Grade 9 Sample Essays

Tuesday, 7 May 2013

Theme1 : Environment and Natural Disasters

Topic1: Write an expository essay in which you discuss the numerous causes, effects, and possible solutions

to eliminate the dangers of global warming.

Sample 1:

Global Warming

Global warming is a serious issue that is destroying our planet and man-kind. It has various causes that

destroy Earth and lead to numerous dangerous and lethal effects.

Several causes lead to global warming including greenhouse gases, factories, factories without filters and

deforestation. The greenhouse gases like CO2, CH4 and NO2 that are spread into the air, form a depletion in

the ozone layer and cause a lot of danger on earth. Also, factories that don’t have filters are a main cause of

pollution. They increase the concentration of greenhouse gases. Moreover, deforestation and cutting trees

make forests disappear and extinct.

All these causes lead to dangerous effects that threaten people and lead to their death. Some of these effects

are ice melting, climatic changes, and natural disasters. Ice melts in polar caps lead to the extinction of some

species like polar bears and penguins. Also, climatic changes increase in the sea level and that leads to

flooding due to the rise in the oceans. Natural disasters like tornadoes, tsunami, hurricanes and many other

deadly disasters destroy our Mother Nature.

In brief, we can solve this dangerous and deadly problem in different ways. We can use bicycles and other

environmental transportation means instead of cars, trucks, and buses to overcome toxic gases. We can also

decrease the deforestation by eliminating the act of cutting trees to protect our environment and planting

others to replace the ones we cut through deforestation campaigns.

As a conclusion, global warming is a natural disaster that is destroying our planet and man-kind. As such,

people must beware and try their best to overcome and stop global warming to save our

planet. Done by: Amal Maanna 2011-2012

Sample 2:

Destiny of the World

The world is facing a massive disaster that is endangering the future of mankind. This disaster is global

warming. Global warming has various causes and effects that are endangering our lives, so we must work on

some solutions to overcome it.

Global warming has many causes that can be split into two groups, natural causes and man-made causes.

Natural causes are the ones caused by nature like water vapor and the release of methane gas from wetlands.

However, the man-made causes are more dangerous than the natural ones. And they are presented by

polluted gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) which is released from unfiltered factories, and burning of fossil

fuels. Another man-made cause is deforestation which leads to the extinction of some species. Moreover,

green-house gases are the gases that escalate global warming the most, and they are presented by CO2 and

CFCs.

Those causes lead to many effects such as extinction of some species, climatic changes and natural

disasters. First of all, they lead to the extinction of some species like Pandas due to the melting of ice caps.

Another effect is climatic changes, which include freezing winters and warm summers. Moreover, natural

disasters took place in many countries like Japan. Japan had been devastated by earthquakes and tornadoes.

All these effects and many others put our Earth’s future on stake.

People should work on solving this problem, or we would never be able to overcome it. And those

solutions include planting trees instead of cutting them through reforestation campaigns and eliminating

unnecessary urbanization, producing energy in a scientific way instead of burning fossil fuels, forcing

factories to use filters which will help in decreasing the amount of CO2 gas, using environment friendly

vehicles, and building shelters for animals .

In brief, people should do their best to overcome this massive disaster and to decrease its causes because

this way, all of us will be able to live in peace and in a clean and beautiful world since the destiny of the

world is between our hands.

Done by Sara Shibly 2011-2012

Topic 2: Write a well-structured essay in which you recall a natural disaster that you witnessed or heard of

and the devastation it led to.

Sample 1: An Earthquake

An earthquake is when two tectonic plates slide over each other thus causing the earth to shake. When I

was 11 years old, I experienced the largest earthquake that hit Lebanon. In May of 2001, Lebanon

experienced massive earthquakes causing the annihilation of many buildings.

It all started when I was lying on the floor watching cartoon late at night, while my parents and brother

were asleep. I suddenly heard a noise that sounded like a bomb blasting our fragile earth and planes crashing

down killing many innocent people. So, I quickly got up off the floor scared and frightened like a cat being

washed against its will.

I quickly went outside to witness this catastrophe that happened. So, as I was looking at the road, I noticed

this huge crack in the middle of the street spreading throughout the street into horizon. Then, I turned to the

left and saw that the building was shattered and destroyed to the ground.

After half an hour, an ambulance and the fire fighters arrived to our neighborhood to help. In the half an

hour that took the authorities to reach our neighborhood, people were trying to save and help our helpless

friends and neighbors. After all this , there were few injuries but, thank God, no one died .

In conclusion, the extreme power of nature left behind a negative impact on all our neighbors after the

earthquake. It all happened in 2001, but until this day, though everything has become normal and all the

minor injuries have healed, no one will ever forget that quake that shook us all and drove us out of our wits.

