A New Civilization, A New World

Page 1

A NEW CIVILIZATION, A NEW WORLD BE PERSUASIVE OR BE LEFT BEHIND


Copyright © 2014 The Writers’ Exchange This book was created by Division 1, Ms. Kowal-Seafoot’s grade 6/7 class, at Mount Pleasant Elementary in the fall of 2013. The Writers’ Exchange makes literacy exciting and accessible for inner-city kids through free mentoring and creative writing projects like this chapbook. All Writers’ Exchange programs are free for the children and families we serve, so we could not exist without the support of generous donors, including Megan Abbott, Marily Mearns, the Vancouver Foundation, Nancy and Ted Maitland, Bernard MacLeod, the Central City Foundation, Claudia Casper and James Griffin, The Home Depot Canada Foundation and the Hamber Foundation. Thank you. And thank you to the amazing volunteer mentors who work with the kids in all Writers’ Exchange programs so that each child can succeed to the best of his or her ability.

Writers’ Exchange 881 East Hastings Vancouver, BC V6A 1R8

Writers’ Exchange in-school projects are made possible by the Vancouver Foundation.

Printing for this chapbook was generously donated by Hemlock. project of

Writers’ Exchange mentors: Alysha, Amanda, Anna, Claire, Colleen, Kathryn, Sarah D., Sarah M. Designer: Bartosz Barczak

To learn more about the Writers’ Exchange and read more fantastic student writing, visit vancouverWE.com.


Hello, we are a group of strong and independent people who come from different ancient civilizations. We are hoping to become the citizens of a new planet discovered by scientists not long ago. There is only a limited number of people who can fit on the spaceship to this new and improved planet. This book consists of our stories and persuasive essays to persuade these amazing scientists to let some of us go on this amazing journey and be in the Super Civilization. There will be cries for help, drama, bribes and many more persuasive acts in this book! This opportunity to start a Super Civilization is hard to find, and we are prepared to show our best work in hopes of joining this amazing group of people. Enjoy reading this book. It was made just for you.


THE AZTEC EMPIRE - By Aldrin, By Joshua

3

ANCIENT BRITAIN - By Shirley, By Kimberly

5

ANCIENT CHINA - By Von, By Melissa

7

ANCIENT EGYPT - By Vanessa

9

ANCIENT GREECE - By Marie, By Oishi , By Nina

11

THE INCA EMPIRE - By Steven, By Ansaf

13

ANCIENT INDUS VALLEY - By A.P., By Arina

15

THE MAYA EMPIRE - By Matthew

17

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA - By Jethro, By Benz

18

THE ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICANS - By Mateo

20

ANCIENT NUBIA - By Gian, By Ciara

21

ANCIENT ROME - By Savanna, By Enrique, By Max, By Tyler

23

THE VIKINGS - By David, By Felicity

27


THE AZTEC EMPIRE

By Aldrin Hello, my name is Atl, and I am a merchant from the Ancient Aztec Civilization. I should be a part of the new Super Civilization because I will strengthen the economy, help expand the civilization with trading systems, and trade chocolate. Aztec people make the best chocolate because the Aztec were one of the first civilizations to discover the cocoa bean and make chocolate. In the Super Civilization, people will buy chocolate because it tastes good. Our chocolate is the best because we know a lot about it. Without me, your economy will fail and collapse, because if you take an average merchant, you will not be able to get all the resources you need. I can make any economy strong with amazing trades and awesome deals. I am an expert merchant because I can negotiate anything, and I have experiences with all different types of merchandising and transactions. Without a doubt, I will expand the civilization with trading systems that bring new ideas and technologies to everyone. Some people say that I might not trade well with foreign resources. For example, some minerals are not common to the Aztec area. But, I can learn quickly and develop any knowledge that the Super Civilization needs for trading, as I am determined to bargain for the best deal. Overall, I am the full package of a merchant and should be part of the Super Civilization. I wake up every morning with no one telling me to wake up. It is because my incredible job and enthusiasm for my occupation wakes me. Again, I will strengthen the economy, help expand the civilization’s trading systems, and will trade chocolate—because who doesn’t like chocolate? Sincerely, Atl 3


