Willow's Online Journal

Let’s say name1 is convicted of killing name2, does name1 deserve to be executed? Lethal Injection, Electrocution, Lethal Gas, Firing Squad, and Hanging. These 5 methods of execution have legally taken the lives of at least 690 people globally in 2018. 

I’m Willow and I am going to be talking about capital punishment, or more commonly known, the death penalty. This was presented to me in the book And Then There Were None as the character Justice Wargrave believes he has the right to sentence people to execution at his own will, this presented the idea of the death penalty and execution to me in general as it is a contraversial and intriguing topic. 

The death penalty is a government sanctioned practice whereby a person is killed by the state as a punishment for a crime. At the end of 2018 there were 19,336 people known to currently be on death row, that’s 19,336 people that are aware they could be executed today, tomorrow or in 10 years time. So, is it okay to legally murder coldblooded serial killers or does that make us just as bad as them? 

There are 106 countries in the world where capital punishment is legal, these countries believe in and encourage the idea of sentencing someone to death because of a crime. The murderers in these countries are aware of the possible consequences and vacate their rights as a human being when choosing to take another’s life. These inhumane acts cause them to be seen as animals, and therefore they should be treated like animals. When a dog attacks a human, they can get put down as punishment, so why shouldn’t we use equal punishment towards the people that not only attack other humans, but kill them. 

Let’s talk about John Wayne Gacy, the serial killer who raped, tortured and murdered more than 33 young boys over a period of 6 years. He had a reputation for dressing up as a clown at children’s events and earned the nickname “killer clown”. After being convicted of 33 murders he spent 14 years on death row and was executed by lethal injection in early May 1994. Gacy said that after his first murder he “realised that death was the ultimate thrill.” He was a cold, disturbed man yet his life ended in a more humane way than the people he murdered. Gacy deserved the same fate as his victims, he chose to strip those 33 boys of their right to live so therefore he lost his. 1 in every 9 people in prison are serving a life sentence, so think about it, if you were a murderer wouldn’t you rather be executed than spend the rest of your life rotting away in prison. 

You can’t give back a life once it has been taken, as soon as the breath leaves their body and their heart stops beating, there is no going back. The death penalty takes lives with no remorse, we should not be as bad as the people who commit horrendous crimes, all that does is make us the monster too. Everyday at least one person is killed by the death penalty, that means that every single day people on earth choose to legally murder someone and rip their life away from them. In the past 50 years there have been 166 people released from death row after they were discovered to be innocent, these people lived out what they thought were their last days, in jail cells waiting to be executed for a crime they did not commit. A study from equal justice initiative revealed that for every 9 people executed in the US, 1 innocent person is among them. 

George Stinney was one of those innocent people, unfairly treated and punished for a crime he did not commit. In 1944 George was convicted of murdering two young girls, he was 14 years old when he was executed by the electric chair. It was not until 70 years later that the case was reopened and the court ruled his trial unfair because of lack of evidence. But it was too late, there was no way to bring George Stinney back, he did not deserve to die but because of the death penalty, he was murdered before he even got to truly live. There are many cases similar to this where suspects are mistreated and mistakes are made, the result of these mistakes is the execution of innocent people. So why do we allow ourselves to turn our backs on humankind and murder people while hiding behind the law and saying they deserve it, even if they may not. 

These are two very different ways of looking at the death penalty, I believe that yes and no are the simple ways of looking at it, when in reality how we use the power of capital punishment is what actually matters. If you take someone such as John Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy or Jeffrey Dahmer, then yes it is plain and simple that they deserve to suffer the fate they laid upon their victims. But the death penalty is more complex than famous serial killers, there are countless cases of so called self defense, minor participation in murder and man slaughter where it is not clear that the death penalty is actually the right decision. Capital punishment currently is only given to the most disturbed and deserving people, there have only been 10 criminals executed in the United States so far this year, which shows that it is the worst of the worst recieving this punishment. In my opinion having the death penalty in some locations may help rid the world of villianous humans and create a safer life for people. 

So, remember when name1 was convicted for the murder of name2? Does she deserve to be executed? Well I can’t actually tell you that, we don’t know if it was planned, accidental, self defence or maybe she didn’t do it at all and I’m blaming an innocent person. The death penalty is a complicated topic that can be portrayed in many different lights. Justice Wargraves outlook on giving out death sentences at his own will in And Then There Were None made me wonder if the death penalty can actually be used as justifiable punishment and through all of my research I did not come to a definite answer. So, is it okay to legally murder coldblooded serial killers or does that make us just as bad as them? Well, You tell me. 

Thank you. 

The Hook: This is all about creating a immediate impact on your audience. The hook is only the first thing that is said. There are multiple ways to go about doing this.