Done by Natalie Shhaitli 2011-2012

Sample 2 Surviving a Tsunami

Extreme powers of nature leave their negative impact on almost all aspects of life. It was a hot summer

day. My sister, cousins, and I were so bored and feeling hot, so we decided to go to the beach for a swim. It

was 9:00 am when we packed our things, and we were ready to go.

On our way there, the weather seemed to change a little. We felt a cold breeze of air twice, yet still the

weather was flaming hot. In half an hour we reached our destination.

We took our shoes off and walked across the sandy beach to find a good place to sit. We couldn’t beat

the sand beneath our feet that seemed like burnt coal, so we threw our stuff from our hands and rushed

towards the cool water. We swam, splashed and so we sat in a row on the light carpet I had brought with me.

We sat with our backs facing the ocean, except for my older sister who sat across us. While we were eating,

a sudden cool breeze came once again, and that time the sun hid behind the clouds. I noticed a weird look on

my sister’s face. She was speechless, her eyes popped out, and also her mouth, wide full of food. She spat

what was in her mouth and yelled, “Wave!!!!!!!” A high wave was coming toward the shore; it needed about

a couple of minutes to reach us. We ran as all people were running up to the highway. We all split and

everyone went into a direction. The wave arrived the shore and swapped everything on it. My heart beat

doubled. After the situation calmed down, we called each other, and we started looking around us as the

water rushed across the land it swept away along with trees garden, buildings, cars, and other man made

equipment. Boats have often been hurled into the sky and iron parking meters have been bent to the ground.

The water has left a trail of destruction that looks like an enormous bomb has exploded in the area.

It was the most horrifying experiences of my life. I was scared that I might not see my parents or relatives

again. Mother Nature always reminds us how powerful it is, and we can’t predict when it might give a visit.

Done by Reem Daher 2011-2012

Theme 2:

Self-confidence / Perseverance / Determination / Will Power

Topic 1:

Write a well-structured essay in which you discuss how you or someone you know proved the

importance of self-confidence in achieving goals and targets, tackling and overcoming obstacles, and

even fighting discrimination.

Sample 1: Nothing Is Impossible

A man, as a basic rule, owes very little to what he was born with. A man is what he makes of himself.

Some people were born with little resources, but with their wit, distinguished character, and ambition they

became an example to follow for others. Da Silva, the former Brazilian president, is a living example for

such a person.

Da Silva commonly referred to simply as “Lula,” was born to poor parents. There was little time or

money for young Lula to get an education, and he was working in the streets as a shoeshine boy and street

vendor before he was in his teens. Later, as he worked in an industrial factory, he became exceedingly

involved in the movement of unionizing the workers. Due to his natural leader charisma, he rose quickly in

the ranks of the union leadership and learned that the true path to fair treatment for workers was through

political power.

Lula started his political life as the president of the workers’ party which was very popular among the

worker class. He shared in formal political life as a member in the congress, and after three failures, when

running for the elections; he at last became the president of Brazil in the year 2002. Lula is known for being

a remarkable president, allowing Brazilian industry to prosper while taking steps towards combating and

fighting Brazil’s legendary poverty.

Could anyone imagine that Lula the shoeshine boy might become the president of the country? Anyhow

Lula and people like him teach us to hang on to our dreams and who knows what the future would bring to

us?

Done by Reem Ahmad 2011-2012

Sample 2: Key to Success

Where there is a will there is a way. When self-confidence activates, man becomes powerful. This

means that a handicap doesn't hamper man's motion in life or hinder his progress. Zack, our next door

neighbor, is the best presentation of the importance of self-confidence in shaping one’s life.

Zack is a good example of self-confidence, he is handicapped. To illustrate more, he is blind. However,

his blindness doesn't constitute an impediment in front of his achieving a high position as well as gaining

respect and love.

Zack was born blind, and his parents let him join school like other students. Though blind, he was

excellent and remarkable. He always rejected any different treatment between him and his colleagues and

requested an equal treatment as well as equal expectations. His teachers always praised his pre-imminence

and sent his parents evaluation cards. Whenever he needed anything in his studies, he used to ask his

teachers or his classmates.

When he was 15, he was able to prove himself at school as well as in society and gained love and respect

from the elders and his fellows. He used to help his friends at school and the neighborhood. In the secondary

classes, Zack was thought to be a graduate. His intelligence was outstanding. Many teachers thought that he

should be at the university rather than the secondary school. It was not a surprise that he was considered a

miracle at college. Zack continued his way of success till he became a great physician. Once he was asked,

''How could you achieve that and you are sightless?'' He replied, ‘Fellow, it only demands your self-

confidence, and life becomes very easy.”

In conclusion, where there is a will, there is a way. All what one needs to achieve his goals in life and

face his hardships is self-confidence and determination. You have to believe in yourself if you want others to

believe in you.