By Joshua Hello, my name is Joshua and I am a farmer from the Ancient Aztec Civilization. I believe I should go to the new Super Civilization because I can grow crops. Without me, the people of the Super Civilization will starve. I can sell the food that I grow for money to buy other foods, and I can even raise many animals for food. I’m a farmer who can grow many types of crops, like beans, squash, corn, potatoes, tomatoes and avocados. I can also grow cocoa beans and make chocolate for people who like it. I am always sure to clean my food before giving it to people so they don’t get sick. I also sell my food to merchants so I can get money to buy other seeds to grow. I know farmers take up a lot of land, but I can build a small but tall building. In the building, we can make lots of floors, and on each floor, we can make a garden. For example, the first floor will be a squash garden and the second floor will be a bean garden. We can also raise animals like dogs, geese, ducks and turkeys. When they are all grown up, we can cook them and then eat them. I should be part of the Super Civilization because I can grow many types of foods. This is very helpful for your Super Civilization because without me, you guys will starve. That is why I should be in the new Super Civilization. Again, I would like to say that I can grow crops, sell food and raise animals, and without me, the new planet will not survive.

4


ANCIENT BRITAIN

By Shirley Hello, I am a medieval queen of England and I believe that I should be a part of the new Super Civilization. Being the leader of a civilization is harder than it looks, but I love being the leader because it gives me a chance to show responsibility. If someone needs my help, then I try my best to help them because I care for my civilization. I should be part of the new Super Civilization because they will need a leader to guide the people through the good and bad situations. The civilization will need someone who can listen to ideas from people in order to make the civilization a better place for everyone. Finally, the community will need someone who won’t back down from a threat, no matter what the situation is. Even though I am a respected leader, I may take my leadership for granted and could start bossing people around. But I believe I should still be part of the civilization because even though people will think I’m being bossy to be mean, they will realize that I’m only wanting the best for them. I can be pushy, so I need to learn how to give my subjects their space. In conclusion, I am a medieval queen of England, and I believe that I should be part of the Super Civilization because it will need a leader who won’t judge and who won’t back down in any situation. That is why I strongly believe that I should be part of the Super Civilization. I promise that I will make it a new and better place for everyone.

5


By Kimberly Hello, I am the Queen of Ancient Britain. I understand that creating a new civilization will be challenging and a bit stressful, but I believe that I should be part of the new civilization because everybody needs to have somebody who has experience taking charge and believing in herself. Pointing that out, I believe I’ve got what it takes to go to the Super Civilization. Also, making the Super Civilization will mean that the people need someone who knows and understands how to build a new society that is strong and beautiful. A queen should stand up—do what she is meant to do. She will never give up, no matter how complicated making this new civilization will be. In all honesty, I understand the pros and cons of bringing a queen to rule the new civilization, because some people may not believe that I will try my absolute best in making the right decisions and trying to get everybody’s voice heard. I know that I will be capable of taking charge and making the best decisions I can make because in ancient times, everything was very strict, like the rules, laws and orders given. I promise to use that part of my experience as a positive side, to give out fair consequences that are deserved. I have lived long enough to understand and know if something is harsh or if it is a heartless action. Yes, maybe I will mess up, and maybe I’d have to listen to just my own voice once in a while and not anybody else’s. But I am going to try my best to reach out to everybody because I am a queen. I feel that everybody expects me to be conceited and just the kind to be thinking about myself, but in reality, I will only follow what the people and my heart have to say. I know the family root that was made long ago. Once I die, the power that I received will be given to one of my children. The royal family line will continue, meaning that only the royal family will have the privilege to rule, and not others who are ordinary people, even if it seems like they were born to be leaders. To clarify everything that I have mentioned, I do understand being a queen from Ancient Britain sounds old fashioned and being able to rule another civilization will be challenging, but bringing a queen in that spaceship may be the best decision you will make. As the Ancient Queen of Britain, I will try my best to please and let everyone have a voice in every decision I will make along the way to our newly developed future.

6


ANCIENT CHINA

By Von Hi, I’m Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. I want to be part of the Super Civilization, because I’m useful because I have money, power and technology. I should be part of the Super Civilization because I can build a wall around our new place to protect it from the creatures and threats. I will also create the best army and hire the best soldiers to protect everyone. I might be bossy, but it’s only because I need to make sure things are okay. I want to be part of the Super Civilization because I’m a wise ruler. I am strong because I train myself to be able to protect everyone. I will protect people in the Super Civilization with my new army.