• Anecdote: This is a short story, usually humorous or interesting, about a real incident or person. This helps connect to your audience by setting the stage and outlining the theme of your speech through a narrative.
• Conversational Statement: This is a statement designed to elicit a strong emotional response from your audience. This is done by saying something contrary to what would be considered appropriate.
• Audience Conversation: This is about using conversational language that puts your audience at ease and encourages them to join in the conversation
• Audience Command: This is about instructing your audience to do something. This can be powerful when used to highlight a theme. It makes your audience active participants in the speech, not just passive listeners.
• Quotation: Starting your speech off with a quote can add authority right away. This will help your audience accept that you are informed on the topic you are about to speak on.
• Rhetorical Question: This is a question that does not need an answer. This can be extremely confronting for your audience. It will put them in a position where they must think about how they would answer the question. This is best used to highlight the theme of your speech.

The Overview: Now you have them hooked, what do you do? This is where you introduce them to the outline of your speech. Delivering information on the ‘big picture’ is important in this section of your speech. use the “w” (who, what, when, where, why) questions as a base and build up from there.

The perspectives: Now your audience is hooked and know what to expect from your speech, it is time to deliver your content. When you are doing your perspectives there are some things to think about.

• The narrative point of view: 1st/2nd/3rd person point of view. As a general rule, your speech will be written in 3rd person. However, there are moments when speaking in 1st person is more appropriate. Anecdotes, roleplay or direct conversation are examples.
• The tone: Connecting with content. It is incredibly important that the tone of your speech matches the content. You need to ensure that the language effects and choices you make develop a consistent tone. You cannot switch between a harsh, lecturing tone and a light, jovial tone without it being jarring.
• The appeals: Logos, Ethos, Pathos. Be sure to logically build these into your speech. Facts, stats, research, anecdotes and analogies will be useful written here.
• Knowing your audience: Age, Vocabulary, Gender. You need to deliver the information in a manner that is accessible and stimulating for them. This means approaching your speech with the audience in mind. How you phrase certain information will change how the audience will respond to you.

The perspectives: Once you have outlined the to ways sides of your idea from you need to spend some time discussing your perspective. It may be that you side heavily with one particular point of view or that you sit somewhere in the middle. Whatever you believe is fine but you need to take your opportunity to discuss why you believe what you do.

Logos – an appeal to Logic

This means the use of statistics, facts and data to reinforce your argument

The use of a logical appeal can enhance a persuasive speech by supplying information that is undeniable. It creates an argument that is hard to rebut because with facts to support you argument it becomes less of and opinion and simply a statement of what is true.

Ethos – an appeal to Authority

This means to address the credibility of a source of information. Using specific terminology related to the topic or quoting a notable figure is a good way to appeal to authority.

By using ethos you are able to enhance your speech by establishing that those with significance in the field agree with your point, thereby showing that you are right. Using the technical language adds the impression that you have knowledge of the topic.

Creative Writing – Lake Hawea

Statement of intent: I am intending on writing a piece of creative writing that explains the scene of Hawea on a winter morning. I am hoping to place the reader in the scene and create an image of what it would really look like. I will do this by using the senses of sight, smell, hear, feel and taste and using figurative language to describe the scene. 

It is winter, the modest township of Lake Hawea sleeps soundly, undisturbed by the coarse frost that has settled overnight. The small community at the bottom of the valley is overcome by a dangerous cold, threatening the loss of artistry among the streets. Towering trees are wielded with frozen blades of ice, brittle frost roughly cloaks the ground masking the delicate landscape. A suffocating fog is established in the vacant town, supported by a brutally crisp air that grasps each corner of the urban landscape. Behind the distant peaks, the rays of a golden sun begin to spill into the valley below, defending the town against the grim winter morning. 

Listen. Iridescent water laps against icy stones, clutching to the shore in pursuit of balance. Stiff leaves mummer to one another as they glide to an arctic demise. Footfalls of mice as they depart the frigid outdoors, in desperate desire of refuge. A tender breeze bounces off thin windows of silent homes, struggling to inform families of the vicious glaciation that awaits them. Ecstatic tones of early risen birds ring through the air as they notice the radiant sun beginning its endeavor to rescue the restful town of Hawea. 

It is Sunday morning. In a peaceful home, reserved and waiting, children dream. The walls are thick barriers, hiding the chilling horror that lingers behind. Under feathered warmth they lay, soft snores escaping their mouths, still and unaware in their innocent sleep. Down the hall, the parents slumber, content in their freedom from thundering children. The numbing concrete floor is like a frozen lake, startling the elderly cat that roams his residence. The serene town remains disrupted by layers of glaciation, but the cold begins to gently wilt away. A heavenly sun fends off the dreadful frost, beating down upon the small town to return elegance in the landscape. As life returns to Hawea, a woman emerges from her secure shelter. Wrapped in layers of comfort, she grips the lead of a galloping dog, struggling to keep balanced on an icy path. Undisturbed by the bitter cold that creeps behind him, the black labrador surges forward, thrilled to experience the rising sun and melting ice. His thick rugged hair provides a coat of warmth, guarding him against winter’s cold grip. Past small, snug houses surrounded by sweating ice, the woman and her companion roam, the first to encounter the staggering white landscape that has formed in hours. They are adventurers in an unexplored landscape, seeing a new town before them as they observe the silent frozen land. 

