has been in the position of the "pizza man" before, and that we should all respect that phase of life since all of us have been there at one time or another.  I agree with her statements and I feel as though we should all be cool to the pizza dude because of the reasons she talks about.  Overall, I enjoyed reading this essay.

The Ransom

"Give me the money, or the earrings get it!", the robber yelled as he dangled them over the edge of the the building.  "I've been waiting too long for my money and now I'm gettin' mad!", he proclaimed.  MacGruber looked in disbelief.  He needed to return the solid diamond hoop earrings to Queen Latiffa, and he could not afford to lose them.  He then quickly reached into his pocket and began to improvise.  He pulled out a paper clip, a stick of celery, a nickle, and his cell phone.  "I got it!", he exclaimed.  He then built a gun made out of the materials and shot and killed the robber and returned the earrings safely.

MacGruber once again saved the day with his witty thinking.

unicorn

The extravagant wings of the unicorn spread as its powerful legs pushed off the ground and took flight.  I wrapped my arms tight around its muscular neck as I held on for dear life.  Our altitude increased quickly, and everything below started to shrink.  The society of the world seemed to be transforming into an ant colony, as all the people looked like little specs scurrying around.  With no parachute, the thought of falling off and splatting on the ground below scared me to death.  My first experience was as frightening as I imagined.

Unicorn riding has become a popular activity and sport in the last decade.  Now an Olympic sport, it has also become very competitive. Unicorn riding is a cross between horse and bull riding, and is a thrill for anyone, but I don't think I'll be trying it again any time soon.

Fireplace

Christmas morning is a very special and unique time.  My brothers and I always have a hard time falling asleep the night before.  The smell of pancake fills our noses as we creak down our old wooden stairs; my father always prepares a feast of a breakfast for us that morning.  The tree in the family room is lit as bright as the skyline of a busy city during the night, and the presents beneath the tree sit there just waiting to be opened. We always place ourselves next to the fireplace, which is rarely used, but we make sure that every Christmas morning we get the most out of it. The warmth of the fire gently kisses my face, nudging me to fall back asleep because I'm so comfortable.  These are the some of the memories I have of Christmas morning.

Christmas is a day that I cherish not because of the gifts, but because of the time I get to spend with my family.  Some of my best memories I have are during the Holidays, which is why I love them so much.  The tastes, smells, sounds, sights, and feelings of the Holidays always make me feel at home.

Chair

This morning, I woke up, and I really didn't want to go to school.  Monday's are the worst days of the week by far.  After my alarm went off, I went back to sleep because I was so sleepy.  When I eventually did get out of bed, I went through my daily morning routine.  I took a shower, brushed my teeth, put my contacts in, and then sat in the kitchen chair that I always sit in to eat my breakfast.

My breakfast this morning was oreo pop tarts.  My breakfast usually includes either pop tarts or toaster strudels because they are my favorite.  I try to eat breakfast every morning because it helps me get through the day and because it's a healthy habit to get into. I can always look forward to eating breakfast in my chair every morning to stay in the best shape possible.

10 of my strong abilities:

• responsible
• determined
• organized
• diligent
• creative
• athletic
• respectful
• honest
• smart
• nice

These abilities can help shape anyone's life.  For example, in my life, being nice to people has earned me a lot of respect from my peers and teachers.  I'm also organized, so that can lead me to an easier life in the future, especially at my job.  Being honest can shape my life too because then I won't put myself in situations where I would have to lie and get myself into trouble.  Being diligent can earn me many things in life, such as a getting into a school, a job, or anything esle that requires hard work.