7


By Melissa Hi, I am a painter from Ancient China. I deserve to go to the Super Civilization because I can document historical events and historical people by painting portraits and painting landmarks that are in the new civilization. Without me, your entire civilization will have no expression and everything will be boring. The whole civilization will look like a blank page. With the paintings I create, I can sell them and make money. With that money, I can get better materials and make better paintings. Some civilizations do not want painters because some people think painters don’t have expression. Some people at the new civilization might think I paint all day so they may think I’m boring. In conclusion, I document events, express art and sell art to make money. These are three very good reasons I should go on the spaceship to the new Super Civilization.

8


ANCIENT EGYPT

By Hannah Hello, I am a male farmer from Ancient Egypt. I want to be a part of the new Super Civilization. Being a farmer is a really tough job because I have to wake up every day early in the morning and care for the food in order to give food to my civilization. But I want to help my people live a healthy life. The reason why I want to be part of the Super Civilization is because I can provide wheat, barley, figs, vines, melons, pomegranates, vegetables and more food in order to prevent our people from hunger. I know a lot about growing food during emergencies. So, if there is an unfortunate situation, I will know how to provide food for everyone. In addition, I also know how to grow fresh and delicious food even if there is no emergency. Farmers like me and other poor people typically eat simple foods, like bread, fruit and wild honey every day. So feeding us won’t be too much of a hassle. But wealthy people can enjoy our more elegant foods, like dates, bread, fish and beef. I am absolutely sure that all farmers are really hard workers, and we can expand and do different jobs (which is really useful in many other situations). Some other things Egyptians are good at include dancing, music, and writing. Farmers definitely create a healthy and loving civilization. Perhaps I don’t know about anything other than farming because I’m not highly educated. But I can still provide healthy and delicious food for many people. Hands down, I do a really important job that other people who are more educated couldn’t possibly do. Farmers are very useful and mature. Therefore, I truly believe that a farmer should be a part of the new Super Civilization for the better of our society to come.

9


By Vanessa I am a pharaoh from Ancient Egypt and I want to be a part of the Super Civilization. I should be a part of the Super Civilization because it will need a leader to help people gather food, make money, find jobs, and build houses and roads. A pharaoh can make sure these ideas come true. There might be a lot of competition to decide who will be the leader of the new civilization, but I am 100% sure that I should be the leader of this civilization because pharaohs are better leaders and are very patient. For example, Egyptians worked very hard and for a long time to make pyramids that are now big and wonderful landmarks in Egypt. We can make everybody happy by giving them warm and better shelters, and delicious, healthy food. In conclusion, I am a pharaoh and I believe that I should go to the new planet to help build the new civilization and be a leader for the better future of our people.

10


ANCIENT GREECE

By Marie Hello, I am a Greek Olympian from Ancient Greece and I should be a part of the new Super Civilization. I should have proper food to eat and a house to live in, because you need an Olympian in every civilization to represent the country’s athleticism and sportsmanship. A second reason why I should be a part of the Super Civilization is because I’m a very healthy person and can encourage and help others to be healthy as well. Finally, if I’m a wealthy person, I can donate some money to help build houses on the new planet for other families to live in. One thing that could happen is if I were to get injured or severely hurt, then there wouldn’t be a point for me on the new planet because I won’t have value in the Super Civilization. On the other hand, I think it would be quite difficult to get hurt or severely injured because of how fit I am. I strongly believe that I will make a great impact in the new Super Civilization because I will represent athleticism and sportsmanship, help others to be healthy, and, finally, give families a home to live in.

By Nina Hello, I’m Felicia Jones from Greece. I am a committed warrior who has been training for years. I would like this amazing opportunity to be part of the Super Civilization. You should let me come with you because I will fight for this civilization and I believe that an army should have at least one female mind because we know how to stay organized and we are good at planning things. 11


Another reason is that I feel very passionate about fighting for this civilization and carrying on my Greek traditions, like making some fresh salad for our warriors. I deserve to be a part of this new civilization because I come from a very rich family that has a year’s worth of tools that are hard to find, and I could provide you with a bunch of new swords, spears and shields. Without me, you will fall apart! I can be a very bossy person and like to voice my opinion a little too loud sometimes. I might be kind of annoying to be around but I’m very kind as well. I believe that our army needs someone who can get things done fast and has a good, strong opinion! I am a committed woman who can improve this civilization. I will sacrifice the time I spend with my loving family to help the Super Civilization fight and win wars. That is why I deserve to come with you on this amazing journey. I repeat, I am 100% ready for this opportunity!