Look. Quivering frost conceals itself in the shadows, scrambling to escape the dominating daylight. The fogs calloused hands cling to the streets, struggling to keep its hold on the thawing town. Trembling ice fades off a frozen playground, promising to return. Snow capped mountains look down upon the humble town, jealous of the protecting sun. Lights shine in cozy homes, families sleepily prepare for the day, ignorant of the battle that has occurred to provide them with a sun-filled morning. 

And then you will wake, stretching in your soft, thermal bed. A wafting scent of your mother’s cooking floating down the hall, streaks of sunlight dancing in the windows, your lively tabby cat pawing the feathered duvet.  The reflection of an enchanting morning can be seen in your eyes as you catch sight in an open window, the lush landscape abloom with life, the lake made of glass, surrounded by vast ridges. You breathe in the chilled air, the final remembrance of the frozen morning that began.

• I went to the shop on Monday morning.
• My favourite colour is purple.
• The house was creaky, old and damp but I wasn’t scared.
• It was a cold, rainy day, they’re safe in their car.
• “He’s my favourite,” mum said.

Have you?

• Used the 5 senses?
• Used appropriate detail?
• Used commas to mark clauses?
• Used capital letters?
• Checked your apostrophes?
• Checked there, their, they’re?
• Used multiple sentence types?
• Used paragraphs appropriately
• Kept your writing consistent?

Storm clouds had been gathering for several hours, and the ship’s captain knew he was in trouble. Reaching for the side of the deck, gripping tightly until his knuckles were a shade of white, he yelped as a wave the size of Africa swooped over the boat towards him. Salty water surrounded him, pushing angrily until he ran for cover. The normally impressive boat was like an insignificant ant as it crept closer to the towering rocks. Into the hull, he ran for cover from the storm that was furiously searching for him in the dark sea. The captain’s breath quickened, shakily he shuffled towards the window looking out to his deepest fear. The sea was a whirlwind, unpredictably attacking the boat, pushing it closer and closer to the rocky cliff face.

Personal Pronouns in first person: I, me, my, myself, mine, we, us, our, ours, ourself

Personal Pronouns in third person: he, him, his, himself, she, her, herself, it, its, itself, they, them, their, theirs, themselves, characters name

• The boy was sad
• Shivering as his body was taken over by misery, a tear slipped out of his eye slowly running down his hot face. The salt pierced his tastbuds and he attempted to remove the dread coursing through him. Breath quickening, he swallowed heavily, his own sobs distracting him from his thoughts. His hands quivered, rushing to wipe the pain from his eyes as his suffering became more evident.

• The dog wanted to go for a walk
• Bounding down the hallway, a pink tongue crept out of the young puppy’s excited mouth. Rancid mud dripped off his hind legs, leaving a disturbing stench wandering through his home. Whipping his leash off the hook, he let out a loud howl, enthusiastically leaping through the wooden door.

• When they embraced she could tell he had been smoking and was scared.
• Reaching for the door, she crept back from him escaping the embrace. Thick smoke filled her nostrils as he rose towards her, his face reddening. Lowering his eyes, his body began to shake as he realised she was retreating. She was filled to the brim with panic, smoking never lead to good things.

• The temperature fell and the ice reflected the sun
• Icicles crept downwards to the town. A shivering man inched quitely through snow filled roads as the temperature continued to lower. Shining down on him, the sun was not enough to warm him, although is shone over the ice.

Prepositions in paragraph: exact middle, on, without, with, on and on, into the side, as, out, on one side and then on another, on the same floor, on the same passage, all on the left hand side (going in), over, beyond, sloping down

On the vibrant blue chair, sat the girl. Towards an exhilarating book, she leaned forward excitedly. Surrounding her was many books of all shapes and sizes, towering around the chair as she continued to read. At dawn, she had rose from her bed to begin a day of novels, which had continued right into the evening. With light, she would be able to read all through the night and had nothing holding her back, except the sleepiness in her eyes.

List of 10 words:

• Sight: exquisite, gruesome
• Hearing: blaring
• Taste: mouthwatering, revolting
• Touch:
• Smell:

My sleepy eyes open to the disturbing sound of my dreadful alarm. The gruesome view of my chaotic room is the first thing that comes to my eyes as I crash back down into the covers. A sudden mouthwatering smell enters my nose as I realise my mother is creating an exquisite dish for my lunch.