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Point Of View in Narrative Writing

Roles :
1. Headmaster
2. A new student

HEADMASTER

Standing at the stage, nervousness seemed to come all over me. However, the familiar walls which greeted me every year and on this same occasion seemed to calm me down. "I can do this..." I cooled myself down. The first sounds of the bagpipe sounded through the hall and I knew that my speech was near. I was ready. By the time the last sounds rang through my head, I was already standing in the middle of the stage. I cleared my voice in a way that it was loud enough to be heard by all.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys, the light of knowledge..."

A NEW STUDENT

I was awoken by loud blaring noises of the bagpipe behind me. It sent a stinging ring throughout for the next few minutes. Opening my eyes wearily, I could see higher grade students marching into the hall. 4 of them was holding a banner each. As the music faded away, the bald headmaster announced, " Boys.... the light of knowledge" Then, a flame was passed on to light our candles. Staring at the glowing flame, I wondered what my future holds for me. Excitedly, I spun around and looked at my parents whom returned equally exhilarated smiles.

Language Arts Lessons

Language Arts lessons have always been a tough challenge for me as my usage of language was not very good. So far in the year 2011, I have learned up till now many things. Some of which are :

• Characterization through Speech and Dialogue
• Characterization through Description
• Characterization through Figurative Language

I like this Language Arts Programme as it helps me to gain a better understanding of what are the teachers looking for when characterization is involved. An example would be the quote, "Show not Tell". I think that this Language Arts Programme is doing fine but, I would like more online lessons about the topics involved. For example, we did an online work choosing a favourite cartoon character or celebrity and write a short excerpt on it. This activity made me realise that even the minor cartoon characters have an exceptionally well characterised character done by the producers. From this activity (which I did on Popeye), I am able to understand the characteristics of Popeye and how was the cartoon based on history.

This year's LA programme was also better than that of last year. We were given chances to speak up to gain OP points and not only that, help to build the confidence of some shy students.

I particularly enjoyed these entire blogging sessions as they made me summarise what I have done all these while. I hope that more of these lessons will surface in Term 2.

The exterior of Ong Teng Cheong Student Activities and Leadership Training Centre (Salt Centre) looked impressive - it seemed like an impenetrable castle with white walls and huge pillars wearing a red triangular cap. Trees decorated by the side and front of Salt Centre danced liked they knew the beat of the wind. It seemed empty from the outside, a lonely place other than the breeze. However, the scenario inside Salt Centre contrasted significantly.

The interior of Salt Centre was bustling with activities. Students moved like ants crawling around a nest inside the Salt Centre. A high contrast as it was a huge building. One of the activities, which was the most noticeable, was the NPCC Secondary 1 Orientation 2011. There, in a small corner of the Salt Centre, gathered about 50 students - both cadets and cadets-to-be. The students were gathered around 3 poles tied together, chanting cheers. After which, the seniors went on to explain the various components of CampCraft.

The Sun shone against the Salt Centre, intensifying its brilliant white coat of paint it was wearing. The wind blew, and the trees swayed again. This time, the scene looked like a concert, while the students were actors of this wonderful play - CCA.

Characterisation - Story Excerpt

Popeye stood impatiently against a railing, his gaze fixed on the ocean, trying to catch a glimpse of any ship. Every second or two, he would punch the railing, venting his anger on them. Soon, A ship sailed into the harbor and Olive Oyl was tied to the mast of the ship. She was gagged and signaled for Popeye to save her.

Popeye glared at the hundreds of man onboard and jumped onto the ship. He was outnumbered a hundred is to one but, Popeye had a secret weapon – Spinach. He burst opened the can of spinach and swallowed it in one gulp. His biceps started to move around and expand. Before long, it was twice as big as the can of spinach. Popeye rushed forward to combat the pirates. Cutlasses were dented; swords and daggers broken; rifles with their parts dismantled – all done by Popeye himself. With a powerful swing, he sent tens of people sprawling all over the deck with some overboard.

Popeye stole a dagger from a pirate easily and threw it at ropes that were binding Olive with shocking accuracy. The ropes were sliced cleanly and fell to the ground. Bluton, unknown to Popeye, already had a rifle aimed at Popeye’s head…