By Oishi Hello, my name is Oishi and I’m a philosopher from Ancient Greece who wants to be a part of the Super Civilization. If I’m a part of the Super Civilization, I will ask important questions and take democracy to its highest peak. I’m also a great mediator. The qualities I have will help your civilization reach its fullest possibilities. First, I can ask important questions about the environment, economy, education and human contributions. Ancient Greece is the civilization that invented school. That’s why I have the best knowledge compared to other philosophers from other civilizations. Second, I’m from the time period when Ancient Greece was at its highest peak of democracy and philosophers had a big part of it, too. Therefore, I can easily help take the super civilization to its highest peak of democracy. Third, I am a great mediator because I see both sides of an argument. This will stop people from fighting, so they won’t start a war and the civilization will be very peaceful. Someone who has such a great impact can be very useful for the Super Civilization. Some people might think that I’m too opinionated, or they don’t want someone who can see both sides of an argument and only want someone who can see their side. But in the new Super Civilization, you need someone who has the knowledge to take the civilization as far as possible. I can help the civilization be equal in what everybody wants. So, I can make a peaceful civilization where everybody’s thoughts count. Therefore, you need me to ask the important questions, take the democracy to its highest peak and have a great mediator for your civilization to succeed. 12


THE INCA EMPIRE

By Steven Hi, my name is Jib and I am a male from the Inca Civilization. I am a farmer and I herd llamas. I want to be a part of the new Super Civilization because my llamas can provide meat, wool, and dung for fuel. I can sleep in a small tent, which will take up a very small space on the spaceship. I want to be a part of the new Super Civilization for three reasons. My first reason is that llamas are used for their meat and give wool for clothing. Llamas will stop people from being hungry, and the wool will keep them from being sick, because it is warm. My second-best reason is that llama dung can be used for fuel in the winter and fertilizer in the summer to help crops produce a lot of food. My third-best reason is that I can drive away foxes and protect other animals from being eaten. I know llamas can be dirty but I can clean up after them. Finding food for llamas can be hard because they eat a lot, but if they eat well, they will grow up and provide a lot of meat and wool for the people. Farm work is tiring. However, the hard work pays off. In conclusion I should be on the spaceship because llamas are big, and you can get a lot of meat and wool. Llamas may be dirty, but people need food. Llama farmers are important because they provide llama meat, wool, and dung for fuel, and i will drive away foxes—this is why I belong on this spaceship.

13


By Ansaf I am a craftsman from the Inca Civilization. I want to go to the Super Civilization not only because the Inca king is trying to kill me, but because I can make many things. I can make necklaces, weapons, bronze, pottery, knives, pins for garments and tools. I can also make temples and houses. The king is trying to kill me because I made a temple for the king, but underneath it, I put in live crocodiles. Now, I must get away and I need to go to the new Super Civilization. I can make beautiful necklaces for the people of the new Super Civilization. My necklaces are made out of gold, jade and diamonds. Everyone will want at least one or two. I am good at building houses. They are made of sunbaked brick, with thatched roofs. There are no doors and no windows, but the doorway is covered with a strip of hanging leather and woven cloth. People say I only eat, sleep and party. However, I am always sure to get my work done before I have fun. So, you must take me to the Super Civilization so I can get away from the king who is trying to kill me. But in return, I will build your temples and houses and make beautiful jewellery. You cannot survive in your Super Civilization without me.

14


ANCIENT INDUS VALLEY

By A.P. I am a female raja leader from the Indus Valley. I believe I should go to the Super Civilization because my job is to take care of people. I am more educated than the average citizen. People describe me as a fast thinker, a problem solver, a good decision maker and always pleasant. I currently guide three families with helpful, understandable instructions and help them get along with each other. I assure you that I am not lazy. Within the Super Civilization, I will provide yummy food for all the families and I will be the last to eat. I will also build homes with my bare hands so that the homes will be extra sturdy. Everybody will have beautiful, handmade, bold-coloured tunics to wear. Safety will not be lacking in the Super Civilization, and if people get sick, I will give them medicine and rest. They won’t have to work until after they are better. People who disobey me will not get to participate in any fun activities and won’t get dinner until they apologize. You can pick and choose jobs that you prefer. On New Year’s Day we will dance and feast in honour of our civilization. I will give you melons as a gift if it’s your birthday. Even though some people think that I am stretching the truth about how much work I get done, I will, without a doubt, complete all the tasks that I promise. I vow to do my best for the people of the Super Civilization. That is why I believe I should be a part of the Super Civilization.

