Making a Pitch for Your Narrative Essay
Write a short (100 to 150 word) pitch for your narrative essay idea. Why would we be interested in the person you chose? What makes this person interesting? What influence have they had on you that is interesting to others?
Please bring a copy of your pitch to class on Friday, word processed and printed.
27 comments:
My Uncle Gav
My Uncle Gav provides a good example of a life lived long, and, for the most part, well. He was a kind of “still waters run deep” guy who didn’t say much. Gav expressed his nature physically—on Hollyburn and Garibaldi as a young man; at Silver Star after retirement —from his teen years right through to his 92 birthday. He skied beautifully. His story, of career and schooling denied by the depression and war years, of diligent work at a job beneath his intellect, of 28 years of joyful skiing in retirement, would be of interest to many who live in the shadow of the mountains that he loved. I learned many things about living well from my Uncle Gav.—121 words
Andrew Stanton's List:
1. "Make me care"---it can attract people.
2. 2+2, not 4.
let audience figure out the meaning themselves.
3. the major character has a spine: inner motor
4. "change"
5."drama is anticipation with uncertainty"
6. like your characters
7. have a theme
8. invoke wonder
9. express values from deep inside
My mom "Aman" is a good example of a hard working life. When she was fighting with cancer in her mid - 50's. She knew she had cancer still, she was very brave, she worked hard even in her early years. She used to tell us that she was only 15 years old when her mother (my grandma) passed away. All of her siblings were younger then she was. She didn't get much of a education because if her mother's death. She was very young when she knew of her responsibilities to take of the house and care for her younger siblings. Her sacrifices made them all go to school to get good education and get them good job. My mom told us 3 things to always do. Respect elders, work hard, and never lie. We were all happy, working hard, her hard work and full of determination are attributes to success. We learned many things about living well from my mom. She is now not in this world anymore but her shadows and blessings are always with us.
179 Words
Julia… A Solitary Woman That Enjoy Life to The Fullest
My grandma Julia provided a good example of courage in life. Her strong character and determination gave me the ability to confront my fears, pains and dangers in life. She was always very practical when it came to solving problems and took things day by day; no matter what the result was, she was never disappointed because she tried all the possibilities. I admired her dedication to her life —especially to her farm—and how she managed any trouble. She had the free spirit of a butterfly and strong religious faith in God. She lived her life to the intensity that it was contagious to watch her conquer her bravery to live her life and follow her dreams. At the age of 99 years she died and her thoughts still push me to believe in myself.
136 words.
Fatemeh Faraji Karimipour
“ My Mom Mahin “
My mother “ Mahin” is a example of Hard work and Trustworthy Mom. She worked from 17
years age until 24 years old in French Embassy as secretary in Tehran. She provided life also for her
mother. My mother Mahin is an example of good cook after she married, and also sew. She made
beautiful clothes for my sisters and me. She likes to listen to old( not very old ) music like” Sattar”. She
likes pets. She had a Hahn in her childhood. She lost her father in the early age. Her father had a lots of
Russian money named “Ghanat” in Persian language, but from travel to Baghdad, he didn’t come back
with any money. She and her Mom and her sister came from one city in northwest of Iran to Tehran,
and worked until she lost her feet and back. I learned a lot of things from my mother.
154 words
My very important person in my life and always has been, is my grandmother Yeon-im Kim. She has always been the first person who stands right next to me to support. Also at same time, she is my role-model! Although her age is not that young, she enjoys exercising more than 2 hours a day to raise her strength. I used to exercise with her back in South Korea; but because of her high strength I always gave up right after 30 minutes –I was 10 years old and she was 72-. She is very joyful person who loves flower and always boasting about how wonderful I am. I always pray to God about grandma’s health, because I want her to live until I give a birth. I really want my future child to see how great my role-model is.
140 words.
“Make a Pitch for Your Narrative Essay”
My cousin Tim
Looking backward at my growth journey, I can say definitely that Tim -- my cousin -- played an important role, and moreover, he still impacts me till now at some degree. I was twelve years old when I met him for the first time. That year, he was sixteen. For me, a grade 7 boy, he met all criteria to be a role model: he was free and independent as he was studying at a boarding school; he knew many things I never heard of; he played a good guitar and liked to teach me how to play; he was a good student who got excellent score every semester; he did many things beyond my imagination and took me for many adventures (at least I thought so at that time); even, he coached me how to chase my favorite girl and what I should do during the date. Tim has a mixed character and lives a rough life. Surely, he is not perfect, but he is the right person who appeared in my teenage life and began to influence my path from then on.
