Post #5: Vocabulary

 Throughout Hollow City, Ransom Riggs uses great vocabulary. On multiple occasions, I've had to look up the definitions for some of the words he uses. Here is a list of dazzling diction found on pages 52-82 in the book. (I put the best words in bold and defined them using http://dictionary.reference.com/.)

meager (52)
waterlogged (52)
wisp (52)
menagerie (54) - 1. a collection of wild or unusual animals, especially for exhibition. 2. a place where they are kept or exhibited. 3. an unusual and varied group of people.
springy (55)
nestled (55)
twinge (56)
forsaken (56)
imperceptible (56) - 1. very slight, gradual, or subtle: the imperceptible slope of the road. 2. not perceptible; not perceived by or affecting the senses.
labyrinth (57)
congealed (57) - 1. to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing: The fat congealed on the top of the soup. 2. to curdle; coagulate, as a fluid. 3. to make or become fixed, as ideas, sentiments, or principles: Some philosophic systems lost their vitality and congealed.
sullen (57)
gelatinous (57) - having the nature of or resembling jelly, especially in consistency; jellylike.
quivering (66)
churning (66)
faltering (66)
coalesce (66) - 1. to grow together or into one body: The two lakes coalesced into one. 2. to unite so as to form one mass, community, etc.: The various groups coalesced into a crowd. 3. to blend or come together: Their ideas coalesced into one theory.
taut (66)
guffaw (68)
inauspicious (68) - not auspicious; boding ill; ill-omened; unfavorable.
writhing (72)
acrid (72) - 1. sharp or biting to the taste or smell; bitterly pungent; irritating to the eyes, nose, etc.: acrid smoke from burning rubber. 2. extremely or sharply stinging or bitter; exceedingly caustic: acrid remarks.

sputter (79)

jowly (81)

illustrious (81) - 1. highly distinguished; renowned; famous: an illustrious leader. 2. glorious, as deeds or works: many illustrious achievements.

prowess (82) - 1. exceptional valor, bravery, or ability, especially in combat or battle. 2. exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength: his prowess as a public speaker. 3. a valiant or daring deed.

Here is the link to Thesaurus.com if you would like to look up synonyms for the words above: http://thesaurus.com/

I hope you found this list helpful! I challenge you to use some of these words in our upcoming writing units.

 

Post #4: Krista Ramsey Columnist Assignment

I chose to read Krista Ramsey's column titled "Still reflecting on act of vandalism on Opening Day". In the column, Ramsey described how a man and his son stood in flowerbeds that lined the sidewalks in order to get a better view of the Red's Opening Day Parade. This act disturbed Ramsey because the people who stomped on the flowers had no regard for the money and effort it took for local businesses to plant the flowers there.

Here is a link to the article:
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/columnists/krista-ramsey/2014/04/12/krista-ramsey-vandalism/7659161/

I thought the following lines were two of the best lines written in the column. "Which is where I saw the purple and gold mass of stomped, smashed pansies that surrounded us. It was such a botanical massacre that I immediately looked for the cause." The words 'stomped' and 'smashed' have negative connotations that indicate that the crushing of an object was done intentionally and inconsiderately. These words really help readers to see Ramsey's astonishment at the thoughtlessness of the man and his son who killed the flowers. Ramsey used juxtaposition when she said 'botanical massacre'. The word botanical has a very positive connotation that makes people think of beauty, peace, and tranquility. In contrast, the word massacre usually makes people think of bloodshed, violence, and war. These stark opposites convey the magnitude of the injustice the two people committed in Ramsey's eyes.

Ramsey's writing style is very descriptive throughout this article and the two articles we read in class.

One example of how she was descriptive in the article I chose was when she said, "I was so completely enveloped by taller people that I was stuck catching glimpses of marching bands and floats, and after straining my neck for a full half-hour, finally surrendered and let my gaze drift to the sidewalk." This gave a thorough description of the events leading up to when Ramsey witnessed the flower-smashing.

An example of Ramsey's descriptive style in "For better vision, kids need time outdoors" was when Ramsey said, "Your teenager at the dinner table, waiting for his checkup at the orthodontist's office, sauntering to his car - continually hunched over his smartphone or iPad." Here, Ramsey painted a picture of a typical teenager and their heavy use of electronic devices.

In "Super Bowl QBs score points for great style", Ramsey said, "A pretty dress, well-tailored sports coat, stylish hat elevate the mood and maybe even the conduct." Ramsey provided specific details about each article of clothing to create an image in the readers' minds.

Three questions I would ask Ramsey if given the chance are:

1.) How do you get inspiration for your articles? Is it ever hard to think of something to write about?

2.) How would you describe your writing style? Do you aim for it to be a certain way?

3.) What lead you to your current job?

Post #3: About the Author

I am about to begin reading Hollow City by Ransom Riggs. This is the second book in the Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children series.

I decided to conduct a little research on the author, Ransom Riggs. Here is what I learned:

Ransom Riggs not only writes books, but also makes short films and book trailers. He was born on a 200-year-old farm in Maryland and then moved to Florida when he was little. In Riggs' biography on his website, he described Florida as a place with "lots and lots of old people and not very much for kids to do." Because he was often bored, he had to make up his own stories and his own fun. He also made videos with his friends in his backyard.

To develop his writing skills, Riggs attended the University of Virginia’s Young Writer's Workshop for three summers during high school. He attended Kenyon College to study English, and then went to film school at the University of Southern California.

Here is a link to his bio page:
http://www.ransomriggs.com/bio/

Here is an interview with Riggs about Hollow City:

Post #2: Dear Veronica Roth...

Dear Ms. Roth,                                                                                                           April 4, 2014

I'm writing this letter in regards to your book, Allegiant. I am a fan of the whole Divergent series and want to congratulate you on how successful your books have been. I really liked Allegiant and felt that it was crafted extremely well. There were multiple themes throughout the book that were really important life lessons.

Although I wish things could've ended differently with Tris, what you chose to do with her character enabled you to send an important message to readers. You told us on page 526, "Life damages us, everyone. We can't escape the damage. But now, I am also learning this: We can be mended. We mend each other."

At times, it seems as though we've been pushed down too hard to get up. But through Tobias' grief and the support of his friends, you reminded readers that life will go on. Everyone falls down, but through the help of loved ones and those around you, you can go on. Things will get better.

This was something that really hit home with me because one week ago today, I lost my cat to cancer. She was a part of the family and it often feels empty in the house without her. But today, after reading the ending of Allegiant, I was reminded that eventually things will get better and life will go on.

I also appreciated the way you showed the political changes in the city through the physical features of the city. When there were still factions, each section of the city looked different. In one section there were gray buildings with people wearing gray. In another, people wore red and music danced among the treetops. Also, the city was very run-down. The lake turned into a marsh and there were many abandoned buildings.

However, as changes occurred politically, changes occurred physically. People began mixing the colors they wore. New people moved into city buildings and restored them. On page 512, it said, "Some of the former Bureau scientists are trying to restore the river and the lake to their former glory, but it will be a while. Change, like healing, takes time."

Thank you for writing such a wonderful series and for teaching your readers so much.

Sincerely,

Tori Berry