15


By Arina Hello, I’m a raja from the Indus Valley and I want to be a part of the Super Civilization. I keep families close and I control the household, so things don’t go crazy. I guide people and tell them what to do. I’m more educated than the average citizen. In my civilization, people who aren’t famous or leaders care about other people around them, but I care more about myself. But I will try to be like everyone else and care more about others if you take me to the Super Civilization. I should be part of the Super Civilization because I have a home with only one room and this home will be easy to build. I wear skirts and shoulder shawls. I should be part of the new civilization because I keep families close, and I guide people and tell them what to do because I’m more educated than the average citizen. I like the Super Civilization!

16


THE MAYA EMPIRE

By Matthew Hello, I am a farmer from the Maya Civilization and my name is Juan Rodriguez. I believe that I should go to the Super Civilization because I provide my civilization with foods like corn and fish because our civilization’s foods are corn-based and fish. I believe that I should go to the Super Civilization because what if there was no fresh food on the new Super Civilization planet? I would be there to help grow foods. I also believe I should go to the new Super Civilization because I am not only a good farmer, I am also a smart farmer because I use a method called slash-and-burn before I begin planting crops. Slash-and-burn farming is a lot of hard work for me. First, I cut down all the trees in the area that I want to plant crops in. Next, I burn the tree stumps and then I have the trees cut down. The ashes from the fires mix with the soil. The ashes make the soil rich, or fertile. Fertile means it is good for growing things. I would also have to grow corn because corn is one of our main and basic foods.

17


ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA

By Jethro Hi, I’m Jethro, a Mesopotamian king who needs to be on the spaceship and heading to the Super Civilization. To this civilization, I can bring money, luxuries and technology. Honestly, you will need my awesomeness because I’m extremely intelligent. I’ve ruled through wars and conflicts; therefore I’m very experienced in warfare. Since I’m extremely intelligent, I have fantastic ideas for a defensive structure around the new civilization. Defensive structures we had in Mesopotamia will be easy to re-create and build for the Super Civilization. We had humongous walls, long-ranged cannons and unbreakable metal gates. Also, since I am a spectacular Mesopotamian king, I can rule the civilization by enforcing the rules and making great, reasonable laws. Even though I might be too bossy and mean to servants, I am still an extraordinary king who is very smart, strong and wise. I’m also supremely loyal, and very capable of handling any problem that occurs in the Super Civilization. The Super Civilization will be one hundred percent better with me than without me because I have been a king and ruled for more than 50 years. With all my experience, I am extremely useful for the Super Civilization. I also have many other skills that you will need in the Super Civilization. I know how to make weapons such as swords, spears, maces, shields, portable daggers and strong armour. I can help with smelting and crafting weapons for the Super Civilization. Also, I know how to make other things like frying pans, hooks, pipes, chisels and many other things for your daily use. I’m not just a king—I’m a king who can cook wonderful and amazing food that will give your taste

18


buds a vacation from yucky and distasteful food served by horrible cooks. In Mesopotamia, we cook delicious rice, broccoli, carrots, onions, cauliflower, steak, pork, beef and many other types of food that I know how to cook. Don’t forget that I’m also a skilled soldier who can hunt for food in the wild, and shoot precisely with a bow and arrow. Just remember that I deserve to be on that spaceship and heading to the Super Civilization. I’m a very experienced leader, so I know how to handle any problems and situations. I’m very intelligent; I can be useful in events that need my smarts. I also have skills in cooking, warfare, technology, building, crafting, smelting and plenty more! You better not let this awesome opportunity pass you by. If you let me in, I promise that you won’t regret it! Sincerely, Jethro the Mesopotamian King