- 165 words
Since living without a father, my grandfather passed away in Kenya when my father was ten months old. My father grew up in a strict household under his maternal uncle’s guardianship. He always looked at the glass half full. He was a hard worker and started his job after high school. He moved in with one of his uncles at this time and helped look after the home. Years later when I was in the first grade and my mother was away my father would take care of me. Even after going through all these troubles I learned from my father that you should always have a positive attitude.
109 words
Mladen Gavric 55721 30/04/15
Narrative Essay Pitch – My Father
As far back as I can
remember, and even before that, I had
always remembered my father as a
truly heroic person. From the very
beginning my father sacrificed his
life for us. Sending us off to
Canada while staying behind in Bosnia
where a war was raging on. After
barely getting out of our home city
of Tuzla alive - our building blew up
ninety-five minutes after he left -
he met us in Canada. Leaving behind
a business with equipment worth over
half a million dollars, to arriving
in Canada with just ten in his
pocket. The values and morals that
he has instilled in me will be
screwed into my mind forever. The
definition of a hard worker, my
father has never had a chance to
relax. Until now. He’s recently been
diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,
and it hasn’t been an easy ride.
- 146 words
My story is not about my mom and how she inspired me to one day be a mother too, or about a dear old relative with many words of wisdom; my story is a little different because the people who inspired me are three immature teenagers who are unreliable, gossip behind people’s backs, and swear like sailors, but they know how to be kind to people who are outcasts, and include people in their group when they have nobody else to turn to. These girls accepted me when I felt like I was being rejected by everybody I tried to be friends with, and for four years they stayed by my side and tried to help me come out of my shell and learn how to not care about what other people think of me. I am not friends with them anymore, but I am still grateful to them.
- 149 words
I always knew that I had a special dad. He rarely gave me advice and never lectured me but could explain any of the things easily and affordably. Just all his actions taught me what is good and what is bad. He had two passions: reading books and play chess. From a young age he collected books and formed a very large library in our house. Sometimes it seemed to me that he knows all the books on memory. My dad was a brilliant chess player and did not stop playing until the last days of his life because he believed that chess is gymnastics for the brain. My father worked hard, and at the age of 50 years he lost his wife (my mother) and suffered a lot without her. However, he was not discouraged and stoically overcame all the difficulties and brought me love and support. I am proud of my father and deeply miss him.
-155 words
My friend
Natalia is my friend whom I’ve met not very long time ago. Her bright head is only the part of her body she can move. It was a medical mistake during a surgery on the spinal cord. She is in a wheelchair, but I wonder how and where she manage to gain her optimism. Even though she has son, she had chosen to live by herself with a help of caregivers on duty in their building. We like to walk in a small garden around her high-rise, or to see her new works –collage pictures that she makes with the help of her computer. Since I know her, I never hear any complains about her life. In my hard times I always thank the chance for opportunity to meet her, because any troubles I have sometimes are nothing compare to hers. Words-141
The Hero of My Life
My father “Ali” is an example of strength and hope in life, although he did not live long enough for my
kids to see him, he is a hero of my stories. For the most part of his life he suffered from the war in
Afghanistan and providing a suitable life for his family. Migrating to a foreigner country at very young
age (12) made him to suffer from working in heavy jobs (construction, mining), but he never stopped
thinking of his family. Ali never had the chance to go to school, but he learned reading and writing at his
mid-50 from a friend as a result of being optimistic and eager to learn, made him to never give up in life.
His admirable diligence in life might interest some other hard working fathers. My father is a shining star
in my life who will always sparkle; even though, he is not in this world anymore.
Words: 160
Henry Young
Father has always been a special person to me. That vast library of his inspired me sub-consciously to want to grasp for knowledge. From touring, Chinese literature, fixing automobiles, jewelry appraisal or even jewelry design, I was fascinated by what he can do, and the feeling deepens whenever he performs something not many people could know or experience. I loved to ask him, but not always I could get an answer; Many times Dad did not answer at all. Discouraging, but never had it held me back. My Father is not the best dad, but he is, absolutely, one of the coolest dad.