Done by: Natalie Shihaitly 2011-2012

Sample 3: A Miracle Attained

Life is overloaded with obstacles and hindrances that would try to knock people down and paralyze

their ability and willingness to strive and seek what they aim for in life. However, one should try to

surmount such deterrents and strive, seek, fight, and never yield before achieving their goals and dreams. To

attain this and surmount difficulties, self-confidence, determination, strong will, and perseverance should be

one’s close friend and ally. Wilma Rudolph is one of those who were able to overcome the difficulties of life

with her determination and self-confidence.

Wilma was a girl that had a paralyzed leg caused by polio. She was curious to beat the sickness and to

compensate what she missed in her childhood. She went to school on her wheel chair to watch her friends

playing basketball and concentrated on every step they did. Her mother took her to the hospital and doctors

took good care of her. They advised her to do daily exercises to have the ability to walk. She practiced and

trained every day and didn’t give up to her sickness. She didn’t even let her sickness block her way in life.

Wilma Rudolph started walking better until she had the ability to run. The college coach encouraged her to

win a full scholarship to college and helped her share in championships and win. She had the ability to

concentrate, and this ability was important because it helped her put all her efforts into winning again.

Wilma became a big runner who challenged and faced many people in running. She became the fastest

woman in the world, and she won many gold medals

In conclusion, it is Wilma’s determination and persistence that helped her face life and achieve her

goals. As such, people should be aware of the importance of self-confidence, determination, perseverance,

and strong will in achieving success in life, tackling and overcoming obstacles and hindrances, and

strengthening them so as to no longer be vulnerable to criticism and discrimination.

Done by: Kassem Ayyash 2012-2013

Sample 4:

Tools of Survival

“Perseverance is great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate,

you are sure to wake up somebody.” This quote asserts and alludes that perseverance is critical and vital in

one’s attempt to attain a thriving and flourishing life. However, perseverance cannot be achieved unless one

is armed with self-confidence. Self-esteem is essential since it assists in achieving goals, strengthens one

against mockery and discrimination, and aids one while countering and combating adversities and

predicaments.

To begin with, one of the major reasons why self-confidence is vital in one’s life is that it assists in

achieving goals. It goes without saying that self-assurance gives one the surge to pursue and seek his aims

and dreams, for unless one believes in his potentials and capability to attain whatever he aims for, he will

not have the courage and will to claim them. Moreover, self-confidence urges one to persevere and persist.

Triumph doesn’t come easily; its path is often bumpy. As such, one would come across some hindrances

that might impede and foil his progress. As long as one is armed with self-esteem and has faith in his ability

to reach his ultimate goals eventually, these adversities won’t prevail since he would persevere and strive till

he surmounts these obstacles.

Another reason why self-confidence is important is that it strengthens one against mockery and

discrimination. Self-assurance makes one hold his ground and stand up for himself. In order to defend

oneself against segregation or apartheid and scornful or disparaging attitudes from friends and society

members, one should exploit his self-confidence and his belief in himself and what he is truly made of, for

as the saying goes, “Man, as a general rule, owes very little to what he is born with. A man is what he makes

of himself.” As such, one would persist till he proves them wrong and overcome their prejudices. In addition

to that, self-esteem helps one face mockery in an aloof and indifferent manner. For instance, it is rather

arduous to provoke, infuriate and aggravate a person who believes in himself and what he truly is. This type

of people would never pick up the gauntlet, start a fray or quarrel, commit rash, ludicrous and idiotic

behavior, or whine and weep when mocked.

Furthermore, self-confidence is vital and highly significant since it aids one while facing predicaments

and obstacles. To begin with, it boosts one’s belief in his ability to combat and counter obstacles without

yielding or giving up, for unless one has faith in himself and his capacities or capabilities, he will not be able

to fight and surmount adversities and mishaps that might try to hinder his progress in life. Once one believes

in his ability to overcome any obstacle be it physical, mental, financial or emotional, his self-esteem will

urge him and instigate his desire to fight back rather than give up and yield. It would force him to strive to

overcome his dilemmas and reach a more thriving, flourishing and fruitful life, for he’d be aware of the fact

that a smooth sea never made a skillful sailor. A good example to that is Nick Vujicic, a limbless man, who

overcame his physical disability, pursued his higher education, graduated, established his own motivational

organization, and built himself a jovial marital life.

As a conclusion, self-confidence is a cornerstone in one’s attempt to weave himself a thriving future, a

promising life, and an everlastingly ecstatic and triumphant existence because it aids one while trying to

achieve goals, fortifies one against mockery and inequity and helps one while countering predicaments and

mishaps. As such, one should embrace self-esteem as though his whole existence depends on it.