By Benz Hi, I am Gilgamesh, and I want to change the world. I am a god of Ancient Mesopotamia. I feel that I deserve to be on the spaceship and go to the Super Civilization because I know what lies ahead. I am going to bring really important technology to your civilization with my inventing skills. We Mesopotamians invented mud walls and glass. Schools in Mesopotamia are attached to temples and only boys can go to school. As part of our religion, we carve stone figures. We used to believe the world was a flat disc. Mesopotamia lasted more than 3000 years. I can invent things that you like and that won’t pollute the planet. As an inventor, I can make stuff that you need, like teleporters, medicine and weapons that will help protect the town from the demons. I can protect people from demons. If you are wondering why I know that there are going to be demons in the Super Civilization, it’s because I know what lies ahead. I kill demons with swords, and I don’t need armour because I move very quickly so the demons can’t touch me. There might be things that are living in the Super Civilization that I don’t know about. What if there is a human/pig that will get us all? That’s why you need me to save you and your people. Since I’m good at protecting people, I can take those demons off of your hands, or any other monsters. I feel that I deserve to get a spot on that spaceship. First, I can get rid of demons and monsters. Also I’m an inventor so I can make things you want. Lastly, I am a great god and treat people right. 19


THE ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICANS

By Mateo Hello, my name is Mateo and I am a chief of the Ancient Native American Civilization. I should be a part of the new Super Civilization because as a chief, my job is to keep my people and the village safe. I am also very respectful of the land that I live on, and my civilization provides 60% of the world’s present food supply. I keep my civilization safe in the winter with snowshoes and toboggans. We have warm homes such as tepees and longhouses. We also have plenty of food, clothes and warm blankets. I keep my civilization safe during wartime by using a secret coded Navajo language. We keep our children safe by teaching them how to make bracelets and lacrosse sticks so they don’t get in our way while we are working. Native Americans live in harmony with nature and do not abuse the natural world. We do not kill anything that we would not use. We never kill an animal or fish for the sport of it. Fishing and hunting is a way to survive. We respect the land and do our best not to pollute it. Did you know 60% of the present world’s food supply comes from Native American agriculture? These foods include potatoes, beans, corn, peanuts, pumpkins, tomatoes, squash, peppers, nuts, melons and sunflower seeds. If you don’t want to starve, you should definitely bring me to the new Super Civilization. Some people say they don’t feel comfortable with me because they have heard a lot of stereotypes about me. However, people should not believe in stereotypes because they are not always true. In conclusion, I should go to the new Super Civilization because as a chief, my job is to keep my people safe. I am very respectful of the land I live on, and my civilization currently provides 60% of the world’s present food supply. You should pick me because I will protect the new civilization from the beginning to the end.

20


ANCIENT NUBIA

By Gian Hi, I am a trader from the Ancient Civilization of Nubia. I want to go to the new Super Civilization because I can trade anything for good stuff. For example, I can trade, gold, money and minerals. I’m also a good negotiator and I can trade gold for clothes. I had a really good education in Nubia. I can trade anything for anything. For example, Nubia has plenty of gold, money, minerals and clothes. You need clothes because without clothes you would be naked and could get sick. I can get any type of clothing, even the Nubian tunic and long skirts made out of linen. I can also trade lots of stuff like ostrich feathers, doum (palm fruits), exotic products, animals like giraffes, and food like millet, barley and cattle meat. The ostrich feathers are useful for Nubians because we use the feathers for beds and pillows. People always come to me to trade something for a hat because it is always hot in Nubia. If the new civilization is hot or cold, just come to me and I will keep you cool or warm. I used to trade marijuana in Nubia, but I have seen what happens when people use this drug—if I bring marijuana to the new Super Civilization, people might get sick or die. But I can throw away the drugs and make the people healthy instead. If I was a part of the Super Civilization, I would give people lots of stuff, as I am also the key to the economy. Again, I would like to say that I’m a trader from Nubia and I want to go to the new Super Civilization because I’m a good negotiator and I can trade anything for anything.

21


By Ciara Hello, I am a Nubian queen and I help people from my civilization. I care a lot for my civilization by being helpful and caring. I will be telling you my reasons why I should go to the new Super Civilization. The Super Civilization will need a leader. I believe in freedom, which means I will make sure that there is equality, and I will treat everyone with respect. Also, I do things to help people be free and equal. For example, I feed homeless people. Some people might think I’m bossy and rude because I might be rude and bossy to people. But I am not, because I do good things to help people get what they need to be happy. So I believe that I should be in the new Super Civilization. Yes, the Super Civilization might be worse if I’m there because the people might not take me for who I am. But I believe I should still go to the new Super Civilization so that I can help others who need help and make them happy. In conclusion, I believe that I, the Queen of Nubia, should go to the new Super Civilization so I can help people and give them freedom to do whatever they want, because I want everyone to be free and equal.

