Terengganu 2020

Write about an important decision made by one of the characters. With close reference to the text,
do you think this was the right decision?

The novel that I have learnt is Dear Mr. Kilmer written by Anne Schraff. This novel is about Richard
Knight who is a social misfit in his family and at school. Richard has made an important decision, that
was a right decision as it has turned his life for the better.

To start with, the essential decision that Richard has taken was to sign a sympathy card for his
classmate, Hannah Schermer. The sympathy card was provided by Mrs. Hansen, who was caring about
the tavern of Hannah’s family which had been vandalised. Although some of Richard’s classmates felt
like signing the card, they had a bad feeling about the action when the bullies in the class showed their
snide remarks. Abner and Harry warned the boys that they would be beaten up if they sided to
Hannah, while the popular girls gave a heads up to other girls that they would not befriend with them
if they support the Germany girl. Despite the fear surrounding the atmosphere of the class, Richard
made up his mind to sign the card, ignoring the troublemakers who were furious at that moment. His
decision is absolutely a right decision, as it has transformed him from a shy, social misfit to someone
who totally confident with himself and his stand.

It was through making that particular decision that Richard no longer felt out of place if his belief is
different from others. To illustrate, Richard turned down the role of Doughboy when Hannah declined
the role of Lady Liberty. Richard sympathized Hannah who had to let go of the wonderful chance, not
only because that one opportunity just knock once, but also because he knew that Hannah deserved
it. Hannah had written a distinctive essay that Mrs. Hansen found her masterpiece as super fine and
moving writing. However, Hannah gave up the role as it turned out that her essay about making peace
had started a small war. To comfort Hannah, Richard also opt to let go the role of Doughboy, though
both of them won the competition fair and square. Richard was able to do this because he had the
courage to stand for what he thinks is right. By supporting Hannah, Richard managed to keep their
friendship close.

Furthermore, Richard’s bravery to share the poems to the public was brought about by the decision
he made to sign the sympathy card. Owing to the perception of people around him who always think
that poem is a sissy material, Richard adhere to the idea of keeping his poetry writing as a secret in
the first place. Nevertheless, the courage rose from within had made it possible for Richard’s beautiful
and exceptional writing to be known to his family, Mrs. Hansen, his classmates and Hannah’s family.
The fact that he also shared his poems with Mr. Joyce Kilmer, the famous poet is undoubtedly swayed
by the high-confident trait he had. As a matter of fact, Richard was renowned for poetry writing as
soon as his outstanding poem, A Tribute to Sergeant Joyce Kilmer was published in the Turtle Lake
Weekly. Would these rare opportunities come if he was afraid and not confident with himself?
Absolutely not! Hence, by signing the card, he became more courageous, and this opened the doors
for him to become a popular poet in his community.

All in all, Richard’s decision to sign the sympathy card for Hannah to express his regret for what has
happened, had changed his life in various aspects. The crucial decision had not only phase in bravery
that made him comfortable being himself rather than a social misfit, it also made me realized that it
is highly important to stand for what is right as rationality is often defeated by prejudice, fear and a
herd mentality.
Teacher’s remark:

The question asks about just ONE DECISION. You chose the sign event. It was good.

And you also mentioned about other events.

The role of Doughboy and letting everyone knows about his passion.

The three events are totally different. But you linked them by saying from the first event/the first
event leads to the other event, which is good.

Just be careful if you want to write many events when the question only asked for one. You need to
link them, and make sure they are in the correct order.