Being Committed

Engages the reader through establishing a context, creating a persona, and otherwise developing reader interest
This line establishes a misleading context. By saying “Also in those books and stories”, the writer conveys the sense that the lessons are secondary to this essay when they should be the main focus

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Advances a judgment that is interpretive, analytic, evaluative, or reflective
The judgment is, in a sense, presented; This essay will focus on a shared lesson. However, the wording is incorrect. “Being committed” is not a lesson.

Supports a judgment through references to the text, references to other works, authors, or non-print media, or references to personal knowledge
Judgment is supported through a reference to the text

Anticipates and answers a reader’s questions
It is important for the reader to know how the couple “worked things out”, as the characters’ would shed greater light on the level of commitment. The Response does not clarify, however, how the characters achieve their goal.

Provides a sense of closure to the writing
There is a sense of closure. The conclusion, however, is unfocused. The Response reiterates the main focus of the essay (“they both taught to be committed”), but then adds unnecessary sentences (the result of commitment, and the place where the books can be obtained).

Being Committed

When it comes to writing Walter Dean Myers has great skills. Walter Dean Myers has written many books. Also in those books and stories there are lessons that are taught. Some books such as “A Place Called Heartbreak” and a story in 145th Street Short Stories called “The Fighter,” the lesson they share is being committed.

In “A Place Called Heartbreak” a man named Fred Cherry had dreams of one day flying through the skies. However, he attended medical school. Then one day he joined the United States Airt Force at the age of 23. Flight school had many obstacles but he committed to his schoolwork and he became a pilot. In one of his missions his plane crashed and he got captured by the Vietnam soldiers. When they asked him some questions to get information on the United States he did not answer. They tried to intimidate him but he stayed strong even though he knew they could kill him. He was so committed to his country he wouldn’t give away any information.

In “The Fighter” a man called Billy Giles and his wife committed themselves to each other and their love for each other. When they got into arguments they would work it out together. One night Billy went to fight in a boxing match to make money. He knew that his wife didn’t like him fighting so he made up a lie so he wouldn’t hurt her feelings. When Billy’s wife found out herself she got MAD. Still she committed herself to him and their relationship so they worked it out as a married couple.

The lesson taught in these two books shows to become committed and stay committed. In both stories being committed helped the characters in some way or another. In “The Fighter” Billy and his wife worked things out when he lied to her and went to box. In “A Place Called Heartbreak” Fred committed himself to his schoolwork and his country and he became a very successful pilot. My cousin was a person who was well-committed to school. He would do all his work in class and all his homework was perfect. He always got good grades and now he is a lawyer in the state of California.

Walter Dean Myers has talent others would be jealous of. He wrote great books such as “A Place Called Heartbreak” and “The Fighter.” Both stories taught the same lesson. They both taught to be committed. In conclusion, being committed can make the difference between a successful person and an average human. And don’t forget you can get both these books in your local library.