22


ANCIENT ROME

By Savanna Hello, I am Savanna, the emperor’s daughter from Ancient Rome. I want to go to the Super Civilization. I want to be part of the Super Civilization because it’s a new start for me, I can learn more about different cultures and languages, and I can meet new people from different places. If I went to the Super Civilization, I would help the environment, champion causes and volunteer. I don’t expect to be given money for my work because I have a lot of extra money. I will even partially donate my money to the new Super Civilization. People might say that I am a waste of space or even forget why I came to the new civilization, but I will prove them wrong. I know about gardens and many more things that will beautify the community. I can keep the planet green, healthy and safe by giving my time to work on the new planet. I also have advanced university knowledge. Being the emperor’s daughter, I have a degree in science. I also went to medical school to become a volunteering doctor. Then I decided to study politics and languages. I can speak French, Spanish, English, Italian and Latin, so I can even teach others what I know. The three reasons why I should be a part of this new civilization are that it’s a new start for me, I can learn more about different cultures and languages, and I can meet new people from different places. I am the future.

23


By Enrique I’m a soldier from Ancient Rome, and I want to be a part of the Super Civilization. I will fight for people’s rights and freedoms, and a fair government. I eat basic foods like bread and water for breakfast, and wheat porridge with vegetables or fruits for lunch, so I will save the civilization money because I don’t eat expensive food. I will save more money for the Super Civilization because I’m okay with little privacy, so I don’t need to live in my own house, and I’m okay with basic clothing because my parents were poor, so I will not need to kill animals to make more clothes. Because my parents were poor plebeians, I couldn’t afford to go to school, but I have a lot of skills, like protecting people. I will fight for freedom, live a basic life and follow orders from my superiors. That is why I should be part of the new Super Civilization.

24


By Max Hello, my name is Fanius. I am a Roman soldier who wishes to join the journey to the new Super Civilization. I am experienced in warfare and building cities, and I am very physically strong. I believe you should accept me as part of the new Super Civilization because I will be able to teach people how to fight in wars. I have fought in epic battles and my civilization is famous for conquering Greece, Egypt, Spain and Portugal. I have served in the Roman army for more than twenty years and I have spent thousands of hours on the frontline. This is good for the new Super Civilization, because I have a lot of experience and will be very helpful in case a war breaks out. I am very strong because in Rome I had to carry all of my food and tents while wearing all of my armour. We have marched in one hundred–degree sun and even sometimes in ankle-deep snow. I can also help build an empire in the new civilization. In Ancient Rome, soldiers often have to help build roads, forts and buildings. Since I am working all the time, I get very hungry and need more food than most people. I will eat a lot of different foods, such as grains, fruits, bacon and lamb. However, this food will provide me with the energy to fight for your civilization. The food will be well spent. I believe you should accept me on this journey to the new Super Civilization because I am a valuable Roman soldier who is experienced in warfare and building cities, and is very physically strong.

25


By Tyler Food and Drink • Bread eaten with sausage, meat, eggs, cheese, fish or shell fish. • Rich people ate three courses. Poor people had one course. • Romans usually had one large meal daily. • Romans loved wine.

Transportation • Used roads and bridges. • Used horses and chariots. • They walked. • Used merchant ships and warships. • First Roman road was built over 2300 years ago.

How They Lived • Some people lived in the city and some people lived in the country. • Cities had offices, law courts, temples, shops, public bath houses and theatres. • Families were large. • Plebeians were workers. • There were farmers, shopkeepers, soldiers and slaves. • Patricians were upper class.

Communication • Spoke Latin. • Roman alphabet was the basis for many modern languages, like Italian, English, Spanish and French.