Miss Batoul Saad and students of Grade 9

Sample 5:

Self-confidence

“You can’t stop the waves but you can learn how to surf.” This quote asserts and implies that a person

cannot just give up and concede for one chasm and gap that would impede and hinder the long risqué and

appalling road, but he should surmount and tackle to achieve what he aims for by clutching to self-

confidence and assurance. As such, self-confidence is important in one’s life since it stimulates him to strive

to achieve his goals, strengthens him against criticism, and enables him to believe in himself and tackle

obstacles.

To begin with, one of the innumerable advantages of self-confidence is that it stimulates people to strive

and persevere to achieve their goals and aims in life. Self-assurance motivates and encourages a person to

persist in order to approach his target in life and what he aims for in the future. For example, when a person

has enough self-assurance and self-confidence, he will persevere and strive in order to approach every star

he’s working to attain.

“Don't be distracted by criticism. Remember - the only taste of success some people have is when they

take a bite out of you.” is a quote that shows another importance for self-assurance that is strengthening

people against criticism, mockery, discrimination, segregation, apartheid, and inequality. People tend to

infuriate and provoke each other through criticizing and mocking each other, but this would only work with

cowards and people with low self-confidence and self-esteem. As such, the more a person is self-confident,

the less he’s likely to be provoked by some rascals.

Moreover, self-confidence enables one to believe in himself and tackle obstacles. This means that self-

confidence permits one to prevail and conquer any dilemma that would stand in his way to triumph. For

instance, the more a person has self-confidence, the more he’s capable of surmounting and overcoming the

calamity that stands in his path.

As a conclusion, one should clutch to self-confidence and self-assurance to achieve opulence in his life,

confront criticism, segregation, mockery, inequality, and dilemmas and strive and persevere to achieve

whatever he aims for in life.

Done by: Ali Shoeab Grade 9 “A” 2013-2014

Theme 3:

Mysteries and Supernatural Powers

Topic 1: Some might face things that are hard to fathom or justify through reason and science. Write a well-

structured personal narrative essay in which you discuss something supernatural or eerie that you once

witnessed and scared you out of your wits.

Sample 1: Fathom That

What happened to me had not happened to any other human being in this world. What happened to me

really astounded and amazed me to the extent that I can't remember what frankly happened, but I know it

was frightening.

In 1999, specifically on the 31st of October, on Halloween night, everyone was so excited about this

night and I was too, but I had work up to my ears, so I couldn't celebrate it with them.

I stayed in my home that night, working and thinking what would’ve happened had I gone out with them,

after all, it is Halloween night, when all of a sudden I heard a spooky voice coming from the living room.

I didn’t care much because I thought it was the wind. But it didn’t stop there. No, it continued till I heard

a door being locked so I went down to check what was going on but nothing really had appeared.

I thought I was hallucinating when I saw what was more likely to be something coming out from a mist

outside and approaching me, so I immediately locked the door and went upstairs, but the door opened by

itself!

At that moment, I was scared out of my wits. I was frightened so much that I literally froze. My body

temperature decreased from 37o till 30o and that was horrifying. Then, I fell at the floor unconsciously.

What I saw over my head while I was on the floor was not a human. It was an extraterrestrial creature

that had a circled head, one eye, 2 tongues and two antennas, so I fainted directly.

The next day, I woke up and I didn't remember anything from the other night. I want to know what

happened that night, I want to fathom it, but no one could explain what had actually happened back then.

Sample 2: B-MARRY

“Mystery is at the heart of creativity. That, and surprise” is a quote that defines mystery as a baffling,

odd, curious and bewildering issue that cannot be deciphered or fathomed. Mysteries vary between

witnessing UFOs, hearing stories of the devil triangle and extraterrestrial creatures like ghosts, vampires,

and zombies. However, nothing is considered more harrowing, scary and freakish than seeing your friend

die in front of you thanks to the mysterious and eerie rituals done to summon the so cold “BLOODY

MARRY”.

It was Friday the thirteenth, which was announced as the day of slaughtering Marry, a.k.a. “BLOODY

MARRY “. Her story was widely spread in the school. Some supported the idea while others rejected it, and

those were my friends. They believed that souls cannot move after the death of the body. Those who

believed insisted on trying it. It was said that if Mary appears carrying a baby, you’d be forgiven. But if she

appeared holding a knife, then you are perished and slaughtered.

The moment Suzan decided to try it, we gathered at her place waiting on pins and needles to see the

results. The clock announced 12:00 am, and that’s when Suzan entered the bathroom. She turned off the

light, lit six candles, and wrote with red lipstick on the mirror “6 6 6”. She started repeating the word

“BLOODY MARRY, BLOODY MARRY, BLOOD MARRY…” We felt relaxed since the candles were

still on until, out of a sudden, the candles turned off!

We felt our sweat dripping. Blood flowed crazily through our vein, and our hearts started pounding

riotously and uncontrollably. We heard Suzan screaming and knocking on the door. When we rushed there,

the door was locked and there was complete silence. We pounded and knocked harshly on the door until it

opened slowly. That’s when we saw it.

