Differentiated Assignment

Linguistic: Philip’s final blog! Philip writes his final entry before leaving for his new school, Washington Academy. What makes this interesting are the responses he receives from: Coach Jamison, Miss Narwin, Superintendent Albert Seymour and Mr. Lunser. Each one is very strong in his/her viewpoint. (tone)

This blog post is written with me assuming the character, Philip Malloy. This is going to be “my” final blog entry before “I” leave for “my” new school, Washington Academy. This is in reference to “Nothing but the Truth" by Avi.

Most of the kids in Harrison High hate me. They tease me and call me names making me feel awful. Allison and Todd even wanted to get a petition going to get me to say that I was wrong. Worst of all, Brian told Ken who told me that Coach Jamison gave Allison and Todd the idea to start the petition. Of all people why Coach Jamison? I am not going to apologise to Miss Narwin. I am not in the wrong. I do not know why all the kids are treating me this way. It is best that I transfer to another school. I will be going to Washington Academy. I really hope that life there will be better.

Responses from Coach Jamison, Miss Narwin, Superintendent Albert Seymour and Mr Lunser

Coach Jamison: Philip, I wanted you to admit that you were wrong as if you apologised to Miss Narwin, she would forgive you and you would be able to go back to her Literature classes. With you back in her class, you can ask her for more work and you might be able to join the track team. I really want you on the team. You are a rare talent. It is a such a pity that you have decided to transfer to another school. Anyway I wish you all the best in your new school.

Miss Narwin: Philip, whatever you decision is, I respect it. Let us both put this matter behind us and move on with life. I wish you all the best in your new school. Do not be angry with your friends. They were just trying to support me. Please remember what I said and put this matter behind you.

Superintendent Albert Seymour: It is good to know that you have decided to start life afresh in a new school. It might do you a lot of good if you forget about this incident and enjoy your life in you new school.

Mr Lunser: Hey Phil, I am sad to know that you will be going to another school. I have always liked you. Please do not hold a grudge against the kids. They just wanted you to apologise to Miss Narwin. I am sorry to have called you Uncle Sam. If that hurt you please forgive me.

Personal Best Record for 100m

13.48s

Last Saturday, I went for this 100m race at Bukit Gombak Stadium. When I reached there, it was packed with people from Nanyang, Cedar and RI.

When it was my turn to run, I could feel butterflies fluttering in my stomach. However I was not as nervous as my other friends, maybe my stomach had fewer butterflies than them.

I was actually running with a guy from NJC. He was in JC1. I took a look at him and knew that I definitely could not emerge champion in my heat. He was so tall and well built.

When I heard the gunshot, I leapt from the blocks. My whole mind was in a flurry. As I neared the finishing line, I bowed slightly so that my head could touch the finishing line. It is kind of like in the Olympics where you see all the sprinters use their heads to finish off. I was surprised to know that I was first in my heat.

According to my friends, the JC1 guy and I were travelling at the same speed until the 50m mark. They said they did not know what overcame me but I suddenly picked up speed and reached the finishing line close to 10m ahead of the JC1 guy. My timing-13.48s. It was my new personal best.

My coach told me that in April, I would be representing the school in the nationals. I will be running a 200m race. I really hope I can do well.