Charles is the youngest and the only son from a family of seven. He is now a young man, who started an independent life when he was fifteen years old. His complicated life involving religion differences changed his life. When Charles was born her mother was already a Jehovah’s Witness (to the bones). The situation about this subject created several conflicts in his family. With the pass of the years things started changing. He was twelve when he found out that he had another sister, who his parents never talked about. These events make him quit his family and city to start a new beginning in BC, where he became stronger and successful. Even though all the difficulties that had to pass through during his life being a teenager alone in the city. His attitude and perseverance are endless. I am still learning from him, my husband.
150-- Words
My Ex-Boss Mr. Jacques
My ex-boss Mr. Jacques—the owner of an insurance agency in Casablanca—was a model of success in personal and professional life. The talented business man was a respectful person who has a wide vision of the future. He was an elegant man who never wore jeans at work and tended to like cultivated and stylish people. Mr. Jacques was energetic and very active at his 70’s; he played tennis and loved traveling by car—twice a year--from Casablanca to Nice with his wife. He was an impressive person who devoted his life to his family and his career. I learned from Mr. Jacques the insurance profession also some words of wisdom that I understood through years of my life.
(125 words)
My Brother Hao
My youngest sibling, Hao, was an ordinary teenager, just like you and me. His life was quite short; just one month before his seventeenth birthday, he breathed his last. His death was one of the worst experience in my life, a tragedy, but also a turning point for my whole family and for me. We used to take it for granted for our family, later, we understand that the next chance is not always there. From his life, we also have learnt that the person whom we could not forgive the most is not the one who has hurt us the most (physically or mentally), but our own self. I got some of the most important lessons for living from him.
-121 words.
My Grandfather Chang Ok Han
My grandfather Chang Ok Han provides a good example of a paternal love toward children, but sadly, he was a victim of the tragic division of Korea. My grandfather had not been able to see his eldest son for more than four decades since Korea was divided into South and North: My grandfather lived in South Korea, and his son lives in North Korea. He kept a nice suit for his son in the closet in his life (my mother is keeping it now), and left all his property for him in his will. Although he didn’t mention how much he missed his son, undoubtedly he had been waiting for him until he died. His story would be interested by many who know what missing a loved one means. He showed me about parents’ love through the fact that he never gave up the hope of seeing his son again. —150 words
Mr. Wu, my apprentice teacher in my high school, had a big influence to me in my entire life. He was kind, patient, intelligent, and handsome (for sure). He helped me to adapt the new environment when I transfered to a new high school; he helped me all the homework that I had missed, and he was even happier than me when I had a big improvement. He guided me to find my value, and helped me to make up my mind what kind of job I would like to take up in the future. His passion, patience and kind infected me a lot. He is a rememberable teacher that I will never forget in my whole life.
---118 words
Mrs. Hong was one of my mathematics teachers when I was in grade 11 in Korea. Based on my experience, she was a person who could make a friend in seconds. As a result, she was very famous among the students and teachers: thus, it was so competitive to take her class. Her advices and treatment to her students were so honesty that she could make her students cried (including me). Sometimes, she comforted her students by telling her poor family background which would be actually very hard to share in front of the class (but she did it anyway). Even though it has been passed almost 4 years since I took her class, I cannot forget Mrs. Hong because she inspired me a lot through her stories, realizing that how thankful life I am living.—136 words
Aunt Janeth is a “Super Woman” who continues to inspire me to value the importance of family.Through 30 years of life I have never met a more caring woman like my aunt. She is a kind-hearted person and puts the needs of others before herself. My Aunt works seven days a week to support not only her own family, but also to her love ones back home(Philippines). My parents who can't afford to send me and my siblings to school are lucky to have someone like her. Aunt Janeth seems to be always to the rescue; to support my education from grade school until college, and all these are beyond my expectation. I cry and laugh with her. A best aunt I can always rely on. She is a very special person who motivates me and helps me mold into a better person. She has set the foundation to what I have become today.