We saw Suzan’s head in the sink and her body tied to the wall. Continuous shrieks and yells were heard.

We called the ambulance and the police station. The following day, news papers announced her death,

hiding and concealing how harsh, cruel and painful her death was.

Eventually, people started believing in some mysteries while some other mysteries still post a big fat

question mark. After all they are still mysteries, meant to baffle us, puzzle us and trigger our sense of

curiosity. As said by Charles De Lint, “Without mysteries life would be very dull indeed. What would be

left to strive for if everything was known?”

Done by Razan Kashmar and her group in grade 9 “A” 2012-2013

Sample 3: Vampires

When people’s intellectual strength stops, superstitions begin. Due to various movies and stories,

vampires who originate from bats are taking all over the world. Nowadays people panic whenever they hear

about vampires because some mysteries imply that vampires suck people’s blood to get their vitality, power,

and energy. People are divided into two groups, some who believe in vampires and the others don’t since it’s

not scientifically proven. I thought I was one of the second group but then, a story I heard changed my

thoughts and reshaped my way of viewing things.

On Halloween, while I was celebrating with my friends, my best friend decided to tell us an interesting

story about vampires with a spooky voice.

I can still recall her voice as she was saying, “Vampires are dead bodies who live in graves and appear

after midnight to suck blood out of living people, but mostly appear at Halloween. One day, a school

arranged a trip to an old village. There they had issues with their flat tire, so they were trapped there until

they could fix their deflated wheel. Suddenly, they heard a scary voice. They started screaming when they

saw a bunch of vampires approaching them. Eventually, they all perished except for the bus driver who ran

away with the bus and became a resident at a local asylum.”

While she was telling us the story I felt odd, eerie, puzzled, and baffled since the story was so harrowing

and vague. Least to say, it scared me out of my wits. In a minute, I became a superstitious person.

Fortunately my friend was joking just to scare us and her talk was mere babble.

In conclusion, illiterate and weak minded people can be a prey for superstitions and baffling stories of

mysteries. Since mysteries and superstitions are still not scientifically proven, they will stay mysterious,

puzzling and irrational.

Done by: Serena Nasser and her group in grade 9 “A” 2012-2013

Sample 4: The Mystery of Jinni

“Without mysteries, life would be very dull indeed. What would be left to strive for if everything were

known?” is a quote that highlights and alludes that mysteries are part of our cultural heritage and essence of

life. They are what spice things up and trigger our intellectual abilities. What is important here is that

mysteries are not always what trigger our intellectual abilities but what sometimes cause our death. It was

that day when two of my friends wanted to know what a jinni is and whether it is true or not, that I became

aware of the dangers of diving into the unknown.

Well that day came, the day we would never forget. We met at the evening nearby our target, what

they called “The Haunted House”. It was also said that anyone who enters the house would never come

back. It was awkward that my friends had the courage to go in, but I didn’t. I was bewildered just thinking

about it.

My friends entered inside, and I decided to wait for them around. While waiting, I heard a freaking

and abnormal sound from that house. I felt scared and slowly approached the door. Suddenly, I saw a

devilish face looking out the window. I was frightened and ran frantically to the fence’s door. I tried to open

it, but it was locked. I decided to climb the fence. While climbing it, I felt a hand stingingly holding onto my

leg. I jumped to the road and ran heatedly to my house thinking witlessly about what might have happened

with my friends.

I woke up the next day still worried. When I arrived to school, I noticed the absence of my friends.

When I got back home, I turned on the TV and changed to the news channel where they were reporting the

missing teams who happened to be my friends.

Up to this day, whenever I hear about my last Friday, I feel afraid and start wondering what would

have happened to me if I had entered that house.

Done by: A Group of Grade 9 “A” students/Dana Farhat’s 2012-2013

Sample 5: Watch Out for the Mummy

"Mysteries create wonder, and wonder is the basis of man’s desire to understand” is a quote that defines

a mystery as a puzzling and perplexing issue that cannot be fathomed, cracked, and interpreted. It's

interesting to talk about such things, but what's terrifying is the fact that you might encounter it. It all

happened that ill-fated day in summer when my friends and I decided to visit the museum to look for some

Mummies.

As we entered the museum, we read the following adage atop the entrance, "Don’t have the strength to

look into a mummy’s eyes after 8:00 sharp, for if you do you'll fall into the hands of a mummy." As we

entered the museum, my heart started beating fast as if this horrifying story established an eerie atmosphere

right from the beginning.

Time passed fast, and the hours rushed through, but we didn't notice. The museum was locked and all

the employees had gone home. However, soon screams hovered in the air making the presence of the

mummy felt and giving our spine a shrill pricking. My chest was heavy. I found it hard to breathe while my

whole body was shaking with fear. The idea of looking in the mummy’s eyes frightened the hell out of me

and scared me out of my wits.