26


THE VIKINGS

By David Without me, your civilization will absolutely fail. I am a farmer from the Norse Civilization and I must go to the Super Civilization. I know how to provide a variety of foods, such as animal meat, dairy products, bread, eggs and produce for the Super Civilization. Without my knowledge and skills to grow food, the new civilization will fail and many people will die from starvation. I have been farming since the age of sixteen, when, in my civilization, you’re considered to take on the role of an adult. I belong in the Super Civilization because I can teach people to grow crops without chemicals. My food is organic, healthy and safe to eat. For instance, in the Norse civilization, we harvest fresh foods like wheat and barley. Therefore, by teaching other people to grow crops, we won’t run out of food so quickly. In addition, the Norse civilization is very caring about animals, like horses. We treasure horses because they help transfer food sources and many other items. Horses will be very important in the Super Civilization because they will be used as more transportation to transfer important goods. As a farmer, I need a lot of space to grow crops, which may take up space that could be used for other important structures. But I can make the crops smaller by planting them in smaller rows so that there’s more space for other important structures. I am a really hard worker and I never give up. I always do my best to complete my tasks and goals. I come from a very experienced family of farmers and I am better than your average farmer. People need food to live, and I’m the person who you need to provide you food in the Super Civilization. I’m one hundred percent committed and ready to go to the Super Civilization. 27


By Felicity Hello, my name is Flossy, a.k.a. Felicity, and I am a woman from the Norse Civilization. I am a merchant by day and a Viking by night. I think I deserve a place on the spaceship because I will make a difference to this Super Civilization. I will protect people, sell good items for cheap prices and fight off any unwanted visitors. I deserve to be on the spaceship because I will show all women that they can fight and be warriors just like me. I will protect other people who come with us to the civilization. I will also help protect the king and queen who rule the new planet. As a Viking, I will protect everybody I can on the new planet to help them be safe and in good health. I will sell weapons like swords that have sharp blades and shields that are made of the strongest wood in the whole kingdom. I will also sell bows made out of really strong sticks and the finest string that I can find. To go with the bows, I will sell arrows made out of sticks and strong, sharp metal. I will take the metal to a blacksmith to make sure the sharp point on the end is strong and unbreakable. I will also be trustworthy and inspiring to the people of the Super Civilization. I can help them not to be scared when intruders come to the planet. People can trust me to deliver them the best tools on the planet to help defend themselves when in need. One thing that might be concerning is that I might not be as good of a warrior as a lot of the men who are better trained for protecting people like the king and queen. However, I can learn more fighting techniques from my fellow Vikings who fight. They can teach me how to do things I do not know how to do. I usually live in a small shack with a walk-up shop window. In the new civilization, I can start fresh and live somewhere different. It would be great to start new and keep the troubles at home behind me. I won’t have to worry about anything that happens back at home. One thing I can do to help the people of this new civilization understand me better is teach everybody a little bit of the Norse language, which is now commonly known as Norwegian. I think I should be on this spaceship because I will be very helpful to the people, and give them things they need to fight and protect themselves with. I think women can fight and protect just like the men in the Norse civilization. I feel I deserve a place on the spaceship because I will make a difference to the planet, as I will sell, fight and be very strong. Ha en fin dag! Have a good day! 28


Copyright © 2014 The Writers’ Exchange This book was created by Division 1, Ms. Kowal-Seafoot’s grade 6/7 class, at Mount Pleasant Elementary in the fall of 2013. The Writers’ Exchange makes literacy exciting and accessible for inner-city kids through free mentoring and creative writing projects like this chapbook. All Writers’ Exchange programs are free for the children and families we serve, so we could not exist without the support of generous donors, including Megan Abbott, Marily Mearns, the Vancouver Foundation, Nancy and Ted Maitland, Bernard MacLeod, the Central City Foundation, Claudia Casper and James Griffin, The Home Depot Canada Foundation and the Hamber Foundation. Thank you. And thank you to the amazing volunteer mentors who work with the kids in all Writers’ Exchange programs so that each child can succeed to the best of his or her ability.

Writers’ Exchange 881 East Hastings Vancouver, BC V6A 1R8

Writers’ Exchange in-school projects are made possible by the Vancouver Foundation.

Printing for this chapbook was generously donated by Hemlock. project of

Writers’ Exchange mentors: Alysha, Amanda, Anna, Claire, Colleen, Kathryn, Sarah D., Sarah M. Designer: Bartosz Barczak

To learn more about the Writers’ Exchange and read more fantastic student writing, visit vancouverWE.com.


A NEW CIVILIZATION, A NEW WORLD BE PERSUASIVE OR BE LEFT BEHIND


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.