---155 words
A hawker’s story
----------------
When I was studying in a college and staying in a dormitory near the school, I accidently met Mr. Wu, a hawker who was at his late 80 or early 90 of age, selling a special dumpling 100 meters far away from a crowded night-market at 10pm. Wondering why he set his stand alone away from the market and why he had to work so hard to make a living, I started buying my supper from him and spread his news in the campus in order to improve his sales. Gradually knowing his background, all of us pals took our hats off to his extraordinary actions and paid more visits to him. From his skinny and weak body, we have seen a beautiful mind with a giant heart. His life was like a colourful historical book remained in our heart deeply.
- 141 words
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother
Am I my brother's keeper?.....yes, I AM! Diabetes changed my brother's life, Larry. Diet, exercise and a stress free lifestyle were the norm for years until stroke left him paralyzed (hemiplegia). Abandoned by his wife and three children who could no longer care for him, I become Larry's sole physical custody. His love for music, sports and long walks are now just a part of his many great memories. At the age of 14 he was given the full responsibility of taking care of a child -- c'est moi! He sacrified a lot to keep me alive. I would not be where I am today without his unconditional love, patience, understanding and generosity. He once said, "no matter how hard life gets, no one should be left behind." It breaks my heart whenever he does not remember my name nor his due to Alzheimer's. His slurred and garbled speech left both of us frustrated sometimes. Despite all of the financial and emotional stress he brings, I will never give up on him. 177 words
Bushy hair
Karim Maskin was one of my best friends I really cared about. He was shy, tall, slim and had really bushy curly hair, one time he grew until it covered his eyes and he liked it ( because he wouldn't need to make eye contact) but I didn't it covered his smooth brown eyes. He was the sweetest boy I've ever met because I'm not too fond of boys, He loved watching movies so we'll go to the movie theater almost every weekend together. I remember in high school he had a crush on me and while I wasn't looking he will sneak candy in my bag and that will make me happy. One summer he was shy and ask me to go watch the fireworks downtown it was really nice, my favourite part was sitting on the stone at the beach and watch his face turn different colours if the fireworks and talked about things about each other and how his dream is to become a soccer player because he loved soccer. For me Karim showed me how special a friendship can be because I didn't really have friends in high school and he shared that experience with and that's something I can never forget.
- 230 words
For 3 years I’d been attending an English conversation class in my neighborhood. The instructor of the class, Jo is dynamic, pleasant, and helpful. She always cares of people and environment. Also, she often mentions “power of positive thinking” which brings lessons and humor among some heavy topics. she’s riding a bicycle for an hour to come to the class, and she takes more time to go back as her house, located on a hill—she’s close to 80 or older. She never have been driven a car for her entire life. She rides on her bicycle to go to a farmer’s market from her home in Burnaby every Saturday in Summer time; she keeps shiny eyes, healthy body and mind in result! Recently she learned “How are you?” in Korean, and started every class with the greeting. Now I can’t go to her class because of my work, but we call to each other for a small chat. She is a caring friend, supportive mother, and good listener which make me smile. 173 words
Smile
My close friend Mureed provides a good example of a happy living person. He is a "smiling" type person who always has a big smile on his face. He takes life so simple. Whenever I ask him the reason of his smile, he says, "If you smile at life, life will smile at you; anger is the worst enemy." I have never seen him angry ever since I met him. He looks at life with a different perspective—if a person gets angry, he/she would lose everything. He wakes up with a new incentive every day and enjoys his life in every possible way—playing chess, solving puzzles during his break at work, dancing, laughing with popcorn in his mouth and lemonade in his hand. His perspective affects my life in a positive way. I have learned the key rules of happiness from him. –146 words
Hero
He is truly one of a kind, not only in my eyes, but also in the eyes of many that watched the news on the day that he became a hero. Mario is my best friend and my guardian in life. He seems to have a similar affect on other peoples’ lives because I have witnessed his friends and family worship him. The baby girl that is alive today because of Mario also worships him, and jumps of joy every time she meets eyes with him. He is a man of many talents. He is a handyman that will fix anything that breaks down – a man that will give good advice and his honest opinion on everything. Mario is a person that everyone is drawn to once they meet him, and his heroic lionhearted personality makes you want to get to know him even better.
- 145 words.
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