As soon as the room got darker, the hair-raising scene of the mummy didn't leave my thoughts and gave

me the itchy feeling about the ways I might end up falling in the hands of the mummy.

Few minutes later, after I passed out, the voice of my friend shouting, "Wake up you idiot." was the

reason behind my consciousness. It turned out to be a prank. But it was enough to tell him, "I might look

calm, but in my head I've killed you three times." to make him avoid me for the rest of his life.

Done by: Noor Rayya Grade 9 “A” 2013-2014

Sample 6:

The Buried Truth

A mystery is the underlying truth of the wonders of the universe, the unfathomable code of a

phenomenon and paradox, and the missing puzzle piece of a paranormal event or occurrence. Mysteries can

be found anywhere, in books, on T.V, and in public talk… They exist everywhere. I have seen tons of

documentaries related to mysteries, read tons of books portraying the truth about mythological events, heard

tons of stories about world wonders like the Babushka Lady, Dracula or even Atlantis, but one story that

highly triggered curiosity in me and intrigued my surge to fathom what is yet to be deciphered is the one

about the triangle that aroused public interest and left people perplexed, The Bermuda Triangle.

The myth about the Bermuda Triangle wasn’t new to me. I have heard it a couple of times before when I

was younger where my mind was still weak to comprehend it, but this year was the very first time that I

have finally conceived this fable, and the very first time I have decided to look it up.

Everybody heard about the disappearance of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 during its journey from

Kuala Lumpur to Beijing back in July 2014. Myriad conspiracy theories were offered to explain the cause

behind the vanishing of that flight, and the Bermuda Triangle was one of them. A large number of people

agreed to this theory while others thought it’s because of military services. I, myself, tried to give some

reasons, but unfortunately, none of them were convincing. The Bermuda Triangle was the only theory that

could exhibit the cause behind this puzzle. Even though it didn’t sound as scary, it still gave me chills. How

in the world could a huge plane holding about 100 or 200 people disappear in daylight?

This question itself left me baffled. The fact that navigators lost connection with the travelers and there

was no sign of the plane near the seas and oceans astounded me; it’s crazy. Countless questions provoked

my mind, “What if I was on that plane?”, “What if one of my loved ones was a part of this eerie

occurrence?” Just thinking of that made me petrified and frightened.

100 days have passed since that queer and odd enigma occurred. Ever since I’ve heard about this mystery,

I have had the plenary and complete fear of planes. One must beware of the unknown after all.

The Devil’s Triangle, a delusion of concealed secrets, hidden truth, and missing pieces of a scrambled

puzzle, an enigma full of fear and harm and a mystery of strange things with no escape will forever haunt

me and everyone who hears about it, for once you’re in, you’re never out…

Done By: Dania Mahmoud Gr 9 A 2014-2015

Theme 4: Tolerance and Human Relationships

Topic 1: Write a well-structured narrative in which you reflect on something that happened and taught you

the importance of one’s family and family members.

Sample Essay 1: Something to Value

Family is one of the most valuable and irreplaceable things that one will be blessed with in a lifetime.

Family is always there no matter what the problem may be. However, family members do not live forever;

they could be gone in a blink of an eye. For this reason, family and the time one has with them should be

cherished.

On December 19, 2005 my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. The doctor said that is was not an

extreme cause; however, he would have to undergo some Chemotherapy. He had a good chance for

surviving this terrible disease. I was never extremely close to my grandfather, just because of the fact that

we did not live close to each other. The only times I ever saw him were at family gatherings and a few

unexpected visits my family and I made. I would always give him a hug and an occasional kiss on the cheek

when I saw him, and then when it was time to leave we would exchange “I Love You” and I would be on

my way. When I first heard that he was diagnosed with cancer, it hit me hard. I had experienced a family

member trying to fight the disease, and I wondered if I would ever really know how truly amazing my

grandfather was.

At the next doctor visit, we found out the cancer had spread to his brain and was quickly distributing

itself throughout the rest of his body. I slowly watched this disease take control of my grandfather. He began

to lose his hair and was unable to speak clearly, and it was hard for me to look at him without crying. On

April 2, 2006 I got a call from my mother saying that my “Papa” had passed away. I couldn’t believe the

words that I was hearing. It just didn’t seem real to me that he could actually be gone. At his viewing it

finally sank in. My grandmother had a slide show playing beside his body, and there I sat with my mother

and other family and watched the memories of that amazing man. I got a better understanding of who my

grandfather was, just by looking at a few pictures. I cherish the time that I spent with my grandfather and

know that with his loss, my parent has lost his supporting, sacrificing, loving, caring, and reliable parent.

Since then, I’ve been determined to make use of every single minute I have in this life with my beloved

ones.

