POST-LESSON NOTE

“Write about a character who proves that determination helps to achieve his/her dream.”

MODEL ANSWER:

The novel Dear Mr Kilmer is worth reading. The novel highlights many crucial themes
and determination is one of them. The main character, Richard proves
that determination helps him to achieve his dream, hope or wish that is to do the
right thing in life all the time.

Firstly, Richard’s determination helps him to save innocent wildlife. In Chapter 1,

Richard goes hunting with his father and brother, Gus. His father expects Richard to get
his first hunt with success. When they are near a creek, a buck appears to drink water. It
is about 50 feet from Richard. Richard hesitantly raises his rifle and aims towards the
buck. Richard believes in doing the right thing that is not to shoot the buck, thus he
purposely delays in pulling the trigger and finally misses the shot. His determination to
save the buck’s life helps him to achieve his dream. Richard’s brother scolds him and
his father is disappointed for his failure to shoot the animal. In my opinion, we must
always try to do the right thing even though our action may not be liked by others.

Secondly, we can see Richard’s success in doing the right thing that is to support
Hannah when she is down. One day, the tavern which belongs to the Schermers, is
vandalised and Mrs Hansen asks her pupils to sign the sympathy card which will be sent
to Hannah. The card is passed around in class but in the end nobody signs it except
Richard. Richard’s determination is clearly seen here as he does not care what his
classmates would say or do to him. All he cares is to do the right thing that is to sign
the card and comfort Hannah. Once again Richard proves his determination when he
offers to deliver the card personally to Hannah at her house. Richard has only
one dream or hope that is to express his sympathy to Hannah and her family. In my
opinion, it is important for us to be determined in doing the right thing even though we
have to face challenges.

Finally, Richard’s determination has helped him to achieve his dream of doing the
right thing when he rejects his role as a Doughboy. One day, Mrs Hansen organises a
patriotic programme to raise fund for war. By winning the essay writing competition, both
Richard and Hannah are the given the roles of Doughboy and Lady Liberty respectively.
However, the other pupils, together with the members of the society are angry when
Hannah is chosen for the role. Finally, Hannah rejects her roles as she does not want to
create any more troubles. Richard is determined to defend Hannah up to the extent he
is willing to reject his role as a Doughboy. Richard wants to do the right thing that is not
to practise prejudice and support his friend Hannah no matter what happens. Obviously
his determination helps him to achieve what he wants or dreams of. Personally, I
believe, having strong determination is crucial in achieving our dream as it will give us
inner strength to face all the obstacles.

In conclusion, no doubt Richard is a determined character and it is

his determination helps him to achieve his dream or what he wishes to do in his life.