In conclusion, one must cherish his beloved ones and make use of every single minute of life with his

loving and supportive parents and be of support to them just as they were to him when they need him just as

they were there for him when he was in need because life is short. Make use of life when you can.

Topic2: In every school there’s a newcomer who has to go through a lot of pain and suffering. Write a well-

structured essay in which you discuss the difficulties that newcomers are likely to face and what possible

procedures you’d take if you were a school counselor.

SAMPLE ESSAY 1: If I Were a Counselor

At school, a counselor’s duty is to encourage students to be honest with themselves and to tolerate

those who are different. And usually, in every school, there are new comers who could look strange or

unfamiliar to other students. "What problems would a new comer face? How would they affect on him or

her? And what solutions can be suggested for such a problem?” are all questions that impose themselves and

require answers.

Sometimes, a new student would face many problems from his mates like: discrimination, ignorance and

being treated badly. Discrimination is a serious issue that a new comer can face. At school many narrow

minded kids do not accept the idea of having a new friend in class, so they try their best to mock him and

laugh at him especially if he was of a lower social class. Another problem that a new student can face is

indifference. Usually, when a new student gets into a new school, he would like to meet new friends and to

mingle with them, but this thing won't be easy because they will ignore him and think that it’s inferior for

him or her to involve them in any activity. Being treated badly is also a problem that a new student can face.

Being fashionable is a condition for some pupils at school, so if the new comer wasn't funky fashioned,

students will call him names and make fun of him. Thus, no one will be his or her friend.

As a result, those problems will affect badly on the student’s personality like having poor self-

confidence, being lonely, and having low educational grades. After being discriminated and kicked out of

friendship groups, a new student will be extremely wretched and depressed to the extent of losing his self-

confidence which is the main key to success in life. And he would be lonely because other kids will feel

afraid of even talking to him because they will think that nobody will befriend or walk with such a stranger

according to their limited minds because it will affect their image among others and popularity. Moreover,

the most serious effect would be reflecting low educational grades because this student would be stressful

during an exam out of fear of his mates hitting him for getting good marks, and sometimes he would shy

from answering a question in the class for the same reason so, most certainly, he or she would fail in the

report card.

If I were the counselor of the school, I would stop all that by giving an advice for this new comer to

give their mean comments a deaf ear and to ignore what such bullies would say. And I would be having a

serious talk with those snobberies about human behavior and the importance of equilibrium between people

on earth because we are all born equal and we will stay equal till the end.

In brief, every school should have a counselor encouraging this issue and making sure that all the

students are having their rights without being discriminated because in Gods eyes we are all equal and

someday we'll all have perfect wings.

Topic 3: People all around the world are likely to face disputes. Unless a person tries to reach out for a

common understanding and learn to tolerate each other, life would be in an unstoppable war. Write a

narrative essay in which you discuss an incident in which you almost lost a friend or relative but didn’t due

to tolerance.

Sample 1: A Problem with My Sis

Conflicts, problems, privations, and destitutions are all what make our lives go on. People all around

the world are likely to face disputes. Unless a person tries to reach out for a common understanding, a

reasonable solution, or peace, all of our lives would be in an unstoppable war. I can never forget the day that

is likely to be considered as my every night nightmare when I first fought with my sister.

It was summer, and my family and I were spending our family vacation in Australia. When we first got

there, my dad booked us in a classy hotel, and bought us tickets to the most wonderful and fun places one

could ever imagine. We were all ultimately excited especially my elder sister and I because we were

planning to have a "Sisters Night Out" where we were invited to a private all girls party.

Once we arrived to the party, we made a promise to have as much fun as we can and to never leave

each other. Unfortunately, luck was not on our side because through the huge amount of guests, my sister's

ticket was stolen. She freaked out and complained to the security guard, but sadly, he didn’t believe her and

threw her out. In the meantime, my selfish and careless self, walked into the party without any concern of

my sister.

My sister was devastated and amazed by my ludicrous reaction, so she walked away slowly and shed

tears full of wretchedness and sorrow. After I got home, everyone gave me the disgrace and disappointment

look. I knew then that I was guilty for ditching my sister and soon got that surge of resentment and shame

that made me stomp right to my sister and kneel down on my knees begging her to grant me her forgiveness.

Luckily, she did and told me that she was happy that I had fun and that we can always have another "Sisters

Night Out".

At last, I got to learn a very important lesson that should be taught to all people which is to never turn

your backs on your beloved ones for the amusement and pleasure of life because this joy is limited while the

love of our relatives and beloved ones is limitless.

Written by: Aya Abdallah 2012-2013

Sample 2: Zero To Hero

"We don't need holy wars, what we need is tolerance and brotherhood and simple humanity." is a

saying I've heard many times, and it shows that in our life tolerance, brotherhood and humanity are

important. Even though I am the older sister and he's the younger brother, Mohammad was always a head

taller and a good 7 kilos heavier than me when we were growing up. I hated that. I was the big sister. I was

supposed to be the dominant and the protector. But while he was the biggest kid in school, I was nearly the

smallest. It all started there, that incident took a great part of my life that I can never forget.

Mohammad's size and strength only made my lack of those two qualities more apparent. I was two years

ahead of him in school which meant that by the time he was in middle school, I was already an 8th grader.

Kids there were not kind or accepting, and over the years they had continually made fun of my pony size

and lack of athletic ability. But the teasing reached a whole new level when Mohammad entered the middle

school. Now they had a new way for tormenting me.

They would taunt me, "Hey shrimp! Does your brother still beat you up?" or they would chant again and

again on the bus, "Talah, Talah, she's so small, but her brother's ten feet tall". I guess that rhyme was hurtful

to both of us, but I only felt my own humiliation. It caused a battle within me that I took no notice of my

brother's feeling. The times when jokes centered around him, like when they called him, "Moe the Giant", it

was such a relief not to be their target that I did nothing to stop them. Nothing seemed to bother Mohammad

anyway. I never heard him complain or so much as saw him flinch. I was just assured that his interior was as

steely as his exterior.

That was until the day he snapped. There was a new girl, Sara, in Mohammad's class, who wore really

thick glasses, and without them she was nearly blind. She, to my relief, had temporarily become the butt of

jokes and pranks. The latest chant that the kids had come up with was, "Sara, Sara, short and fat, squinty

eyes and blind as a bat." In all fairness, Sara wasn't fat at all, but the kids chanted that because it rhymed

with bat. It started as a normal break, with Mohammad and Sara standing in line. Suddenly, Ahmad Roda

ran up and snatched Sara's glasses off her face. Everyone started to chant, laughter filled up the place, and

her glasses were tossed down the line. At that moment, I caught Mohammad's face as it was happening.

There seemed to be anger beyond his eyes. Ahmad Roda had gotten the glasses and was waving them in the

air. That's when it happened; with one hand Mohammad grabbed the glasses from him, and with the other

hand he punched his face. He hit him with such a force he fell down.

Everyone froze for a second. I bought the glasses over from my brother's hand and handed them to

Ahmad as he was picking up himself, off the floor, humiliated. "Say sorry and give Sarah her glasses back.”

I told him. He said nothing. Mohammad walked slowly over and punched him in his stomach. He stumbled

over gasping a breath. “Say sorry and give her back her glasses”, he said as he dragged him over to Sara. “S-

S-S- sorry", stammered Ahmad and handed her the glasses. Sara took them as her eyes rounded with shock.

At that point, someone started clapping. It was quiet at first, and then almost everyone joined in,

everyone except Ahmad and his group. They sat in stunned silence, knowing that this day has marked a

change for us all. That day, I realized that I have a wonderful brother that I should tolerate and appreciate.

May God bless him. Done by: Tala Souheil 2012-2013

Sample 3: Tolerance in Life

"I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I don’t judge the universe!" In our daily

life, tolerance is a word used but isn't actually being proposed. It comes from the Latin "tolerare" which

means to bear. It is the key for all closed doors, as well as it liberates and articulates fears and hardships in

one's life. In that special day, I took a free lecture in life which taught me the importance and the real

meaning of tolerance the hard way. One can never forget a problem with his parents which imprinted his

personality, reformed his life, and altered his existence.

The moment summer was over, my parents took the hardest decision. This astounding decision was

sending me to London to complete my knowledge there. Hearing them saying such a hilarious thing shocked

my existence. I was speechless and felt like they were trying to get rid of me. I looked in their eyes and

shouted "why are you so mean to me? Why do you hate me this much? What did I do to you?"

I stomped furiously to my room, picked up my stuff and pretended that I was okay with this decision. I

told them that I'm ready to go. They tried to talk to me but I refused and insisted that I am not going to

forgive them for such a harsh decision that they took.

After reaching the vast street of London, I met a poor little orphan with torn clothes who was laughing and

having fun with the other kids. She saw me crying and disappointed, took me a side, and asked me to tell her

the reason behind my sorrow and resentment. I felt that I can trust her and depend on her. After telling her

about the dispute I faced, she made me shy and embarrassed of my reaction and attitude. She made me

notice how much my parents cared about building up my future achieving high goals in life.

Eventually, after knowing how much this girl is suffering without care and love from her parents and

struggling alone in life in order to achieve success and how tolerant she is, I knew the value of the presence

of my parents in my life. I trotted to my bag, picking up my phone, and called them, apologizing about my

misbehavior and rude attitude, and thanking them for their support and care. This situation made me realize

that tolerance is giving every human being every right that you claim for yourself.

Done by: Razan Kashmar 2012-Sample 1: